The upcoming NFL game in Dallas this Sunday features a matchup between the 1-2 Cowboys and the 2-1 Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. This encounter comes on the heels of a surprising trade where the Cowboys sent star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers, acquiring two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark in return. Parsons now prepares for a return to his former team.
Currently, the Cowboys face challenges after a heavy loss against the previously winless Chicago Bears, 31-14, leaving them struggling with injuries. Key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and offensive guard Tyler Booker are ruled out after sustaining high ankle sprains last week, while center Cooper Beebe is also unavailable.
Despite these setbacks, Coach Brian Schottenheimer remains optimistic. “Injuries are part of the game. The Packers might be missing players too, and that shouldn’t be used as an excuse. We believe we can beat the Packers even without CeeDee and Tyler. Success hinges on our performance and execution, starting with practice today,” Schottenheimer stated in a recent interview.
With Lamb sidelined, George Pickens is poised to step up as Dak Prescott’s primary receiver. Alongside him, Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin are expected to get more opportunities, while tight end Jake Ferguson is likely to receive increased targets after an impressive performance last week, where he caught 13 out of 14 passes for 82 yards.
Defensively, the Cowboys are under scrutiny as they rank among the bottom six teams in total yards and points allowed per game. In their last two games, the secondary has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete an alarming 71% of passes, yielding 360 yards per game, with seven touchdowns against only one interception. The risk remains that Jordan Love could take full advantage of this vulnerability.
The Packers currently hold a significant edge, winning five of the last six matchups against the Cowboys, including playoff encounters, leaving Schottenheimer hopeful for a pivotal turnaround.
