Wild-Card Weekend in the NFL has come to a close, and while it may not have lived up to the hype in terms of excitement, it certainly delivered some shocking moments. One of the biggest surprises came in Dallas, where the Green Bay Packers dominated the Cowboys in a game that left fans stunned. While much of the focus has been on the Cowboys’ embarrassing performance, it’s important to give credit where it’s due – the Packers were exceptional.
From the very first snap, it was clear that the Packers meant business. Led by head coach Matt LaFleur, Green Bay’s offense completely outplayed and outmaneuvered the Cowboys’ defense. The Cowboys’ vaunted defense was left backpedaling for the entire game, as the Packers quickly took a 7-0 lead and then extended it to 14-0 shortly thereafter.
One player who particularly stood out in this game was Jordan Love. If there were any doubts about the young quarterback’s abilities, they should all be put to rest now. Love remained calm and composed throughout the game, never looking rattled or uncomfortable in the pocket. He picked apart the Cowboys’ defense early on, then stepped aside to let Aaron Jones shine in carving up the opposing team’s front seven.
As I sat at the bar watching this game unfold, it became evident to me that the Packers were in complete control. Their first drive down the field without much resistance was a clear sign that the Cowboys were in trouble. By the second quarter, after a Dak Prescott interception, the Packers extended their lead to 14-0 with Jones’ second rushing touchdown. At that moment, it felt like the game was already over.
Despite managing to score a touchdown before halftime, the Cowboys found themselves trailing 27-0. This loss in the wild-card round is not entirely surprising for the Cowboys, as they have experienced similar disappointments in recent years. However, what sets this game apart is the lack of drama or suspense. It seemed as though the outcome was decided before the fans even had a chance to settle into their seats at AT&T Stadium.
The final score of 48-32 may not accurately reflect the flow of the game. All 32 points scored by the Cowboys and any other offensive statistics were essentially meaningless, as they were scored in the context of a game that was already out of reach. Love and Jones played efficiently, with Love throwing just 21 times and Jones running the ball 21 times, both ending with three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Prescott was forced to attempt 60 passes due to the Cowboys’ early deficit.
The Packers ran up the score and then strategically played to keep everything in front of them defensively. Even when the Cowboys managed to chip away at the lead in the second half, it never felt like the momentum had truly shifted in their favor. The Packers could have easily scored even more points, making the defeat more humiliating for the Cowboys.
Looking ahead to the divisional-round matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers are once again being doubted. However, after their dominant performance against the Cowboys, it’s clear that they are capable of surprising everyone. While the Cowboys and the 49ers are two very different teams, the Packers are riding the wave of confidence and momentum.
What the Packers have achieved in Love’s first year as the starter is a testament to LaFleur’s coaching prowess. Having a future Hall of Famer like Aaron Rodgers certainly makes winning games easier, but LaFleur’s ability to guide Love through his rookie season is a remarkable accomplishment. In October, even LaFleur wasn’t certain about what to expect from Love. Now, after Wild-Card Weekend, the future looks incredibly bright for the Packers.
