There was no standing pat this spring and summer when it came to Jerry Jones’ and Jason Garrett's football team. Hence, it was an offseason in which the Dallas Cowboys addressed their shaky defensive unit in numerous ways. In free agency, the defending NFC East champions added defensive tackle Stephen Paea, end Damontre Moore, and cornerback Nolan Carroll. A late summer trade brought cornerback Bene’ Benwikere. And the NFL draft gave Cowboys veteran defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli a pass-rusher in Taco Charlton and defensive backs Xavier Woods, Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis.

So how has this rebuilt unit done so far? And is it ready to battle the Green Bay Packers and prolific quarterback Aaron Rodgers this weekend at AT&T Stadium?

Big positive for Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have split their first four games this season. Wins over the New York Giants (19-3) and Arizona Cardinals saw Garrett’s club allow a combined 20 points in those contests. Then again, the team has also dropped a pair of outings to the Denver Broncos (42-17) and Los Angeles Rams (35-30), allowing a combined 77 points in those setbacks. Of course, while this is a club looking for consistency at the moment, there has been a definitive bright spot in defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. He leads the team with 7.5 sacks in 2017.

“He certainly is a force,” said Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay to Drew Davison of the Star-Telegram prior to Sunday’s clash with Dallas. “He’s affecting the game as much as any defensive lineman around the league right now.” Those words proved to be extremely prophetic. Lawrence totaled four tackles, one sack and a forced fumble of quarterback Jared Goff in that losing effort.

Looking towards the Pack

Last season, the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys split two meetings, with the road team prevailing each time. Of course, one encounter was far more memorable and a lot more important than the other. During the regular season, Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, and the Dallas offensive line paved the way for a 30-16 win at Lambeau Field.

Three months later, Rodgers threw for 355 yards and two touchdowns (1 interception) and running back Ty Montgomery as the quarterback, tight end Jared Cook and kicker Mason Crosby combined for some later heroics. It added up to a thrilling 34-31 victory at Dallas in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

As for Sunday’s encounter, the Packers will likely be without running back Ty Montgomery. He’s dealing with injured ribs. Meanwhile, wide receiver Davante Adams and tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga were all limited this week in terms of preparation for this game. At the very least, it could give the Dallas’ defense a little less to worry about.