Why They Won: Green Bay Runs Down Dallas

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) reacts with safety Micah Hyde (33) after intercepting a pass in the first quarter during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Steady Defense

While the big storylines coming out of this game likely centered mostly around the playcalling duties being reclaimed by McCarthy and the powerful showing by the Packers’ running back duo, the defense is what should be the story.

While the offense was able to do better than in recent weeks — especially in terms of the ground game — the defense kept Green Bay in the game. They may have held the lead throughout, but a comeback never appeared out of the question until late in the fourth quarter, when Starks busted through to give the team a 21-7 lead.

During most of the contest, the offense managed to stagnate like we’ve become accustomed to seeing. There were two touchdowns in the first four drives, but there was also a punt and a turnover on downs — and it took until late in the fourth quarter for them to score again.

During that time, the defense kept steady and didn’t give up the lead. They held up a Cowboys’ offense that, while definitely inhibited by not having Tony Romo at the helm, still has a litany of decent weapons to go along with a highly-touted (with good reason) offensive line.

Even while losing guys during the game to injury — most notably Sam Shields — they rarely let up, surrendering just 7 points on the day.

While part of the performance undoubtedly should go to the fact that they didn’t need to worry about someone of Romo’s talent behind center, it was still an impressive showing regardless.

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