The Green Bay Packers delivered a stunning upset against the Dallas Cowboys with a 48-32 victory in the wild-card round, ending Dallas’s 16-game home winning streak. Aaron Jones, a lifelong Cowboys fan, was instrumental in the victory, rushing for three touchdowns, while Jordan Love threw for three scores in his postseason debut. Darnell Savage’s 64-yard interception return for a touchdown further bolstered the Packers’ dominant performance.
Jones, who has now amassed 488 yards in four career games against the Cowboys, expressed his special connection to
Dallas, having grown up idolizing Emmitt Smith and the Cowboys. His performance in Arlington was a full-circle moment for him, especially poignant considering his late father’s support for the team.
The Packers, who entered the game with a 10-8 record, continued their strong form by securing a spot in the divisional round against the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay’s victory was remarkable, considering their late arrival at the stadium due to weather and mechanical issues, which did not deter their focus and execution.
The loss was a significant blow for the No. 2 seed Cowboys (12-6), especially for quarterback
Dak Prescott, who threw two interceptions and then three touchdown passes when the game was essentially out of reach. This defeat adds to Dallas’s playoff woes, as they have not reached an NFC championship game since their last Super Bowl win 28 years ago. The performance raises questions about the future of Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who lost his playoff opener at home for the second time in three postseasons with the team.
Romeo Doubs had a standout game for the Packers with a career-high 151 receiving yards, contributing significantly to Green Bay’s offense. The Packers maintained their impressive record at AT&T Stadium, never having lost in six visits, including two playoff victories over the Cowboys.
The Packers’ offense was particularly effective, matching their 2010 Super Bowl-winning team for the most points in a playoff game. This was a collective effort, with contributions from various players, including those who stepped up in the absence of Aaron Rodgers. The game ended with the Packers showcasing their potential as a formidable postseason team, while the Cowboys face a period of reflection and potential changes after another disappointing playoff exit.
