Packers vs. Cowboys: Tale of the tape for Week 5 matchup
Defense
Packers
Here is the strength of this Packers team. Although the run defense may be lacking, they are very good everywhere else. Kenny Clark anchors the defensive line. He consistently draws double teams and still finds a way to make plays. Montravius Adams will hopefully be coming back this week, which should help the run defense in a big way.
At linebacker, Preston and Za’Darius Smith have been huge additions for the Packers this year. Although they were held in check against the Eagles, they have consistently been getting pressure on the quarterback this season.
Their pressure on the quarterback has been a huge help to the secondary. Blake Martinez has been solid again. He is currently second in the NFL in total tackles with 47, behind Arizona’s Jordan Hicks. He seems to be in the middle of the play all the time.
The secondary is the strength of this defense. Jaire Alexander has been playing on a whole different level this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Alexander is the number one rated player in coverage with a rating of 88.3.
Kevin King has also been playing extremely well this year. A big part of that is his ability to stay healthy. He’s been on the injury report recently, but he has been able to play in all of the games. He has been playing well opposite of Alexander, making this a formidable corner tandem. However, if King is unable to go this week, the secondary could be at a disadvantage with this Cowboys receiving corps.
Adrian Amos has been a solid safety in the back, making a few big plays, including the interception at the end of the Bears game and stopping Carson Wentz from scrambling for a first down. Meanwhile, rookie Darnell Savage has been all over the field. His speed has translated onto the field well and seems to be making a lot of plays, including an interception against the Broncos.
If they can get the run defense figured out, this will continue to be one of the best defensive units in the NFL.
Cowboys
The Cowboys also have a strong defense. The linebacking corps is one of the best in the NFL. When he can stay healthy, Sean Lee is one of the best in the league. Last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Leighton Vander Esch is a stud in the middle and Jaylon Smith has been a feel-good story, coming back from a major knee injury while at Notre Dame.
Their defensive line is full of good players as well, especially DeMarcus Lawrence, who is constantly drawing double-teams from opposing teams. Lawrence had 10.5 sacks last season and 14.5 the year before. He is the biggest pass-rusher on this team.
After missing the first two games this year, Robert Quinn has been off to a hot start. He has three sacks in the last two games. He is a big reason why this Dallas pass rush has been better than it has in years. If Bulaga is unable to go, these two defensive ends could cause some problems for the Packers.
The secondary may be somewhat forgotten about. They have Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie on the corners. Jones is a very athletic and fast cornerback. He isn’t necessarily a ball-hawk, with just two career interceptions, but he has 14 passes defended. He could be matched up on MVS if Adams is unable to go.
Jeff Heath is lined up at safety. I feel like Heath is another one of those players who has been in Dallas forever. He’s not an elite safety, but he’s a serviceable player.
With the way the Packers have been playing on defense, even with the sketchy run defense, I have to give them the advantage. I think they have more playmakers and a better defensive coordinator.