Anytime the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers play one another it’s almost guaranteed to be a slobber-knocker type of game. These two teams genuinely dislike one another and this Week 6 matchup in primetime Sunday night will be no exception. This could be described as a must-win game for the Cowboys and that’s exactly how it should be approached.
The Cowboys desperately need to get things back on track and start stringing some wins together and it starts this week against the Packers. To come away with the “W” in hostile territory at Lambeau Field, they’ll need to play much better than they have recently. Below we’ve listed an offensive and defensive player we believe will make a big impact this week.
Offense – RB Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries the last time these two teams squared off against one another last year that resulted in a 40-40 tie in overtime. He could not only replicate that production Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers, but hit the 100+ rushing yard mark for the first time this season. With his offensive line fully healthy for only the second time this year, they should be clear lanes against a banged up defense.
The Packers have been hit pretty hard by the injury bug in back-to-back weeks. First they lost LB Edgerrin Cooper to a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 4 and DT Javon Hargrave to a season-ending Achilles injury as well last week. Those are two big losses Dallas should exploit in the running game by pounding the rock with Williams early and often. By doing this they not only can win time of possession, but kept their defense from getting exposed as well.
Defense – DT Quinnen Williams
Quinnen Williams is off to a disappointing start in his first full season with the Dallas Cowboys, but there’s still plenty of time for them to turn things around and it could start this week against the Green Bay Packers. Although Travis Glover has played well in the last two games at right guard, Sunday could be the season debut of Kevin Zeitler. Whether It’s Glover or Zeitler, neither should stop Williams if he’s playing up to his standards.
If this comes to fruition like we predict, William should be able to be a disruptive force against both the run and the pass this week. Considering QB Jordan Love prefers to operate within the pocket, continuously making him uncomfortable could negatively impact his production in the passing game, possibly forcing him to make a mistake or two. With all that in mind, we believe Dallas’ All-Pro DT could be a difference maker this week in this Week 6 matchup.