In a stunning wild-card matchup, the Green Bay Packers emerged victorious, handing the Dallas Cowboys their first home loss since the 2022 season opener. Led by a stellar performance from quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers secured a 48-32 win over the Cowboys on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Love, making his postseason debut, threw three touchdown passes, while running back Aaron Jones rushed for three more touchdowns. The Packers' defense also contributed to the victory, with Darnell Savage returning an interception 64 yards for a touchdown.
After finishing the regular season with a record of 10-8, the Packers secured the NFC's final playoff spot. They will now face the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round next weekend.
The Cowboys, who entered the game as the No. 2 seed with a record of 12-6, struggled to find their rhythm. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions before managing to connect for three touchdown passes later in the game. However, it was not enough to turn the tide in favor of Dallas.
Prior to this game, the Cowboys had won all 16 of their regular-season home games. This loss not only ended their long-standing home winning streak but also marked the highest number of points allowed in a playoff game in the organization's history. The previous record was 38 points.
The defeat raises questions about the future of Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, as this marks the second time in three postseasons that Dallas has lost their playoff opener at home under his leadership.
While the Cowboys have consistently had strong regular-season performances in recent years, they have struggled to advance deep into the playoffs. Their last appearance in the NFC championship game dates back 28 years to their most recent Super Bowl title.
On the other hand, the Packers have had success at AT&T Stadium, remaining undefeated in all six of their visits. This includes their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl during the 2010 season. The Packers have also secured two playoff wins against the Cowboys, the most recent one being a 34-31 divisional round victory in 2016, which marked Prescott's rookie year.
Facing the Cowboys' fifth-ranked defense, the Packers offense put on a dominant display, matching the highest number of points scored in a playoff game in the franchise's history. The previous record was set during a 48-21 road victory against the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons in the 2010 divisional round.
Wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a breakout performance for the Packers, racking up a career-high 151 receiving yards. Doubs had previously been hospitalized with a chest injury but made a remarkable recovery to contribute significantly to his team's victory.
The Packers' offensive success was complemented by their defense, which capitalized on Prescott's mistake by intercepting him and setting up a touchdown. Jaire Alexander, despite being questionable due to an ankle injury, made the interception at the Dallas 19-yard line.
Moving forward, the Packers can carry this momentum into their upcoming divisional round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who secured the top seed in the NFC. With Love leading the way, Green Bay will aim to continue their playoff journey and potentially reach the conference championship.
In contrast, the Cowboys will need to evaluate their performance and address the shortcomings that have prevented them from making deep playoff runs in recent seasons. The focus may fall on their coaching staff, particularly head coach Mike McCarthy, as they seek to make necessary adjustments for future success.
Overall, the Packers' victory over the Cowboys in this wild-card matchup will go down as a memorable moment in their postseason history. With impressive offensive performances from Love, Jones, and Doubs, as well as a strong defensive showing, Green Bay showcased its potential to be a formidable contender in the playoffs.
