NFL Green Bay Packers

5 Things Packers Must Do To Defeat Cowboys In NFL Divisional Round

Fresh Videos

By @MichaelTerrill

5 Things Packers Must Do To Defeat Cowboys In NFL Divisional Round

Packers Cowboys
Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers will host the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field for the first time in the playoffs since the 1967 NFL Championship, also known as the “Ice Bowl.” Even though the Packers are favored thanks to their dominant 8-0 home record in 2014, there’s certainly a lot going against them. The Cowboys are a very good football team, especially on the road. Here are five things Green Bay must do to defeat Dallas.

5. Double-Team Dez Bryant

Double-Team Dez Bryant
Getty Images

5. Double-Team Dez Bryant

Double-Team Dez Bryant
Getty Images

Dez Bryant is the best receiver for the Cowboys and it isn’t even close. He hauled in 88 receptions on a whopping 138 targets for 1,320 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns. The Packers have been outstanding against the pass this season, but they also have been burned by standout wide receivers, most notably Julio Jones of the Falcons. Green Bay must keep Bryant in check by constantly keeping two guys on him.

4. Run Eddie Lacy Early and Often

Run Eddie Lacy Early and Often
Getty Images

4. Run Eddie Lacy Early and Often

Run Eddie Lacy Early and Often
Getty Images

Running back Eddie Lacy is about as healthy as he can be entering the playoffs in his second year, which means Dallas is in trouble. Lacy steamrolled the Cowboys for 141 yards and a touchdown on 21 attempts in the miraculous victory in Dallas last season. If the Packers want to win, they must feature Lacy early and often in the contest. That will help protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers, open up holes in the passing game and control the tempo.

3. Get After Tony Romo

Get After Tony Romo
Getty Images

3. Get After Tony Romo

Get After Tony Romo
Getty Images

Tony Romo has proven time and again he’s not an accurate quarterback when pressure is applied. Even though Dallas’ offensive line has kept Romo safe this season, the Detroit Lions sacked him for an astonishing six times in the wild card round. It’s a big reason why the Lions controlled most of the game, which means the Packers must do the same. Green Bay has been great at getting after quarterbacks in 2014, a trend that must continue on Sunday.

2. Slow Down DeMarco Murray

Slow Down DeMarco Murray
Getty Images

2. Slow Down DeMarco Murray

Slow Down DeMarco Murray
Getty Images

If the Packers lose the game, it will most likely be because they allowed DeMarco Murray to have his way with them. Green Bay’s one major weakness is stopping the run, and Murray just so happened to be the best running back in the league during the regular season. The Cowboys plan to run Murray right at the Packers, which means they better be ready to put their foot down. Slowing down Murray will directly lead to a win.

1. Keep Aaron Rodgers Safe

Keep Aaron Rodgers Safe
Getty Images

1. Keep Aaron Rodgers Safe

Keep Aaron Rodgers Safe
Getty Images

Calf tear or not, keeping Rodgers safe has to be the top priority. If he takes a wrong hit, that could be it for him, which means Green Bay’s season is done. The offensive line has done a terrific job at protecting him all season long. Plus, Dallas has not been very good at recording sacks. Still, the playoffs are a different type of beast. If Rodgers is given the time to tear apart Dallas’ dismal secondary, Green Bay will emerge victorious.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on