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By Doug Kretz
Scouts Inc.
Dallas at Green Bay
When: 4:15 PM ET
Watch: FOX</STRONG>
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 10
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Cowboys-Packers matchup.
1. Dallas needs to limit Green Bay's explosive plays: The Cowboys have done a great job of forcing opponents to take the quick check-down pass thanks to their explosive pass rush along with a strong blitz package. They are willing to let opponents complete short passes as long as they manage to get there quickly and prevent many yards after the catch. With the likes of receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, the Packers have the ability to score quickly.
2. Expect the Cowboys to bring a lot of pressure on passing downs: Dallas' front seven must be licking its chops as it prepares to take on the Packers. No team in the NFL has given up more sacks -- even the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to come up with six sacks against the Packers last week. A combination of weak pass protection and QB Aaron Rodgers holding on to the ball too long has contributed to their problems.
3. Dallas needs to protect the football: The Packers have a plus-18 turnover ratio, third-best in the NFL. They do a great job of creating turnover, and only two teams have given the ball up fewer times this season. If the Cowboys give Green Bay too many opportunities with a short field, it could end up being a long day for Dallas.
4. Look for the Cowboys to use a lot of three-step drops, draws and screen passes: Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers has the Packers ranked in the top 10 in all phases of defense. The only issue has been an obvious lack of a pass rush. With pass-rushing specialist OLB Aaron Kampman questionable after suffering a concussion last week, the Packers are apt to dial up a heavy blitz package in an attempt to pressure QB Tony Romo into bad throws. The best way to slow down a heavy blitz package is to run draws, screens and short passes off a three-step drop.
5. Matchup to watch: Dallas TE Jason Witten vs. Green Bay ILB Nick Barnett: Witten is Dallas' leading receiver and is Romo's favorite target when under pressure. Green Bay's cornerbacks are among the best when it comes to press coverage and disrupting the timing between quarterbacks and wide receivers, which should make Witten a major factor in the Cowboys' passing game. Barnett is Green Bay's leading tackler and is a factor in their coverage schemes. This is a matchup of two of the league's best at their position.
6. Green Bay wants to gain positive yards on the ground on early downs: The Packers are ranked 10th in third-down conversions. Converting at a pace of 42 percent helps sustain drives and keeps the ball out of their opponent's hands. With an average of 4.5 yards per carry, Green Bay generally is in a situation where they have a wide choice of plays to on third down.
7. Expect the Packers to attack the Cowboys vertically: One of the few weak points of the Cowboys is their lack of interceptions. They are doing a decent job of pressuring the pocket but their secondary is simply not coming up with many picks. Green Bay will take some shots downfield with some confidence that their receivers have a good chance to come up with the play.
8. Green Bay needs to manufacture a pass rush: With only 13 sacks, the Packers are ranked 29th in the NFL. Moving Kampman from defensive end to outside linebacker in their new 3-4 scheme has hampered his ability to pressure the pocket. And after suffering a mild concussion last week, Kampman is questionable for this game. Capers needs to be creative as he uses multiple personnel groupings and blitzes to create pressure on the pocket.
9. Look for the Packers to slide extra defenders into the box: The Packers are ranked ninth in the league in rushing defense, giving up 97 yards per game, and the Cowboys are ranked second in yards per carry with a 5.1 average. Expect the Packers to put a priority on stopping the run, using a variety of run blitzes and crowding the box with extra defenders.
10. Matchup to watch: Driver vs. Dallas CB Terence Newman: Driver is leading the Packers in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He gives Green Bay its best shot at beating the Cowboys' secondary deep and we can expect Dallas to roll its coverage to his side. Newman is a proven cover corner who can match up with the best. He will be asked to cover Driver man-on-man for much of the game as the Cowboys' free up their safeties for the occasional blitz or to help on run defense inside the box.
Prediction
Dallas 24
Green Bay 23
Scouts Inc.
Dallas at Green Bay
When: 4:15 PM ET
Watch: FOX</STRONG>
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 10
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach
After breaking down film of both teams, Scouts Inc. offers 10 things to watch in this week's Cowboys-Packers matchup.
1. Dallas needs to limit Green Bay's explosive plays: The Cowboys have done a great job of forcing opponents to take the quick check-down pass thanks to their explosive pass rush along with a strong blitz package. They are willing to let opponents complete short passes as long as they manage to get there quickly and prevent many yards after the catch. With the likes of receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, the Packers have the ability to score quickly.
2. Expect the Cowboys to bring a lot of pressure on passing downs: Dallas' front seven must be licking its chops as it prepares to take on the Packers. No team in the NFL has given up more sacks -- even the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to come up with six sacks against the Packers last week. A combination of weak pass protection and QB Aaron Rodgers holding on to the ball too long has contributed to their problems.
3. Dallas needs to protect the football: The Packers have a plus-18 turnover ratio, third-best in the NFL. They do a great job of creating turnover, and only two teams have given the ball up fewer times this season. If the Cowboys give Green Bay too many opportunities with a short field, it could end up being a long day for Dallas.
4. Look for the Cowboys to use a lot of three-step drops, draws and screen passes: Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers has the Packers ranked in the top 10 in all phases of defense. The only issue has been an obvious lack of a pass rush. With pass-rushing specialist OLB Aaron Kampman questionable after suffering a concussion last week, the Packers are apt to dial up a heavy blitz package in an attempt to pressure QB Tony Romo into bad throws. The best way to slow down a heavy blitz package is to run draws, screens and short passes off a three-step drop.
5. Matchup to watch: Dallas TE Jason Witten vs. Green Bay ILB Nick Barnett: Witten is Dallas' leading receiver and is Romo's favorite target when under pressure. Green Bay's cornerbacks are among the best when it comes to press coverage and disrupting the timing between quarterbacks and wide receivers, which should make Witten a major factor in the Cowboys' passing game. Barnett is Green Bay's leading tackler and is a factor in their coverage schemes. This is a matchup of two of the league's best at their position.
6. Green Bay wants to gain positive yards on the ground on early downs: The Packers are ranked 10th in third-down conversions. Converting at a pace of 42 percent helps sustain drives and keeps the ball out of their opponent's hands. With an average of 4.5 yards per carry, Green Bay generally is in a situation where they have a wide choice of plays to on third down.
7. Expect the Packers to attack the Cowboys vertically: One of the few weak points of the Cowboys is their lack of interceptions. They are doing a decent job of pressuring the pocket but their secondary is simply not coming up with many picks. Green Bay will take some shots downfield with some confidence that their receivers have a good chance to come up with the play.
8. Green Bay needs to manufacture a pass rush: With only 13 sacks, the Packers are ranked 29th in the NFL. Moving Kampman from defensive end to outside linebacker in their new 3-4 scheme has hampered his ability to pressure the pocket. And after suffering a mild concussion last week, Kampman is questionable for this game. Capers needs to be creative as he uses multiple personnel groupings and blitzes to create pressure on the pocket.
9. Look for the Packers to slide extra defenders into the box: The Packers are ranked ninth in the league in rushing defense, giving up 97 yards per game, and the Cowboys are ranked second in yards per carry with a 5.1 average. Expect the Packers to put a priority on stopping the run, using a variety of run blitzes and crowding the box with extra defenders.
10. Matchup to watch: Driver vs. Dallas CB Terence Newman: Driver is leading the Packers in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He gives Green Bay its best shot at beating the Cowboys' secondary deep and we can expect Dallas to roll its coverage to his side. Newman is a proven cover corner who can match up with the best. He will be asked to cover Driver man-on-man for much of the game as the Cowboys' free up their safeties for the occasional blitz or to help on run defense inside the box.
Prediction
Dallas 24
Green Bay 23
