After the Miracle in Motown a week ago Thursday, the Green Bay Packers got some much needed rest. Lots of players were banged up, particularly on the offensive line. They will need as many healthy bodies as can be found as the Dallas Cowboys come to town later this afternoon. They will also need a rejuvenated Eddie Lacy to resume his 100-yard-per-game rushing effort as he had in back to back weeks before his curfew violation earned him time on the bench in the game vs Detroit. Expect Lacy to run with a vengeance today.
(Photo: William Glasheen/P-C Media)
But beyond that, what can we expect? The Cowboys are averaging a little more than 16 points per game under backup QB Matt Cassel. The defense has been..meh. Despite the presence of Greg Hardy, the defensive standout is LB Sean Lee. Keep him under control and that will go a long way toward helping the Packers win this game, whether or not Dallas decides to blitz. Actually, the Packers seem to prefer teams to blitz because then Rodgers et al can improvise out of the pocket where QB Aaron Rodgers is most dangerous.
Hopefully, some of the issues that the Packers have been having on offense -- slow starts, dropped passes, bad routes, no separation with defenders -- have been mitigated, especially since head coach Mike McCarthy is taking back the play-calling duties today, something fans and pundits alike have been calling for for many weeks now. Also, if that electrifying no-seconds-on-the-clock win at Ford Field doesn't help jump start this team nothing will. The Packers defense has been carrying this team; time for the offense to finally do its part at the level at which they are entirely capable of performing.
The Prediction
The Packers are currently favored by 6-1/2 points over the Cowboys. Despite what might be wet weather conditions later today, expect the Packers to cover the spread...if you're a betting person that is...which this writer is not, so...
We're looking for a performance similar to what the Packers had against the ViQueens. In short, something unexpected in the way of both offensive and defensive performances. Look for the Pack to extend its NFC North first place position with a win today.
We're calling this one 31-17 in favor of the Packers.
Go Pack Go!!!
