Coming off of one of the worst regular season collapses in franchise history, the Green Bay Packers need a win to rebuild momentum into their early bye. Most road games can be a ‘surprising challenge for even top teams, as the Packers’ loss in Cleveland to the Browns is evidence. Despite that, a road game in Dallas against the Cowboys has the potential to be a big victory for the Packers. Below are 4 reasons why Packers at Dallas will go well for the away team.
1. History
Ever since the construction of the Dallas Cowboys AT&T stadium, the Packers have never failed to win when they played there. The Packers are undefeated in the regular season, postseason, and even won the 2010 Superbowl in the stadium. Not only have the Packers gone undefeated in Dallas, but some of their most spectacular wins happened against the home Cowboys
In 2016, the Packers did indeed “run the table” as Aaron Rodgers thought and earned themselves a playoff game against the Cowboys. The two teams traded punches back and forth, but the Packers ultimately spoiled the home team’s advantage. This was due partially to one of the greatest catches in Packers history by Jared Cook along the sideline.
In the most recent, and most devastating to Cowboys fans, victory, Jordan Love announced his arrival as a top quarterback in the NFL. Almost becoming the first quarterback to have a perfect passer rating in the postseason, Love threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, Aaron Jones ran for 3 touchdowns, almost matching a game in 2019 where he was responsible for nearly 200 yards.
Throughout multiple eras of football, few road teams have been as successful as the Packers at Dallas.
2. Matchup
Along with a history of strong performances in Dallas, there are key ways this weeks matchup favors the Packers. Their advantage begins with a factor that has been surprisingly rare in the league this season, the deep pass. According to Bill Barnwell, the Cowboys have allowed opposing quarterbacks 9.8 yards per attempt.
Coinciding with this, the Packers have the 3rd highest average depth of target in the league according to Sumersports. This comes even after a week where the Packers only attempted one pass over 10 yards. The Dallas defense might be ready to give Jordan Love a career game as a passer.
3. Injuries
Injuries are an unfortunate reality of contact sports that have huge impacts (pun intended) on games. While the Packers aren’t healthy, they aren’t in the same position as the Cowboys. The Dallas defensive backs were missing Darond Bland last week and now Trevon Diggs left the game with a shoulder injury. Their defense may also be missing former Packer Kenny Clark who left the game against the Bears with an ankle injury.
The Cowboys offense also has some major holes. Two of the interior linemen, Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker, will miss a few weeks with ankle injury. Lastly, and possibly most signficantly, Cowboys top receiver Ceedee Lamb is expected to miss a few weeks with a high-ankle sprain.
Health favors Green Bay in this week’s Packers at Dallas game.
4. Micah Parsons
When the Packers traded for Micah Parsons, the Packers at Dallas game immediately became one of the most anticipated games for the Packers. It is no secret that friction between Parsons and the team that drafted him led to the trade right before the season.
Additionally, Jerry Jones has stated that the team will not give special recognition to Parsons in the Packers at Dallas game. Given the disrespect from his former team, “Michael Parsons” will be hungry to get his revenge Sunday night.
