Packers beat Cowboys 17-7
November 15th, 2009 | by adamburnett |The Packers physically beat up the Cowboys in a 17-7 victory. The Cowboys had a number of players go to the sidelines or leave the game with injuries. More on that later in this post. This was the emotionally charged performance we were hoping for against the Vikings and Buccaneers. The defense forced 3 turnovers and was the driving force behind this victory. The offense efficiently took advantage of the opportunities given by the defense.
Dom Capers released the hounds as the Packers were able to get 5 sacks on the slippery Tony Romo. The Cowboys quarterback is one of the best in the league at avoiding pressure and keeping plays alive with his feet. The Packers defense held him to 24 of 39 for 251 yards, 1 score and 1 pick. All of the Cowboys offensive weapons were held in check by the Pack. Miles Austin 4 catches for 20 yards, Marion Barber 26 rushing yards, Felix Jones 3 rushes for 6 yards, and Jason Witten 5 catches for 47 yards didn’t have much of an impact on the game. Roy Williams caught 5 balls for 105 yards and a score in garbage time. Why Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett didn’t try to run the ball more is a question the Cowboys fans will want answered.
Nick Barnett had 8 tackles and 2 sacks to help knock around Romo. Capers moved Charles Woodson all over the field and reaped the benefits with 9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles. Woodson should be a first ballot hall of famer when he decides to hang up the cleats. It is a privilege to watch Woodson every week. Clay Matthews had 1 sack and 2 fumble recoveries. For all the criticism Ted Thompson has received with his draft choices, he deserves credit for trading up to get Matthews. He’s improving each week and looks like a budding star in this defense. Brad Jones filled in for Aaron Kampman with 7 tackles.
For as bad as the offensive line has played this season today was one of their best performances. The Cowboys front seven is massive and they held their own giving up 4 sacks. With this group only 4 sacks to the Cowboys is an accomplishment. T.J. Lang started at right tackle and should be in the staring lineup the rest of the season at right tackle or left guard. Aaron Rodgers completed 25 of 36 for 189 yards, a TD to Spencer Havner, and a short rushing score. Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jordy Nelson each had 4 catches. Ryan Grant ran 20 times for 78 yards, but helped the Packers win the time of possession battle by a wide margin (35:22 to 24:02).
These are the two most penalized teams in the NFL and it showed today as they combined for 22 penalties for 167 yards. The penalties didn’t hurt the Packers too much, but it’s a weekly problem. The challenge of the catch by Jordy Nelson was also a head scratcher. I agree with Troy Aikman’s statements on the challenge and believe Mike McCarthy made a mistake. Other notes, Cowboys right tackle Marc Colombo broke his left leg and Doug Free played the rest of the way. The Manitowoc native from Lincoln high school got to play against his home town team.
Next week the Packers (5-4) host the 49ers (4-5). The 49ers are coming off a 10-6 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
