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Packers Dominate Cowboys with Third-Down Success and Takeaways
· Confirmed
In Short: The Green Bay Packers secured a 23-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, leveraging strong third-down conversions and defensive takeaways.
The Packers' defense, which allowed only 22 points per game coming into the matchup, rattled Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who was clearly unsettled throughout the game.
The Cowboys had an opportunity to climb in the standings with losses by both the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, but their inconsistent performance left them unable to capitalize on opportunities.
The Packers' offense, which had struggled with third-down conversions earlier in the season, succeeded on nine of their first 10 third downs to start the game, building a 17-0 cushion in the first half.
Despite Dallas having the worst rushing defense in the league, the Packers managed only 57 rushing yards, but their success on third down and defensive takeaways proved decisive.
Williams' sack was one of the few bright spots for the Cowboys, who struggled to generate consistent pressure on the Packers' offense.
The Cowboys' defensive coordinator, Klayton Adams, had emphasized the need for an offensive identity, but the team's struggles on third down and against the run left them unable to capitalize on opportunities.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer had emphasized the importance of stacking wins earlier in the season, but the team's inconsistent performance left them chasing the game all evening.
Prescott managed to take only one sack despite throwing 54 passes and being pressured constantly, but he couldn't gash the Packers down the field.
The Packers' biggest problem has been their running game, but their success on third down and defensive takeaways proved decisive.
The Cowboys did force an important three-and-out to begin the second half, which helped set up a touchdown drive.
Williams’ sack was one of the Cowboys’ biggest early defensive plays and it was needed to try an inject some optimism in a defense that’s struggled this season.
The Packers' defense, which was allowing 22 points per game coming into the matchup, provided the necessary impact plays to frustrate the Cowboys.
What this adds
The Packers' success on third down and defensive takeaways proved decisive in their victory over the Cowboys.
What's confirmed
- GREEN BAY, Wis. — Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told his players earlier this season that great teams find a way to stack wins.
- That included two conversions on 3rd and 13 and a 9-yard touchdown from Jordan Love to Matthew Golden.
- The Cowboys fell to the Packers 23-13 on Sunday Night Football.
- The Cowboys had an opportunity to climb in the standings with losses by both the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.
- Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams said during the week they needed an identity on offense.
- In their first game since a defensive players-only meeting, the Cowboys were still awful on third down, allowed too many big pass plays and gave up at least 20 points for a franchise-record 13th straight game, but they did record their first interception of the season ( Dee Winters ) and had their first three-sack game of the season.
- Only one of his 34 completions went for longer than 17 yards, and the Packers stopped a pair of fourth downs in scoring territory as well.
- Prescott managed to take only one sack despite throwing 54 passes and being pressured constantly, but he couldn't gash the Packers down the field.
- Converting a league-low 27.6% on third downs on offense coming into the game, the Packers succeeded on their first seven straight – a team high to start a game going back to at least 1978 – and went 9-of-10 in the first half to build a 17-0 cushion.
- "As a defense, we want to get teams in third and long and we've just got to find a way off the field," Cowboys outside linebacker Rashan Gary said.
- "It's about fixing our issues," Prescott said.
What's still developing
- That means opponents were moving the chains on more than half of their third-down opportunities before Jordan Love even stepped onto the field.
- Here are the winners and losers from tonight’s game The Dallas Cowboys arrived at Lambeau Field needing a response after an ugly loss to Tampa Bay, but another slow offensive performance and unprepared defense left Dallas chasing the game all evening.
- The Cowboys need him affecting games rather than simply occupying blockers, the sack showed exactly that.
- Here are the most important things to know for both teams: Most surprising performance: Through five games, the Packers were the worst third-down team in the league, converting only 27.6%.
- The week opened with the Falcons at Packers on Thursday night, continues with 14 games on Sunday, Sept.
- Packers NFL Catchup: Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith On Injury Report; Cowboys Down 4 Defenders Which 0-2 Team Will Turn It Around?
- They create winning streaks, which the Cowboys have done only once in Schottenheimer’s time.
- They allowed a conversion 52.6% of the time through five weeks.
- "Man, it feels good," said QB Jordan Love of getting to 4-2.
- "It's hard to throw when you've got stuff in your face, and I thought the coverage was outstanding," LaFleur said.
- Monday, October 19, 2026 · 5:06 AM ET Updated 5:05 AM ET · 4:18 AM ET Confirmed In Short: The Green Bay Packers secured a 23-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, leveraging strong third-down conversions and defensive takeaways.