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Dallas Cowboys @ Packers: Five Players to Watch

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:20 p.m. ET

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When the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday in Lambeau Field, here are the five players we’ll be watching the most during the NFC matchup.

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This Sunday, the 4-1 Dallas Cowboys will once again head into Lambeau Field to face the 3-1 Green Bay Packers. With several intriguing storylines running throughout this contest on both sides of the ball, here are the five players you should be watching the most when the game kicks off this weekend.

Dak Prescott, QB

Dallas Cowboys, 1,236 yds, 7 Total TDs, 0 INTS

Prescott has led the Cowboys to a 4-1 record without Romo. Something three other veteran quarterbacks couldn’t do last season.

Still without an interception through 155 pass attempts, Dak will attempt to rise above his latest obstacle: The 3-1 Green Bay Packers.

Once again at Lambeau Field, Prescott will try to dismantle the Packers 10th ranked passing defense.

Based on what we’ve seen in his first five games a professional, it’s hard to bet against him. He’s certainly the player highest on everyone’s watch list this Sunday.

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs with the ball for a third quarter touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Ezekiel Elliott, RB

Dallas Cowboys, 546 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 9 recs, 81 yards

After posting totals of 51 and 83 yards in his first two games respectively, the Cowboys 2016 first round selection (fourth overall) has actually slowed down his game.

Instead of trying to hit a home run on every play, Zeke has learned to slow down a bit. By doing so, it has allowed his dominate offensive lineman more time to open up lanes for the speedster out of Ohio State.

The result has been three back-to-back contests of over 100+ rushing yards for Elliott and four straight wins for the Cowboys.

The 21-year old runner faces a tough test on Sunday against a Packers’ defense that’s ranked number one in the league against the rush.

Green Bay’s D has only allowed a total of 171 rushing yards in four games. Opposing running backs are averaging a depressing 2.0 yards per carry against the Packers.

But they haven’t faced anyone like Elliott yet this season either. In fact, the only running back of note they’ve played has been the Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson.

After rushing for 19 yards on 12 carries, Peterson left that game in the third quarter with a knee injury.

Elliott and the Cowboys offensive line versus this so-called top rushing defense will be must-watch TV on Sunday.

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Davante Adams (not pictured) in the second quarter during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers, QB

Green Bay Packers, 876 passing yds, 11 Total TDs, 3 INTS

Through the first four games of the season, Rodgers is completing only 56.1% of his passes. That’s a career low as the Packers’ starter under center.

But it’s all relative. Green Bay is still 3-1, with their only loss coming at the hands of the red hot and currently undefeated Minnesota Vikings. And that Week Two defeat was only decided by a three-point margin, 17-14.

Rodgers is still one of the best, if not the best quarterback in the NFL. He has thrown nine touchdowns and rushed for two more scores in just four games.

And the 32-year old veteran has several weapons at his disposal. His receiving corp includes Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams. He also has tight ends Richard Rodgers (no relation) and Jared Cook in his arsenal as well.

Make no mistake. Despite his slow start, this isn’t the hobbled quarterback the Cowboys could not chase down in the infamous 2014 NFL Playoffs.

If the Cowboys are unable to get pressure on him, Rodgers is certainly capable of cutting Dallas’ defensive secondary up like a world-class surgeon.

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy runs for a first down against New York Giants defender Andrew Adams in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports

Eddie Lacy, RB

Green Bay Packers, 295 rushing yards, 0 TDs

But if Lacy is able to play against Dallas, he could be the X-factor in this matchup.

The former second round pick out of Alabama posted two 1,000+ rushing yard seasons in his first two years in Green Bay.

But last season, Lacy’s weight ballooned up over 250+ pounds and his production on the field fell.

This offseason, the fourth-year running back dropped somewhere between 15 to 20 pounds, and appears to be quicker for it.

The Cowboys defense has struggled against the run at times this season. They currently rank 12th in that category, allowing opposing rushers 475 total yards on the ground in five games.

More disturbing is the fact opposing running backs are averaging 4.6 yards a carry against Dallas’ defense. That’s the fourth highest average in the NFL!

If Lacy can get the ground game going against the Cowboys on Sunday, that makes Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ job that much easier.

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE

Dallas Cowboys, 2015 Stats: 55 tkls, 8.0 sacks, 1 FF

Although Lawrence didn’t make it on the official stat sheet, his presence and return sparked the Cowboys defensive line to have their best game of the season so far.

Racking up four sacks against Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Dallas handily defeated Cincinnati 28-14 last weekend.

Heading to Lambeau Field this Sunday, Lawrence is likely due for his first sack of the season..and possibly more.

The 24-year old pass rusher had a solid game in their previous meeting, recording five total tackles and a sack on Rodgers in the Week 14 loss to the Packers.

If the Cowboys are going to have any kind of success against Green Bay’s All-Pro passer, then Lawrence and the other Cowboys rushmen will need to get consistent pressure on Rodgers.

It’s certainly a matchup worth watching.

So there are our five players to watch for the upcoming Dallas Cowboys @ Green bay Packers game this Sunday at Lambeau Field. Who did we miss? Tell us in the comment section below which player made your top five list and who you’ll be watching come game day.

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