NFC Divisional Round Preview: The ‘Boys head to Lambeau

Last week against the Detroit Lions, Cowboys’ fans felt the oddly familiar feeling of a letdown that could possibly happen in the first half of that game. The offense was struggling, the defense was bending and the Lions were gaining confidence but then the second half happened.

Tony Romo happened.

With a little bit of Tony Romo’s magic and some ungodly help from the referees, the Cowboys pulled off a win that may not have been resounding or dominant, but it is considered a big playoff win nonetheless. A win that the Cowboys can’t say that they have had in a very long time and, more importantly, a win that came on the back of a quarterback who has long been believed to have anti-playoff clutch gene.

Cue the Tony Romo MVP chants.

So up next for the Cowboys, who must be brimming with confidence heading their next match-up, are the Green Bay Packers, who are very capable of either destroying that confidence very early in the game or flopping at the feet of a very talented Cowboys team. Considering the idea that both teams have offensively dependent teams, we are in for a huge defensive struggle; One in which the winner could be chosen by who has the ball last. What a game huh? Keeping this in mind, I took the time to lay out 3 things that each team MUST do in order to defeat the other and only accomplishing 2 of these things isn’t going to cut it.

For the Packers to win:

1. Stop Demarco – I know the Cowboys have the ability to lean on Romo is tough situations and still come through with a win, but in all seriousness, Murray has been the workhorse and MVP of this offense. Its no longer a surprise that Romo can throw the football. Anyone who thought otherwise was hating beyond all reason. Stopping Murray and the Cowboys offensive line will be the key to victory. However, it is only going to be the first step in beating a team that attempted more runs than passes this past season. <—- Wow.
2. Double Dez – The concept is easier to than it seems. Its the execution that is going to be difficult. Single coverage down the sideline doesn’t work against this guy. Ask Bradley Fletcher of the Eagles (ouch).
3. Score points in bunches – The Cowboys offense has found a running game in which they can milk the clock and a defense for easy yards and points over large stretches of time. The only way for the Packers to win is to score points early and often, in the hope that the Cowboys will have to abandon their run game. After that, its a track meet to the finish line and the Packers were made for track meets.

For the Cowboys to win:

1. Stick to your strength – It is no secret that the Cowboys want to run the ball and dominate the LOS and, with the league’s rushing yards champion, their plan should be to do it as early and often as possible. In the past, the Cowboys have been known to out-smart themselves in some situations. This cannot be one of them. Sticking to running the ball against the Packers’ 23rd ranked rushing defense is going to be their best bet.
2. Stop the run – The Packers already have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, allowing them to run the ball effectively would make it impossible to defend them. Having 1,000 yard two wide receivers is enough for the Cowboys to handle as it is. If Rodgers can play it safe and have the run game take off, the Cowboys option of sticking to their own run game will falter later in the game. If both teams commit to the run, expect a low scoring game that could STILL be decided by whoever has the ball last.
3. Prevent the X Plays – This is going to be tougher than it sounds (as usual). The Packers have the ability to score very quickly on long pass plays to their outside receivers. If Dallas falls behind early, they will not have the time to run the ball as often as they would like because they will be pressed to score points. Tony Romo is a very good quarterback, but if Rodgers scores on long touchdown passes early or later in the game, the Cowboys may find themselves looking for another herculean effort by their quarterback. Don’t be upset if he can’t come up with one.