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Thanks to their victory over the Lions last night, the Dallas Cowboys earned a trip to Green Bay in the playoffs for the first time since the legendary Ice Bowl in 1967. Awaiting them will be a motivated and fresh Packers team, one that hopefully has a healthier quarterback leading its offense.
If not, though, Aaron Rodgers proved eight days ago that he's able to be effective exclusively from the pocket, and he'll have a talented running game to rely on as well. Against a Dallas defense that is towards the bottom of the league in pass defense and in rushing touchdowns allowed, that should bode well for Green Bay on Sunday.
In today's curds, we begin the look ahead to Sunday's game by examining some key facets of the Packers' success this season before we really dig deep into previewing their opponents.
Lambeau advantage is ‘real’ this year for Packers | Packers.com
Welcome to Lambeau Field, Dallas Cowboys. Look on our works, ye mighty, and despair.
Packers' defense transformed by cornerbacks' coverage | JSOnline
The eight-man box and heavy blitzing has put a lot of pressure on the Packers' corners to maintain one-on-one coverage. That tactic will be put to the test this week by Dez Bryant, who typically commands a double-team on most plays.
Rodgers' awareness is offense's ultimate advantage | Packersnews.com
For example: Rodgers has forced seven 12-men-on-the-field penalties against opposing defenses this year, almost double what any other entire team has done.
Green Bay Packers' Richard Rodgers, Davante Adams take on expectations - ESPN
The thing is, they internalize is rather than talking about how they're going to take over the league. These two will likely be a big part of the gameplan this week, though.
St. Louis Rams owner planning stadium site in Los Angeles - ESPN Los Angeles
Ruh roh. The Rams' lease at the Edward Jones Dome can become a year-to-year deal shortly, which combined with Stan Kroenke's plans looks like it's paving the way for a move in the next few years.
Refs explain picking up controversial pass interference flag against Cowboys - SBNation.com
The bigger issue here was the handling of the call, not the actual decision to overturn it in the first place.
Refs aside, Jim Caldwell helped the Lions lose to the Cowboys - SBNation.com
Then again, not going for it on 4th and 1 from the 46...we remember all too well what happens when you do that (cough, Eagles game, 2003 playoffs, cough)...the Lions deserved to end up with a 10-yard punt.