Cowboys vs. Packers: How Dallas Can Attack Jonathan Gannon's Defense | Broaddus's Scout's Eye
Green Bay has a talented, opportunistic defense that can create problems with its pressure packages. But I believe there are opportunities for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys to attack this group, particularly through the passing game.
For me, though, the best path to victory starts with controlling the football on the ground.
Green Bay's defensive numbers are good, but the quality of the quarterback competition raises questions about just how good this unit really is. Three of the Packers' first five opponents entered their matchups with backup quarterbacks.
Dak Prescott will present a different challenge.
What stands out about this Packers defense is the variety of fronts and pressure looks it can show. Jonathan Gannon can present three-down structures, walk linebackers toward the line of scrimmage and change the rush picture after the snap.
Dallas has to be prepared for all of it.
Jonathan Gannon's Pressure Packages
What I would study on tape is how often Green Bay threatens pressure with five or six defenders but ultimately brings only four.
That can cause offensive lines to slide their protection away from the actual rush, leaving a defender with a favorable one-on-one matchup or creating an opening for a stunt.
The coverage behind the pressure also matters. Green Bay can use split-safety and zone principles to protect against explosive passes while forcing quarterbacks to make decisions underneath.
Against Chicago last week, the Packers played nickel on 85.3% of their defensive snaps. They blitzed on just 14.9% of dropbacks but still generated pressure on 40.4%.
That tells me they don't necessarily need to blitz to affect the quarterback. Their coverage can force him to hold the football, giving the rush time to get home.
Green Bay has also used more aggressive pressure packages over the course of the season. Dallas needs to be ready for both approaches rather than assuming the Packers will show the same look on every passing down.
Where I Would Attack Green Bay's Run Defense
This is where I see the biggest opportunity for Dallas.
Green Bay is allowing 127.6 rushing yards per game, and its defensive front has taken some significant injury hits.
Javon Hargrave suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, while other defensive linemen have also been dealing with injuries. Those absences could affect the Packers' ability to rotate players and maintain their physical presence throughout the game.
Dallas needs to test the middle with Javonte Williams.
I would be particularly interested in inside zone and duo concepts to see whether Green Bay's linebackers can consistently fit the run and whether the defensive front can hold its ground.
The goal isn't necessarily to run the same play over and over. It's to establish enough success on early downs that Green Bay cannot sit back and dictate every passing situation.
If Dallas can make the Packers respect the run, it changes the possibilities for the entire offense.
It also helps keep Prescott out of obvious passing situations, where Gannon can unleash his pressure packages.
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens Can Create Problems
The next area I would attack is Green Bay's cornerbacks.
The Packers have productive safeties, but Dallas has two receivers who can win individual matchups.
I'd look for CeeDee Lamb working inside against zone coverage, with George Pickens isolated outside.
Make Green Bay decide what it wants to take away.
Does it want to protect the corners with safety help? Or does it want to commit another defender to stopping the run?
The Cowboys need to force those decisions.
Lamb can find openings underneath and in the intermediate areas, while Pickens has the size and ability to win contested throws when the coverage leaves him isolated.
Those are the types of matchups Dallas should be trying to create.
But it starts with protection. The Cowboys have to give Prescott enough time to recognize the coverage and deliver the football before the pressure closes in.
Watch for Pressure From the Slots
Green Bay is willing to bring pressure from different places, including its secondary.
The Packers have blitzed on 33.2% of opposing dropbacks this season and generated pressure at a 42.2% rate, according to the figures in my scouting notes.
That makes formation and protection communication particularly important.
The more condensed the formation, the more opportunities Green Bay can have to bring pressure from the slot and challenge the offense's protection rules.
The Cowboys struggled with Tampa Bay's pressure last week. Gannon will have seen that tape, and Prescott has already acknowledged that he expects the Packers to test his protection.
I would expect Green Bay to challenge Dallas with simulated pressure, overload looks and linebacker movement.
Dallas must have answers built into its protections and routes.
The offensive line needs to identify where the pressure is coming from, while Prescott and the receivers have to be on the same page when the defense changes the picture after the snap.
One missed assignment can turn a manageable down into a drive-killing play.
How Dallas Can Keep Green Bay From Dictating the Game
I see a Green Bay defense that is playing with confidence, taking the football away and finding ways to generate pressure without Micah Parsons.
But I also see a defense that can be challenged physically in the running game, particularly with injuries affecting its defensive front.
The key for Dallas is not allowing Green Bay's pressure to dictate the game.
Establish some success running the football. Keep Prescott out of predictable passing situations. Force the Packers' corners to cover without constant safety help.
And make Gannon adjust to what the Cowboys are doing rather than allowing him to control the matchup.
Dallas also needs to be smart with the football. Green Bay has shown an ability to create takeaways, and a turnover can quickly erase the benefits of a productive offensive drive.
The Cowboys have the personnel to make plays against this defense, but they have to execute their plan consistently.
THE SCOUT'S EYE
The matchup I'm most interested in watching is Gannon's third-down pressure packages against Dak Prescott's protection adjustments.
That could decide the game.
Green Bay wants to force the quarterback to hold the football, create confusion up front and take advantage of mistakes. Dallas needs to counter that by controlling the game on the ground and making the Packers defend every area of the field.
To get around this defense, the Cowboys are going to need to run the ball and do their best to control the game up front.
Try to bully this Packers defense.
Make Green Bay defend the run, make its corners cover, and don't allow the pressure packages to take Prescott out of his rhythm.
That approach could also help protect Christian Parker's defense by keeping the Cowboys' offense on the field and limiting the number of possessions it has to defend.
The Cowboys have an opportunity here, but they'll have to earn it.
— Bryan Broaddus
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