NFL Preview - Dallas (2-0) at Green Bay (2-0)
By Scott Garbarini, Sports Network
The Sports Network
Posted: Thursday, Sep. 18, 2008
Wisconsin native Tony Romo will have an opportunity to fulfill a boyhood dream by playing at historic Lambeau Field this Sunday. The Green Bay Packers aren't planning on giving the Dallas Cowboys quarterback a warm welcome home, however.
Romo and counterpart Aaron Rodgers figure to take center stage when the Cowboys and Packers, owners of the two best regular-season records in the NFC last season, each try to stake a claim as this year's early conference front- runner in a marquee Week 3 matchup.
These teams, both of which posted stellar 13-3 marks over the course of last year's 16-game schedule, played one of the most anticipated and entertaining games of the 2007 regular season last November in Dallas. The Cowboys prevailed in a 37-27 thriller fueled by a 309-yard, four-touchdown performance out of Romo, raised in the Milwaukee suburb of Burlington.
That victory enabled Dallas to edge the Packers for the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC last season, an honor many insiders have "America's Team" pegged to duplicate in 2008. The Cowboys have done nothing to prove the pundits wrong so far, as the Super Bowl hopefuls backed up a thorough 28-10 road beating of Cleveland in Week 1 with Monday's 41-37 outlasting of NFC East rival Philadelphia.
The shootout-style win over a determined Eagles squad showcased the Cowboys' enviable collection of depth and talent on offense. Romo totaled 312 yards through the air and delivered three touchdown passes, two of which landed in the arms of superstar receiver Terrell Owens. Tight end Jason Witten (7 receptions, 110 yards) and running back Marion Barber (114 total yards, 2 TD) had big games as well for the NFL's second-ranked attack.
Green Bay has shown it can put up points as well even with franchise icon Brett Favre having moved on to another team. After earning a hard-fought 24-19 decision over fellow NFC North member Minnesota in their season opener, the Packers erupted for 24 points in a span of under 5 1/2 minutes to rally for a wild 48-25 win at Detroit last Sunday.
The catalyst to Green Bay's undefeated start has been Rodgers, who's finally been able to step out of Favre's immense shadow and display his own considerable abilities as a quarterback. In his two games as a starter, the patient fourth-year pro has completed 70 percent of his passes and thrown for four touchdowns without being intercepted.
Rodgers will be guiding a Packers team that comes in having won 19 of its last 22 regular-season games and has amassed a 10-1 record at Lambeau during that stretch. On the flip side, Dallas owns victories in 11 of its last 12 non- playoff tilts on the road.
SERIES HISTORY
The Cowboys lead the all-time regular season series with the Packers, 11-10, with Dallas pulling ahead by virtue of the above-mentioned 37-27 Thursday night win over Green Bay last season. The Packers won the previous matchup, a 41-20 win over Dallas at Lambeau Field in 2004. Dallas is 0-2 in road games in the series since winning in Milwaukee in 1991, and has never won at Lambeau Field.
In addition to their regular season history, the clubs have met six times in the postseason, with Dallas holding a 4-2 edge. The Cowboys have won four straight playoff games against Green Bay since the 1967 NFL Championship, better known as the "Ice Bowl." Dallas' most recent playoff win over Green Bay was a 38-27 triumph for the 1995 NFC Championship.
Including playoffs, the Cowboys are 0-5 at Lambeau Field all-time.
Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips is 2-1 in his career against the Packers, including last year's victory, a win while with the Bills in 2000, and a loss while with the Broncos in 1993. The Packers' Mike McCarthy is 0-1 against both Phillips and the Cowboys as a head coach.
WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL
Dallas has compiled gaudy averages of 433.5 total yards (2nd overall) and 34.5 points (4th overall) over the first two weeks and has shown it can wear down the opposition in multiple ways. The Cowboys did their damage via the air in Monday's win over the Eagles, with Romo (632 passing yards, 4 TD, 2 INT) posting his 12th career 300-yard outing and second in as many games. Witten has gotten off to a sensational beginning as well, with the All-Pro tight end having hauled in 13 passes for 206 yards thus far. The dangerous Owens (8 receptions, 176 yards, 3 TD) burned Green Bay's seasoned secondary for 156 yards and a score on seven catches during last year's meeting, while capable No. 2 wideout Patrick Crayton (8 receptions) had two touchdown grabs in that game. Dallas hasn't had much depth at wide receiver early on due to injuries, but steady reserve Sam Hurd (19 receptions, 1 TD in '07) could be back in the fold on Sunday after missing the first two weeks with a high ankle sprain. Romo's been able to pick apart defenses thanks to a top-notch offensive line that has yet to allow a sack.
Romo will be taking aim at a Green Bay stop unit that did give up 262 net passing yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns to the Lions last week, but also sacked Detroit's Jon Kitna five times and registered three interceptions, two of which were returned for late touchdowns by veteran cornerback Charles Woodson (5 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD) and free safety Nick Collins (5 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD). Woodson, who will start on Sunday despite a nagging toe injury, and 11th-year pro Al Harris (6 tackles, 5 PD) give the Pack a physical and effective pairing on the corners, but the secondary will probably be without impact player Atari Bigby (4 tackles, 1 INT), who's doubtful due to a strained hamstring. Second-year man Aaron Rouse (4 tackles) is slated to take his place at strong safety. Last week's potent pass rush was led by weakside linebacker and leading tackler A.J. Hawk (17 tackles) and Pro Bowl end Aaron Kampman (7 tackles, 2.5 sacks). Hawk had a career-high two sacks in the win, while Kampman was credited with 1 1/2 takedowns of Kitna.
The Cowboys' deadly passing game is complemented nicely by Barber (143 rushing yards, 7 receptions, 4 total TD), a 225-pound bruiser who also possesses excellent receiving skills out of the backfield. He amassed 51 yards on four catches in the Philadelphia game, including a nifty 17-yard touchdown reception during the third quarter. Barber's backed up ably by big-play rookie Felix Jones (72 rushing yards, 1 TD), who contributed a 98-yard kick return touchdown last week and is averaging a healthy six yards per rush attempt in limited duty. The line may not be at full strength, as steady left guard Kyle Kosier has yet to play due to a foot fracture, but it's still been a dominant group over the first set of games.
Like most teams, the Packers had their troubles containing Minnesota's Adrian Peterson (103 rushing yards, 1 TD in Week 1) in the opener, but the defense was more adept at slowing down Detroit's nondescript run game last week. The Lions had just 49 yards on the ground, although they abandoned the run quickly after falling behind early in the contest. Hawk led the team with seven stops last Sunday, he and middle linebacker Nick Barnett (10 tackles) form a strong tackling tandem behind a quality front line anchored by tackle Ryan Pickett (7 tackles). Green Bay's run defense, which presently ranks 22nd overall (118.0 ypg), could be affected by Bigby's expected absence.
WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL
Although the triggerman has changed, Green Bay's philosophy as a pass-first, multiple-receiver offense remains with Rodgers (506 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT) calling the shots instead of Favre. The 24-year-old is coming off the most prolific game of his short career, as Rodgers throttled the porous Lions defense for 328 yards and three scores on 24-of-38 passing. Most of his strikes went to ultra-reliable wideout Donald Driver (11 receptions, 1 TD), who put up seven catches for 52 yards and a score. However, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has been overshadowed lately by younger counterpart Greg Jennings (11 receptions), the NFL's current leader with 258 receiving yards after racking up 167 on only six grabs against the Lions. Talented third receiver James Jones (4 receptions) and rookie Jordy Nelson, who hauled in a 29-yard touchdown toss from Rodgers last week, round out a deep group of receivers. Rodgers has impressed with his legs as well as his arm so far, as he's scrambled for 60 yards over the Pack's two wins.
Rodgers was forced to air it out more last week after big-play running back Ryan Grant (112 rushing yards) was bottled up for 20 yards on 15 carries in the Detroit game. The undrafted free agent has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, which could explain last week's meager output. Green Bay showed it has other options, however, as second-stringer Brandon Jackson (73 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions) came through with 61 yards and a score on just seven attempts and undrafted rookie Kregg Lumpkin (19 rushing yards) had three catches in third-down duty. Expect all three to see some work with Grant possibly still not 100 percent. The line should receive a boost, however, from the expected return of center Scott Wells (back) following a two-game absence.
Dallas' defensive game plan will likely involve attempting to shut down Green Bay's ground attack and force the relatively inexperienced Rodgers to throw often. The Cowboys have the personnel to make it happen, as evidenced by the defense's limiting of Philadelphia standout Brian Westbrook to 58 rushing yards on 18 totes in Monday's win. Seven-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker and longtime Miami Dolphin Zach Thomas (12 tackles) has proven to be an astute addition to an already-formidable front seven that also features the disruptive DeMarcus Ware (11 tackles, 2 sacks) on the outside. Strong safety Roy Williams (6 tackles), a key to the team's success against the run, broke his forearm on Monday, however, and will be sidelined around 3-to-4 weeks. Third-year pro Patrick Watkins (8 tackles) takes his place.
The Cowboys can combat Green Bay's collection of capable wide receivers with a deep secondary that will be finally at full strength with top cornerback Terence Newman (1 tackle) expected to return to a starting role. The 2007 Pro Bowler was limited to nickel duties against the Eagles as he recovered from a groin injury. Newman's upgrade means the talented but troubled Adam Jones (5 tackles, 2 PD) will be used exclusively on passing downs along with promising rookie Mike Jenkins (1 tackle), with regular right corner Anthony Henry (4 tackles) kicking over to safety in the nickel. Dallas has yet to garner an interception through two games and surrendered 259 net passing yards to the Eagles, although the club did sack Donovan McNabb four times. Two of those came from outside linebacker and accomplished pass rusher Greg Ellis (7 tackles, 2 sacks).
FANTASY FOCUS
With both quarterbacks having posted 300-yard days last week and each team's defense showing susceptibility to good passing teams as well, the setting is there for Romo and Rodgers to put up big numbers on Sunday. For those who've used the first two weeks as a probationary period for Rodgers, it's time to stop breeding caution. He's proven he can get it done. Owens, Witten and Barber, who's amassed a pair of two-touchdown games already, are every-week locks for fantasy lineups on the Dallas side. Jennings and Driver have reached that status as well for Green Bay, but Grant may warrant a sit this week due to injury concerns and Dallas' stout run defense. In a game that could very well produce a bundle of points, start kickers Nick Folk and Mason Crosby if you've got them, but look elsewhere if you own either defense.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
It seems like there's nary a soul around that isn't already convinced the Cowboys will steamroll the NFC competition and end an over decade-long Super Bowl drought this season. Dallas indeed looked like a burgeoning powerhouse in Monday's thrilling win over Philadelphia, but a closer look at that game may just reveal some chinks in the armor. The Eagles didn't have too many problems throwing the ball on the Cowboys, and Green Bay's receivers are better as a whole than the patchwork unit Philadelphia sent out on Monday. Dallas was able to survive a pair of costly turnovers by Romo as well, and the celebrity quarterback has shown to be shaky at times in big spots over the years. It's hard to say the same about Rodgers, whose handling of the two-year soap opera between the Packers and Favre drew high marks from all who followed the situation, while his play on the field hasn't shown any major flaws either. The Cowboys have the more talented team, but something tells me they'll come unglued at a critical juncture and fall just short of the mark in one of the league's toughest venues.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Packers 34, Cowboys 31
The Sports Network
Posted: Thursday, Sep. 18, 2008
Wisconsin native Tony Romo will have an opportunity to fulfill a boyhood dream by playing at historic Lambeau Field this Sunday. The Green Bay Packers aren't planning on giving the Dallas Cowboys quarterback a warm welcome home, however.
Romo and counterpart Aaron Rodgers figure to take center stage when the Cowboys and Packers, owners of the two best regular-season records in the NFC last season, each try to stake a claim as this year's early conference front- runner in a marquee Week 3 matchup.
These teams, both of which posted stellar 13-3 marks over the course of last year's 16-game schedule, played one of the most anticipated and entertaining games of the 2007 regular season last November in Dallas. The Cowboys prevailed in a 37-27 thriller fueled by a 309-yard, four-touchdown performance out of Romo, raised in the Milwaukee suburb of Burlington.
That victory enabled Dallas to edge the Packers for the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC last season, an honor many insiders have "America's Team" pegged to duplicate in 2008. The Cowboys have done nothing to prove the pundits wrong so far, as the Super Bowl hopefuls backed up a thorough 28-10 road beating of Cleveland in Week 1 with Monday's 41-37 outlasting of NFC East rival Philadelphia.
The shootout-style win over a determined Eagles squad showcased the Cowboys' enviable collection of depth and talent on offense. Romo totaled 312 yards through the air and delivered three touchdown passes, two of which landed in the arms of superstar receiver Terrell Owens. Tight end Jason Witten (7 receptions, 110 yards) and running back Marion Barber (114 total yards, 2 TD) had big games as well for the NFL's second-ranked attack.
Green Bay has shown it can put up points as well even with franchise icon Brett Favre having moved on to another team. After earning a hard-fought 24-19 decision over fellow NFC North member Minnesota in their season opener, the Packers erupted for 24 points in a span of under 5 1/2 minutes to rally for a wild 48-25 win at Detroit last Sunday.
The catalyst to Green Bay's undefeated start has been Rodgers, who's finally been able to step out of Favre's immense shadow and display his own considerable abilities as a quarterback. In his two games as a starter, the patient fourth-year pro has completed 70 percent of his passes and thrown for four touchdowns without being intercepted.
Rodgers will be guiding a Packers team that comes in having won 19 of its last 22 regular-season games and has amassed a 10-1 record at Lambeau during that stretch. On the flip side, Dallas owns victories in 11 of its last 12 non- playoff tilts on the road.
SERIES HISTORY
The Cowboys lead the all-time regular season series with the Packers, 11-10, with Dallas pulling ahead by virtue of the above-mentioned 37-27 Thursday night win over Green Bay last season. The Packers won the previous matchup, a 41-20 win over Dallas at Lambeau Field in 2004. Dallas is 0-2 in road games in the series since winning in Milwaukee in 1991, and has never won at Lambeau Field.
In addition to their regular season history, the clubs have met six times in the postseason, with Dallas holding a 4-2 edge. The Cowboys have won four straight playoff games against Green Bay since the 1967 NFL Championship, better known as the "Ice Bowl." Dallas' most recent playoff win over Green Bay was a 38-27 triumph for the 1995 NFC Championship.
Including playoffs, the Cowboys are 0-5 at Lambeau Field all-time.
Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips is 2-1 in his career against the Packers, including last year's victory, a win while with the Bills in 2000, and a loss while with the Broncos in 1993. The Packers' Mike McCarthy is 0-1 against both Phillips and the Cowboys as a head coach.
WHEN THE COWBOYS HAVE THE BALL
Dallas has compiled gaudy averages of 433.5 total yards (2nd overall) and 34.5 points (4th overall) over the first two weeks and has shown it can wear down the opposition in multiple ways. The Cowboys did their damage via the air in Monday's win over the Eagles, with Romo (632 passing yards, 4 TD, 2 INT) posting his 12th career 300-yard outing and second in as many games. Witten has gotten off to a sensational beginning as well, with the All-Pro tight end having hauled in 13 passes for 206 yards thus far. The dangerous Owens (8 receptions, 176 yards, 3 TD) burned Green Bay's seasoned secondary for 156 yards and a score on seven catches during last year's meeting, while capable No. 2 wideout Patrick Crayton (8 receptions) had two touchdown grabs in that game. Dallas hasn't had much depth at wide receiver early on due to injuries, but steady reserve Sam Hurd (19 receptions, 1 TD in '07) could be back in the fold on Sunday after missing the first two weeks with a high ankle sprain. Romo's been able to pick apart defenses thanks to a top-notch offensive line that has yet to allow a sack.
Romo will be taking aim at a Green Bay stop unit that did give up 262 net passing yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns to the Lions last week, but also sacked Detroit's Jon Kitna five times and registered three interceptions, two of which were returned for late touchdowns by veteran cornerback Charles Woodson (5 tackles, 2 INT, 6 PD) and free safety Nick Collins (5 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD). Woodson, who will start on Sunday despite a nagging toe injury, and 11th-year pro Al Harris (6 tackles, 5 PD) give the Pack a physical and effective pairing on the corners, but the secondary will probably be without impact player Atari Bigby (4 tackles, 1 INT), who's doubtful due to a strained hamstring. Second-year man Aaron Rouse (4 tackles) is slated to take his place at strong safety. Last week's potent pass rush was led by weakside linebacker and leading tackler A.J. Hawk (17 tackles) and Pro Bowl end Aaron Kampman (7 tackles, 2.5 sacks). Hawk had a career-high two sacks in the win, while Kampman was credited with 1 1/2 takedowns of Kitna.
The Cowboys' deadly passing game is complemented nicely by Barber (143 rushing yards, 7 receptions, 4 total TD), a 225-pound bruiser who also possesses excellent receiving skills out of the backfield. He amassed 51 yards on four catches in the Philadelphia game, including a nifty 17-yard touchdown reception during the third quarter. Barber's backed up ably by big-play rookie Felix Jones (72 rushing yards, 1 TD), who contributed a 98-yard kick return touchdown last week and is averaging a healthy six yards per rush attempt in limited duty. The line may not be at full strength, as steady left guard Kyle Kosier has yet to play due to a foot fracture, but it's still been a dominant group over the first set of games.
Like most teams, the Packers had their troubles containing Minnesota's Adrian Peterson (103 rushing yards, 1 TD in Week 1) in the opener, but the defense was more adept at slowing down Detroit's nondescript run game last week. The Lions had just 49 yards on the ground, although they abandoned the run quickly after falling behind early in the contest. Hawk led the team with seven stops last Sunday, he and middle linebacker Nick Barnett (10 tackles) form a strong tackling tandem behind a quality front line anchored by tackle Ryan Pickett (7 tackles). Green Bay's run defense, which presently ranks 22nd overall (118.0 ypg), could be affected by Bigby's expected absence.
WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL
Although the triggerman has changed, Green Bay's philosophy as a pass-first, multiple-receiver offense remains with Rodgers (506 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT) calling the shots instead of Favre. The 24-year-old is coming off the most prolific game of his short career, as Rodgers throttled the porous Lions defense for 328 yards and three scores on 24-of-38 passing. Most of his strikes went to ultra-reliable wideout Donald Driver (11 receptions, 1 TD), who put up seven catches for 52 yards and a score. However, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has been overshadowed lately by younger counterpart Greg Jennings (11 receptions), the NFL's current leader with 258 receiving yards after racking up 167 on only six grabs against the Lions. Talented third receiver James Jones (4 receptions) and rookie Jordy Nelson, who hauled in a 29-yard touchdown toss from Rodgers last week, round out a deep group of receivers. Rodgers has impressed with his legs as well as his arm so far, as he's scrambled for 60 yards over the Pack's two wins.
Rodgers was forced to air it out more last week after big-play running back Ryan Grant (112 rushing yards) was bottled up for 20 yards on 15 carries in the Detroit game. The undrafted free agent has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, which could explain last week's meager output. Green Bay showed it has other options, however, as second-stringer Brandon Jackson (73 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions) came through with 61 yards and a score on just seven attempts and undrafted rookie Kregg Lumpkin (19 rushing yards) had three catches in third-down duty. Expect all three to see some work with Grant possibly still not 100 percent. The line should receive a boost, however, from the expected return of center Scott Wells (back) following a two-game absence.
Dallas' defensive game plan will likely involve attempting to shut down Green Bay's ground attack and force the relatively inexperienced Rodgers to throw often. The Cowboys have the personnel to make it happen, as evidenced by the defense's limiting of Philadelphia standout Brian Westbrook to 58 rushing yards on 18 totes in Monday's win. Seven-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker and longtime Miami Dolphin Zach Thomas (12 tackles) has proven to be an astute addition to an already-formidable front seven that also features the disruptive DeMarcus Ware (11 tackles, 2 sacks) on the outside. Strong safety Roy Williams (6 tackles), a key to the team's success against the run, broke his forearm on Monday, however, and will be sidelined around 3-to-4 weeks. Third-year pro Patrick Watkins (8 tackles) takes his place.
The Cowboys can combat Green Bay's collection of capable wide receivers with a deep secondary that will be finally at full strength with top cornerback Terence Newman (1 tackle) expected to return to a starting role. The 2007 Pro Bowler was limited to nickel duties against the Eagles as he recovered from a groin injury. Newman's upgrade means the talented but troubled Adam Jones (5 tackles, 2 PD) will be used exclusively on passing downs along with promising rookie Mike Jenkins (1 tackle), with regular right corner Anthony Henry (4 tackles) kicking over to safety in the nickel. Dallas has yet to garner an interception through two games and surrendered 259 net passing yards to the Eagles, although the club did sack Donovan McNabb four times. Two of those came from outside linebacker and accomplished pass rusher Greg Ellis (7 tackles, 2 sacks).
FANTASY FOCUS
With both quarterbacks having posted 300-yard days last week and each team's defense showing susceptibility to good passing teams as well, the setting is there for Romo and Rodgers to put up big numbers on Sunday. For those who've used the first two weeks as a probationary period for Rodgers, it's time to stop breeding caution. He's proven he can get it done. Owens, Witten and Barber, who's amassed a pair of two-touchdown games already, are every-week locks for fantasy lineups on the Dallas side. Jennings and Driver have reached that status as well for Green Bay, but Grant may warrant a sit this week due to injury concerns and Dallas' stout run defense. In a game that could very well produce a bundle of points, start kickers Nick Folk and Mason Crosby if you've got them, but look elsewhere if you own either defense.
OVERALL ANALYSIS
It seems like there's nary a soul around that isn't already convinced the Cowboys will steamroll the NFC competition and end an over decade-long Super Bowl drought this season. Dallas indeed looked like a burgeoning powerhouse in Monday's thrilling win over Philadelphia, but a closer look at that game may just reveal some chinks in the armor. The Eagles didn't have too many problems throwing the ball on the Cowboys, and Green Bay's receivers are better as a whole than the patchwork unit Philadelphia sent out on Monday. Dallas was able to survive a pair of costly turnovers by Romo as well, and the celebrity quarterback has shown to be shaky at times in big spots over the years. It's hard to say the same about Rodgers, whose handling of the two-year soap opera between the Packers and Favre drew high marks from all who followed the situation, while his play on the field hasn't shown any major flaws either. The Cowboys have the more talented team, but something tells me they'll come unglued at a critical juncture and fall just short of the mark in one of the league's toughest venues.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Packers 34, Cowboys 31
posted by The Gryphon at 6:07 PM
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