It’s one of the more legendary series in NFL history. And there will be plenty of memories stirred up when the Green Bay Packers travel to renew acquaintances with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon in Arlington. Here’s what we do know as Mike McCarthy’s team brings a 3-1 record into this clash with the defending NFC East champions. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, off to another productive start in this his 13th NFL season, has slowly but surely mastered the Cowboys’ various defenses over the years and hopes to do so again in this playoff rematch from a year ago.
A little history
The first time Rodgers squared off against the Cowboys was ten years ago. However, it was Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre who was the starter that Thursday night for the Green Bay Packers at old Texas Stadium. In a relief role and an eventual 37-27 loss to the Cowboys, Rodgers hit on 18 of his 26 pass attempts for 201 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked three times but also totaled 30 yards rushing that evening. A year later, his first season as the Packers’ starter, his team fell at Lambeau Field, 27-16. Rodgers was 22-of-39 for 290 yards, zero scores without an interception. He was sacked five times in the 11-point setback.
Since then, the accurate signal-caller has pretty much had his way with the ‘Boyz.
Including a pair of playoff wins in 2014 and ’16, Rodgers owns a 5-1 record as a starter in the last six encounters. He’s hit on an astonishing 69.8 percent of his passes for 1,661 yards and 12 touchdowns compared to only two interceptions. Blistering, to say the least.
Sunday showdown
Of course, Sunday’s tilt in Dallas is a rematch of last year’s scintillating NFC divisional playoff clash.
Thanks to some late heroics by Rodgers, tight end Jared Cook (now with the Oakland Raiders) and kicker Mason Crosby, the Green Bay Packers escaped with a thrilling 34-31 win. Of course, McCarthy’s team could be a little undermanned on Sunday afternoon – especially on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Ty Montgomery is listed as doubtful as he continues to nurse broken ribs.
Meanwhile, starting tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga, as well as wide receiver Davante Adams, are listed as questionable and expected to play. And rookie running back Jamaal Williams does look like he'll play after being injured in the Week 4 Thursday night win over the Chicago Bears. All told, it’s the healthiest the Packers have been in a few weeks.
