Packers vs. Cowboys - Preview

Big game tonight for GB fans, as the Packers play host to the hated Cowboys. I know that the Bears and the Vikings are seen as the big divisional rivals, but growing up there was no team I hated more as a Packer fan than the Cowboys. Whether it was Thanksgiving day, or a playoff game, Dallas always seemed to have our number (even when they started third-string quarterbacks). Needless to say, I'm pretty fired up for tonight's showdown. I think we have a good chance of pulling out a win, and I think it send a huge message to the rest of the league.

Here are a few keys to tonight's game:

-Charles Woodson: The Cowboys have a very good passing game (316 yards passing per game), so the Packers will need Woodson in the secondary (GB will already be without safety Atari Bigby; Aaron Rouse will be starting in his place). Woodson showed last week how he can be a game-changer on the field. And keep in mind that the Pack was without Woodson last year when they took on Dallas.

-Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers has looked great so far. But tonight will be his first real test as he goes up against a potential Super Bowl contender. The thing that has impressed me the most with Rodgers is his decision-making. He has yet to throw an interception in the regular season, and he has shown an ability to get out of the pocket and make plays (even by rushing the ball himself - 12 runs for 60 yards).

Rodgers has played against the Cowboys before. Last year, in relief of Favre, Rodgers threw 18-26 for 201 yards, 1 TD, and 0 INTs. As long as Rodgers doesn't get rattled and stays confident, he and GB should be in good shape.

-Rushing Offense: GB has been pretty average so far running the ball in 2008. They rank 11th with 131 yards per game, and have 2 TDs. Ryan Grant, who has been hampered by a hamstring injury, has racked up just 112 yards in 2 games. Last year, Grant ran for 94 yards and 2 TDs against Dallas. Brandon Jackson has looked pretty good in limited duty - he is averaging 5.2 yards per rush. It will be important to establish the run against the Cowboys early, to open things in the passing game. Plus, if the Pack has the lead, they will need to effectively run the ball to win the time of possession game and keep the Dallas offense off the field.

-Penalties: GB has to limit the stupid penalties. Against Minnesota, they had 12 blown whistles for 118 yards. Against Detroit, they did better - 8 calls for 62 yards. Last year, they had 9 penalties go against them for 142 yards (most of those were pass interference calls). The secondary will have to remain aggressive, but also be careful to not draw the ire of the officials.

My prediction: GB 27, Dallas 24