Flat out awful: Why Green Bay Packers lost to Dallas

Gunter’s turn to flop

This season began with great hopes for the young Packers secondary, but instead of the strong play we saw to end 2015 we have seen them mostly take turns being injured or ineffective (if not both).

This week was LaDarius Gunter’s turn to be burned.

Through the first four games, Gunter was surprisingly playing the best of any of Green Bay’s corners (Pro Football Focus had him graded above 80 coming into this game), despite his inexperience and having to step up into a major role on multiple occasions due to the injuries around him.

This week however — much like his compatriots in previous outings — he was routinely attacked and taken advantage of by the Cowboys.

Dallas’ final drive before halftime was the worst batch of plays from him. After the Packers allowed Dallas to gain a first down — preventing Green Bay from having a final shot at a score before the half — he was attacked for huge plays twice.

The first he was beaten deep by Terrance Williams for 42 yards; the second, he let Brice Butler get behind him, leaving plenty of space for Prescott to find him for the score.

In all, Gunter ended up being targeted 8 times, allowing 6 catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. He played so poorly he was actually PFF’s lowest graded cornerback for the weekend (24.8), and saw his overall grade for the season drop from over 80 all the way into the mid-50s.

With Sam Shields officially headed to IR — as well as Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins still dealing with injuries which could keep them out too — Gunter better be ready to put this awful showing behind him.

Up next: Alshon Jeffery, fresh off a 7-catch, 93-yard effort.