:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57057699/usa_today_10335843.0.jpg)
That was an ugly 30 minutes.
Still, the Green Bay Packers are within striking distance of the Dallas Cowboys, despite significant struggles on the offensive line and on defense. Dallas leads 21-12, and the Packers will receive the opening kickoff.
Green Bay gave up a touchdown on the opening series, one that was aided significantly by a questionable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Blake Martinez on what should have been a third down stop. Instead, the Cowboys scored a touchdown to go up 7-0 early.
The Packers responded immediately, however, with Aaron Rodgers leading a beautiful opening drive and hitting Davante Adams for a touchown. However, Mason Crosby hit the right upright on the PAT, keeping the Packers down 7-6.
After that, Dallas exposed a Packers defense that got shorthanded quickly due to injuries to cornerback Kevin King and safety Kentrell Brice. They scored two more touchdowns before the Packers responded with a long touchdown drive of their own, as Aaron Jones burst in from about six yards out. However, a bad snap by Taybor Pepper and a bad hold by Justin Vogel led to a second straight missed PAT, keeping the Packers nine points back.
Aaron Rodgers has been sacked three times so far, including twice on one three-and-out series.
Join us here for the second half.