S³ NFL | WEEK 6

GREEN BAY, WI — The Green Bay Packers didn't need a dominant rushing attack to beat the Dallas Cowboys. They identified the Cowboys' vulnerable secondary, attacked it aggressively and built a lead Dallas never seriously threatened.

Green Bay established control early, opening with a 14-play, 90-yard touchdown drive capped by Jordan Love's nine-yard pass to Matthew Golden.

The Packers continued attacking through the air, adding 10 more points in the second quarter, including Love's one-yard touchdown run with 23 seconds remaining before halftime.

Green Bay entered halftime leading 17-0, and Dallas was already fighting an uphill battle.

No Running Game? No Problem.

The Packers managed just 57 rushing yards on 26 attempts, averaging an unimpressive 2.2 yards per carry.

But Green Bay wasn't afraid to put the football in the air.

Jordan Love finished 23-of-41 for 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Matthew Golden was the primary beneficiary of Green Bay's aggressive approach, finishing with six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. Christian Watson contributed another 64 yards on three catches.

Despite averaging only 4.5 yards per offensive play, Green Bay converted 11 of 18 third downs, repeatedly extending possessions and keeping Dallas from establishing any offensive rhythm.

Dallas Scores When It No Longer Matters

Dak Prescott finished with 258 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

CeeDee Lamb caught nine passes for 70 yards, while George Pickens contributed six receptions for 73 yards.

But the Cowboys struggled to turn their possessions into points.

Dallas trailed 23-7 late in the fourth quarter before Prescott connected with Ryan Flournoy for a six-yard touchdown with just 44 seconds remaining. The subsequent two-point conversion failed.

That touchdown made the scoreboard more respectable, but it did little to change the story of the game.

Green Bay had already done the damage.

S³ GAME NOTES

  • Matthew Golden: 6 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD.
  • Green Bay: 11-of-18 on third down (61.1%).
  • Dallas: 2 interceptions and just 48 rushing yards.
  • Trey Smack: Perfect on three field-goal attempts.
  • Green Bay defense: 13 points allowed, including a late touchdown.
  • Both teams committed 11 penalties, combining for 204 penalty yards.

S³ FINAL TAKE

This wasn't a particularly spectacular offensive performance by Green Bay. The rushing attack was practically nonexistent, Love threw an interception, and the Packers finished with only 318 total yards.

Nevertheless, Green Bay played aggressive football when it mattered.

The Packers recognized where Dallas was vulnerable and continued attacking the secondary rather than forcing an ineffective running game.

Dallas actually finished with more first downs (24-20), but that statistical advantage meant very little on the scoreboard.

The Cowboys scored late. The Packers won early.

FINAL: GREEN BAY 23, DALLAS 13.

S³ | Sweet Science Sports