Jordan Love threw a touchdown pass and added a 1-yard rushing score, while the Green Bay Packers’ defense shut down Dallas’ high-powered offense to defeat the Cowboys 23-13 in a penalty-filled Sunday Night Football matchup.
Love completed 23 of 41 passes for 276 yards as Green Bay improved to 11-1-1 in its last 13 meetings against Dallas, including last season’s wild 40-40 tie in Arlington, Texas. The Packers took control early when Love connected with Matthew Golden for a 9-yard touchdown on their opening drive, giving Green Bay a lead it never surrendered.
Ritual in Mexico City's Zócalo to ward off the evil spirits that have haunted the Cowboys since 1996X
The Packers (4-2) extended their winning streak to three games while awaiting the return of three-time Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs, who is set to come off the commissioner’s exempt list Monday. Jacobs has yet to play this season after pleading no contest last month to two misdemeanor charges stemming from an altercation with his then-girlfriend in May.
Green Bay’s defense made the difference by intercepting Dak Prescott twice, stopping key Dallas scoring opportunities. Prescott finished 34 of 54 for 258 yards and threw a late 6-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Flournoy with 44 seconds remaining, but the Cowboys failed to complete the ensuing two-point conversion attempt to CeeDee Lamb.
The game was filled with mistakes, as both teams combined for 22 penalties — 11 apiece. Dallas committed penalties for 108 yards, while Green Bay was flagged for 96 yards.
Matthew Golden shines despite missed opportunities
Love’s performance could have been even more impressive if not for several missed chances.
Golden dropped what would have been a 43-yard touchdown reception and failed to secure another potential 23-yard score in the second quarter. Later, a 26-yard touchdown opportunity for Christian Watson slipped through his hands after the pass was deflected by Cowboys defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence.
Despite those missed chances, Golden finished with six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. He played a key role on Green Bay’s opening possession, catching multiple passes during a 90-yard scoring drive in which the Packers overcame two penalties.
Cowboys fall behind early after rough first half
Dallas (2-4) struggled to generate offense early and entered halftime trailing 17-0, marking the first time the Cowboys had been shut out in the opening half since November 7, 2021, when they fell behind Denver 16-0 in an eventual 30-16 loss.
Prescott’s interceptions proved costly.
The first came after Dallas reached Green Bay’s 17-yard line. Prescott took a big hit from Zaire Franklin while throwing an incompletion, and on the following play, Evan Williams intercepted a pass intended for Lamb.
On the Cowboys’ next possession, a holding penalty pushed them backward after reaching the Packers’ 23-yard line. Later, rookie Brandon Cisse recorded his first career interception when Lamb slipped on his route, ending another promising drive.
Green Bay immediately took advantage, marching 77 yards before Love scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 23 seconds left in the first half.
Dallas responded early in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from Javonte Williams, but Green Bay extended its advantage with two field goals from Trey Smack.
Cowboys defense shows signs of improvement
Despite the loss, Dallas showed progress defensively after entering the game allowing a league-worst 6.4 yards per play.
The Cowboys held a players-only meeting during the week and added veteran defensive coach Mike Pettine to assist first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Dallas recorded its first interception of the season when Dee Winters made a diving catch late in the first quarter. Winters appeared to return the interception more than 40 yards for a touchdown, but replay review determined that Golden had touched him while he was still on the ground, preventing the score.
Although the Cowboys showed defensive improvement, their offensive struggles and costly turnovers proved too much to overcome at Lambeau Field.