Packers stopped T.O., but it wasn’t enough

By Nik Sobic  |   Thursday, September 25, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Green Bay Packers
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The Cowboys emerged from Lambeau Field last Sunday night with a convincing, 27-16 win over a Green Bay team that was looking to officially establish itself in the Aaron Rodgers era. Dallas was victorious despite Terrell Owens' less-than-gaudy, two-catch, 17-yard performance. Even without posting huge numbers, Owens was the biggest reason the Cowboys' offense succeeded.

Commentary: Before the Green Bay game, Owens was averaging 22 yards per reception and nearly one touchdown every other time he caught the ball. The Packers' coaches kept two defenders -- one in man coverage and another in zone or man support -- on Owens on every snap. Green Bay's defensive game plan held Owens in check, but it allowed Cowboys running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones to go wild, and it let wideout Miles Austin get open on two long bombs.

Their plan was sound, but the Packers fell short because of blown man coverage, a lack of pressure up front and poor tackling on the run. When playing a team with so many weapons, you’ve got to “give up” one thing -- in this case, it was the run -- and count on your linebackers to come up with a few good stops; sadly for the Packers, their LB corps wasn’t up to the challenge.

Further frustrating is the continued lackluster play of the Packers' defensive line (with the exception of Aaron Kampman). Still, holding an explosive offense to 27 points while your defense is on the field for more than half the game isn’t bad. A little scoring from the Packers' offense, and the battle of the NFC unbeatens may have gone differently.

Fan Pulse: Green Bay seemed flat all game, but maybe that’s what happens when you’re playing arguably the best team in the NFL. The better team (at least last Sunday) was triumphant, and Green Bay fans have been gracious in wake of their club's first 2008 defeat. It will be interesting to see if the Pack can rebound against the Bucs this Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: You probably shouldn't play any defense against Dallas this year. As for the other side of the ball, despite the big night Philadelphia had in Texas two weeks ago, the Cowboys' defense is a strong play against pretty much any team for the rest of the year. The unit was able to render a potentially explosive Green Bay 'O' ineffective for most of the game, and with the offense’s ability to eat up clock, the Dallas 'D' will usually be well rested while on the field.
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About Nik Sobic

Nik Sobic is a Graduate of Harvard University and former NFL/CFL football player. When he isn't writing about sports he's writing comedy. Nik's unique background and passion for writing make him a valuable addition to our staff. Nik was born and raised a Packer fan-he hails from Milwaukee, WI. ...
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