Packers @ Cowboys - T.N.F. preview!
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by Crackajg
This game will mark the eighth time ever that two 10-1 teams have met in the regular season. With that said, while most people think these two will meet again in the NFC championship, I do not. Whoever loses this game will go into a downward spiral and not carry enough momentum into the playoffs. I say this because I am a genius, and you should listen to me. So… yeah.
Anyway, in the interests of being fair and balanced, let’s break down this game into different categories. Unlike the last preview, we will break it down into offense vs. defense, vice versa and coaching. It is much easier that way, and I like easy. I will also try and sprinkle various witty and entertaining comments throughout this preview, but the keyword is ‘try’. I’m not making ANY promises. Let’s begin.
Cowboys offense vs. Packers defense
The key here obviously, is if Charles Woodson is going to play. He will be a game time decision along with defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Not only does Charles Woodson effect Green Bay’s defensive play, but he also effects the special teams.
The Cowboys offense has been great this year. In fact, it is ranked second in the league overall behind the mighty Patriots. However, many times they didn’t get the offense going until the second half. If the Packers defensive line can get pressure on Romo and maybe rough him up a bit, and succeed in stopping Marion ‘the Barbarian’ Barber (Best nickname in the history of nicknames, I think). Common sense? Yes. Did it need to be said? Also yes.
Edge: Even…
What was that?
Fine, I won’t be a pussy…
Edge: Cowboys
Packers offense vs. Cowboys defense
I’ve waited for the Packers offense to shit the bed for the first eight to nine weeks of the season. After that, I realized they might actually be pretty good. I was surprised to learn though, that they are third overall behind the Patriots and Cowboys in total offense. Weird.
Dallas has the seventh ranked defense in the league. So this is going to be the most competitive part of the game. (Cowboys O vs. Packers D will be competitive too, but the Cowboys O is ranked 2nd while the Packers D is ranked 12th - a great match up but not as good as the one we’re talking about in this section. On a side note, I place a TON of emphasis on offensive and defensive rankings this late in the season. I’m shallow like that).
I’m still skeptical about Ryan Grant (albeit, pissed I didn’t pick him up with one of my 2 FA bids in my fantasy league) so I think we’re going to learn a lot about him in this game.
In weird little retarded stat side note, Brett Favre is 0-8 in Texas stadium. Does this mean anything? Absolutely not. Will he be 0-9 after this game? I don’t know, wait until the end…
Edge: Cowboys
Mike McCarthy vs. Wade Phillips
While this is technically Mike McCarthy’s first successful season, I just don’t like Wade Phillips for some reason. Will this cause me to give the edge to McCarthy? What do you think I am, an asshole? However, I do think Mike McCarthy is a better game planner. Wade Phillips looks like he’d rather play Candy land with Tony Romo instead of planning for an actual game.
Edge: Packers
So there we have it. Thanks to my generous nature, we have now broken down the major parts of the game. We didn’t break it down to electron size like most people, but I hope we have all gotten a general gist of what’s going to be happening here. I’m not a fucking scientist, so if you want someone to break down left guard vs. defensive tackle/end than I apologize.
Now, who I do think will win? In my heart of hearts, I believe the Cowboys will win this one. And I always go with my heart of hearts feeling for my picks. If any of you have read my picks on Football Crack each week, you also know that my heart of heart feelings are NEVER fucking right. I think I’m batting just below .500 for the year and well, that is just not acceptable.
So, in a prediction that means absolutely nothing except to give closure to this spectacular preview…
Cowboys: 31 Packers: 27
Here’s to hoping you have NFL Network, too. Cause if you don’t than that just sucks. : /
[Original post can be found at http://www.sportcrack.net]
I think the Cowboys will win, but I'm going to be rooting for the Packers. If that makes any sense.
If Grant isn't playing, maybe the Pack will take a bit more out of the Patriots playbook? Last year when they played the Vikings -- hardly ever ran and spread the offense, beating them through the pass. If they do that effectively and Favre minimizes his mistakes (like he's been doing all year) the Packers have a great shot in this one.