Packers vs. Cowboys: Three things to watch in Week 5
Three things to watch as the Green Bay Packers hit the road to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.
The Packers take on the Cowboys for the fifth straight season on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Green Bay ended Dallas’ season with a 34-31 victory in the divisional round back in January.
Green Bay is coming off a convincing 35-14 victory over divisional rivals, the Chicago Bears. As for the Cowboys, they were defeated by the Los Angeles Rams; 35-30.
Here are three things to watch.
1. Green Bay’s running back situation
Ty Montgomery exited Thursday’s game after being injured on the first play against the Bears. He confirmed on the Clubhouse Live show that he suffered multiple broken ribs.
Once Montgomery went down, rookie backup Jamaal Williams had his shot, but it didn’t last long. He also left the game because of a knee injury. Fellow rookie Aaron Jones was the next man up and took advantage of the opportunity.
Jones rushed for 49 yards on 13 carries and scored his first NFL touchdown in the second quarter. Aaron Rodgers was very complimentary with Jones’ performance.
"“I’ve been a big fan of his since the beginning,” Rodgers said. “I think he’s a very natural runner with the football. He knows what he’s doing.”"
Good news for the Packers, Montgomery claims he is fine and feeling a lot better. As for Williams, an MRI revealed no ligament damage and he could also be ready for Sunday. Despite both backs claiming to be okay, the Packers will go to Jones quickly if there are any setbacks.
2. Sean Lee’s health
The Cowboys were without the heart of their defense in Sunday’s loss to the Rams; Sean Lee.
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Lee missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. He was unable to practice the entire week leading up to the match-up and is now considered day-to-day for Week 5.
Despite missing one game, Lee has the second most tackles on the team (25), only behind Jaylon Smith (34). Last season, Lee recorded a career high 93 tackles and was selected to his second Pro Bowl and was named first-team All-Pro.
Without Lee, the Cowboys have a clear weak spot in the middle of their defense. If Lee doesn’t play against the Packers, Rodgers will attack the middle of the field. If Jared Goff can throw for 255 yards and two scores, imagine what Rodgers could do.
3. Packers containing Ezekiel Elliott
Other than Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for at least 80 yards in each game. However, he hasn’t eclipsed the 100-yard mark since Week 1 against the New York Giants.
Last season Elliott had success against the Packers. In two match-ups he carried the ball 50 times and has compiled 282 yards. Despite letting Elliott run loose, the Packers kept him out of the end zone.
This season, the Packers have allowed opposing running backs to rush for over 100 yards and three total scores in their last three games. Running backs are averaging 4.2 yards per rush attempt. They have allowed a total of 444 yards, 19th most in the NFL.
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Defensive tackle Mike Daniels is questionable for Sunday’s game. He has missed the last two games with a hip injury. The Packers need Daniels on the field if they hope to have any success containing Elliott.