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Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 4
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys
Packers (2-1):
They got off to that strong start, and the defense has been terrorizing — just as expected — since Micah Parsons arrived. Let me tell y’all something, if I may. Before Week 3, during my weekly appearance on The Prime, we started picking games. Their matchup against the Cleveland Browns came up, and, as expected, most picked against Cleveland for obvious reasons. But when it was my turn to break it down, I told David Huffman that this wouldn’t be as easy as people thought. That brings me to this: there’s no such thing as an easy game in the NFL. Anyone can be beaten on any given Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Week 3 was one of those moments. The Browns stunned the Packers in a defensive struggle. You can’t even blame the Packers’ defense — they got off the field time and time again, giving their offense every chance to capitalize. Unfortunately, the offense struggled to do anything when they had the ball. I often compare situations like this to a pitcher in baseball who keeps his team in the game, only for the offense to provide no run support. That’s been the Packers’ defense — the backbone of the team so far. It didn’t help that Jordan Love threw an interception, and they had a field goal attempt blocked. They also hurt themselves with a slew of penalties, which can absolutely kill momentum. Once again, it was a dominant day for the defense — until late in the fourth quarter when it all fell apart. Now it’s another week, and on Sunday night, the Packers will head back to Arlington — the site of their last Super Bowl victory.
Cowboys (1–2):
I really don’t know what to make of them anymore. I’ll always give credit when they’re playing up to their potential — but I’ll also be quick to critique them when they aren’t. I find myself comparing this team to a roller coaster: one minute they’re up, the next they’re down. But as long as they stay on track, they might just come around… right? At this point, Jerry Jones seems content just being relevant, and I’ve said that earlier this year, last season, and probably several times in past years. The way they beat the New York Giants in Week 2 is exactly how they’ll have to win games: strong defense, capitalizing on mistakes — because their running game is horrendous, and their defense lacks a consistent pass rush. That puts more pressure on a secondary that isn’t benefiting from the front seven failing to get home. Before their game against the Chicago Bears, I said: If the Bears offense is going to “get right,” this will be the game.And sure enough, the Cowboys made Caleb Williams look like the second coming of prime Joe Montana — he had all day to throw and tossed four touchdown passes. And I still can’t get over the fact that they had CeeDee Lamb running a play out of the backfield — and now, look how that turned out. He’s going to miss a few games due to injury. Even after their win over the Giants, Jerry went out and signed Jadeveon Clowney to bolster the defensive line. But let’s be honest — that won’t fix their pass rush issues. Clowney is known as a run stopper, not a consistent threat to the quarterback. This Sunday night, the Cowboys will welcome a very familiar face to town.
Packers X-Factor: Jayden Reed
He’s developed some serious chemistry with Jordan Love and will be a key part of this game. At this point, it’s common sense: you can’t double everyone. I see the Cowboys focusing on slowing down Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, which will open space for Jayden in the slot. He’s a reliable target on quick throws, has the speed to create after the catch, and can turn short gains into explosive plays. I expect the Packers to get him the football early and often.
Cowboys X-Factor: George Pickens
Alright George, this is your time to shine. When the Cowboys acquired him, I liked the move. He gave Dak Prescott another downfield target alongside CeeDee Lamb. He brings vertical threat ability, stretches the field, and makes contested catches — all of which could be crucial Sunday night. The best way to attack a stingy defense? Quick throws. Neutralize the pass rush before it gets home. Pickens’ presence allows Dallas to diversify its offense and attack in different ways.
Final Thoughts:
When the Micah Parsons trade happened, I remember seeing Adam Schefter tweet about a Week 4 matchup between these two legendary franchises. And now, here we are. Micah is making his much-anticipated return to face the team that drafted him in 2021. There’s so much history between these teams, and I think about all the legends who’ve worn both uniforms. I’ve been calling for the Packers to use Josh Jacobs more — and they must leverage his running game to control the clock and win the time of possession battle. Green Bay also needs to attack a Dallas secondary that’s struggled early this season. Prioritize deep throws, challenge that shaky back end, and prevent the Cowboys offense from generating chunk plays. As for the Cowboys — which version of Dak do we get? Against this elite Packers defense, protecting the football is crucial. This unit thrives on takeaways. I expect the Packers to be angry after a winnable game slipped away against Cleveland. They simply beat themselves last week. And as for Dallas — I just need to see some fight. Just show a little effort, something that makes me say, “At least they’re trying.” Micah and the Packers will leave JerryWorld as winners.
