The Green Bay Packers took on the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. It wasn’t a good game for the Packers as they lost 30-16. The Cowboys dominated in almost every aspect of the game. The number one run defense took on the leagues rushing leader. They took on a rookie quarterback that has about as much hype around him as anyone in the league. Here are the Green Bay Packers week six takeaways.
Green Bay Packers Week Six Takeaways
Defensive Injuries Finally Show
The Packers have been ravaged by injuries on the defensive side of the ball. They had numerous defensive backs inactive and lost Damarious Randall early in this game. They were able to hold off opponents through the air in the past few weeks, but their injury issues were exposed in this match-up.
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys rookie quarterback, completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 247 yards. He threw three touchdowns to two different receivers and suffered his first interception of the season. Prescott has been great protecting the ball all year as he now holds the record for most pass attempts without an interception to start a career.
The defense, who is ranked one against the run, also got dominated on the ground. Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott carried the ball 28 times for 157 yards. This is much worse than the 47 yards per game the Packers defense was allowing coming into the matchup. The Packers were bound to give up some yards to a great running back in Zeke, but they seemed unable to slow him down through the game.
Aaron Rodgers Struggles Continue
Aaron Rodgers is the face of this franchise. Packers fans argue that he is the best quarterback in the league, and with good reason. However, Rodgers hasn’t played like the MVP he once was. Rodgers threw the ball 42 times and completed 31 of them. He would, unfortunately, throw for just 294 yards. Rodgers has failed to throw for 300 yards in 14 straight games, including the playoffs. He has also only thrown for three or more touchdowns once since November 11th of 2015. The Aaron Rodgers these fans used to praise seems to be disappearing fast.
Rodgers, who is usually very good in minimizing turnovers, gave the ball up twice on fumbles, losing one, and threw one interception. The turnovers came at inopportune times as well. He threw his interception on the first drive of the half, stalling any moment they hoped to build. His fumble came on the Dallas one-yard line, trying to sneak the ball in for a touchdown that would have made it a one possession game late in the third quarter.
Key Turnovers Stall Packers
The Packers would fumble a total of five times, and lose three of them. Two of the fumbles came from Rodgers. Two also came from fill in running back Ty Montgomery. Montgomery was taking snaps out of the backfield due to the injury to James Starks, and the shaky ankle of Eddie Lacy. Montgomery’s fumble was on the final drive of the game, as the Packers were trying to hold on to what little hope they had left in the game.
Jordy Nelson had the final Packers turnover. He would make a catch across the field and get hit, losing the ball. Nelson’s fumble came earlier in the game. However, it happened while the game was close and the Packers had a chance to take the lead.
Week Seven Preview
The Packers have a short week as they take on the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. This is the third division game for the Packers, they’ve gone 1-1 in the NFC North. The Packers look to bounce back at home.
