Most experts see the Packers advancing to the conference championship.
At various points of the 2014 NFL regular season, the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys were considered the best team in the conference. The two will finally meet on a football field this Sunday in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs at Lambeau Field.
This version of the Cowboys is known mostly for its dominating run game. Running back DeMarco Murray produced not only a career year, but also the best single season for a runner in franchise history. His success was buoyed by the best offensive line in football, a group that includes Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zach Martin. Still, the Cowboys can still sling it behind quarterback Tony Romo and pass catchers Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.
But as good as Dallas' aerial attack is, nobody in the NFC does it better than the Packers. Aaron Rodgers has played better than anyone else at the position this season, as his insane 38:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio attests. The Packers also possess one of the league's most prolific receivers in Jordy Nelson, who caught 98 balls for over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Packers also balance their offensive attack with Eddie Lacy, who produced over 1,000 yards rushing and double digit touchdowns for the second time in as many years.
Most of the experts are taking the Packers this week. Seven members of CBS Sports' eight-man panel see Rodgers and company taking care of business at Lambeau.
CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco had this to say about the game:
This is the first time these two will meet in a playoff game in Green Bay since the 1967 Ice Bowl. This won't be that cold, but it will be chilly with temperatures in the teens. That could impact the Cowboys' passing game. But remember Tony Romo is from Wisconsin. This has all the makings of a shootout. You have two dynamic offenses and two so-so defenses. The Cowboys will pound DeMarco Murray behind his good offensive line against a Green Bay defense that was 23rd against the run. That can also help keep Aaron Rodgers off the field. Look for Romo then to take shots off the play-action to Dez Bryant and his receivers. For Green Bay, it's all about Rodgers. He has 25 touchdown passes and no interceptions at home this season. That's unreal. The Cowboys aren't great on defense, and they were 29th in the league in sacks per pass play. That's not a good thing against Rodgers. Look for the Packers to put up a nice number on offense, while the Cowboys will try and keep up. In the end, I just don't think they will. It will be close. It will be fun. But it will be Green Bay moving on.
Here at SB Nation, five of our seven experts are leaning toward Green Bay.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | |
| DAL vs. GB | DAL | GB | GB | DAL | GB | GB | GB |
Source SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1yU0tr8
No comments:
Post a Comment