Dallas Cowboys seek redemption in pivotal Week 4 clash against the Packers
When the Dallas Cowboys step onto the field at AT&T Stadium in Week 4, they will be pursuing more than just a victory; they will be chasing a long-awaited breakthrough. The Cowboys have been unable to secure a win against the Green Bay Packers since 2016, a streak that has lingered through five consecutive losses, including a disappointing Wild Card exit last season where they fell 48–32.
A Struggling History Against Green Bay
The numbers tell a stark story. Since their last triumph over the Packers in Dak Prescott’s rookie season, the Cowboys have faced an uphill battle against this formidable opponent. The last five matchups illustrate the challenge:
2023 Wild Card: Packers 48, Cowboys 32
2022 Week 10: Packers 31, Cowboys 28 (OT)
2019 Week 5: Packers 34, Cowboys 24
2017 Week 14: Packers 34, Cowboys 24
2017 Divisional Playoff: Packers 34, Cowboys 31
This Week 4 showdown carries additional significance as it marks the return of Micah Parsons to Arlington, now donning the green and gold after his offseason trade to Green Bay. With a staggering $188 million contract in hand and leading the league with eight or more quarterback pressures through the first three weeks, Parsons is poised to command attention as he faces off against his former team.
What to Watch For in This High-Stakes Matchup
As anticipation builds for this pivotal clash, here are three key elements to keep an eye on:
Parsons’ Impact on Dallas’ Protection
The Cowboys are all too familiar with the disruptive force Parsons brings to the field. Stopping him, however, is a different challenge. Expect Dallas to employ quick passes, chip blocks, and rollouts to mitigate his influence. The effectiveness of the offensive line and Dak Prescott in managing the pressure will play a crucial role in determining the game’s rhythm.
Exploiting Green Bay’s Secondary
While the Packers boast a strong front seven, their secondary has exhibited vulnerabilities. The Cowboys will likely look to exploit this weakness by stretching the field with playmakers like George Pickens. Utilizing motion and varying tempo could help create mismatches and open up opportunities for significant downfield plays, which might be essential for overcoming a defense designed to dominate in the trenches.
Decisive Situational Football
This matchup could hinge on performance during critical moments. The Cowboys must prioritize third-down conversions, maintain ball security, and excel in the red zone. Winning the turnover battle may prove vital for Dallas as they endeavor to rewrite a narrative that has haunted them for nearly a decade.
Parsons’ return adds an intriguing layer to this already monumental Week 4 clash, but for the Cowboys, this game represents more than a homecoming. It’s an opportunity to finally conquer the team that has loomed large over them since 2016. If Dallas can rise to the occasion in key moments and effectively counter Parsons’ impact, they may just find themselves celebrating a long-awaited victory over the Packers.
