Gameday: Dallas » Brats & Beer

November 29, 2007
posted under: Cowboys, Packers, Pre-game

Anybody else wake up today feeling like it’s Christmas? Thank goodness I took the week off from work because I would be worthless at the office today. With the buildup and anticipation of seeing 10-1 Green Bay facing its biggest game of the season, this is certainly the biggest football holiday outside of the post-season; I just hope Santa leaves a good present under the Green & Gold tree tonight.

On a somewhat esoteric note, one of the best things about this game is all the hype and media attention it is deservedly getting. This is the closest thing to a playoff game the young Packers team has faced this year, so win or lose it will be valuable experience for all the rookies and first year players come January when they are playing in the post-season.

That said, I am of course hoping for — and predicting — a Packer victory tonight. There is absolutely no reason Green Bay should lose tonight in Dallas and every reason to expect a Packer victory. The offense is on fire and putting up points like a touchdown machine, while the defense has proven it can shut down opponents when needed and make the big plays that can turn the tide of a game.

Green Bay has several players healthy and back in the lineup, chiefly Nick Collins who will be able to provide coverage over the top against a potent Cowboys passing game. It’s also likely that Charles Woodson will be able to play tonight and the prognosis for KGB has sounded encouraging.

The one spot of concern tonight will be the injury-depleted defensive line. Without the depth that Green Bay has enjoyed all season, there is a greater possibility that the line could get gassed early and give up some big plays late in the game. That makes it especially important for the defense to get off the field on third downs and for the offense to make the most of every possession.

The other big concern for the defense will be Jason Witten. As has been documented all season long, we’ve had trouble covering the tight ends; hopefully Bob Sanders has learned from the past and has a solid plan in place to limit Witten’s impact on the game. And of course there is Terrell Owens, who will get some catches tonight no doubt, but with Al Harris going mano a mano with terrible T.O. and Collins providing support over the top they should be able keep his impact to a minimum as well.

Even if the defense plays solid tonight, the Cowboys will probably find their way to the end zone more often than we’d like, so it is doubly incumbent on Brett Favre and the offense to score early and often. We could see some record-setting passing numbers with the Packers in four and five receiver sets most of the game.

It has been pretty interesting living here in Central Texas and watching the Cowboys coverage on the local and regional channels. You can see the fear in their eyes talking about Favre and the Big 5 formation, and it is clear the local reporters — and maybe a few players, as well — aren’t yet convinced that 10-1 Dallas is as good as their record would indicate; this is as big a test for them as it is for the Packers.

Nine hours until kickoff and I’m as excited as hell. Go Pack go!