On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys visit the Green Bay Packers for the first time in the postseason since 1967. Back then, the teams were vying for the right to play in Super Bowl II against the American Football League’s Oakland Raiders. As it turned out, the contest would live on throughout history, known as the Ice Bowl.
Green Bay won the game and the ensuing Super Bowl, but has never beaten the Cowboys in a playoff affair since. Dallas has been victorious in each of the last four postseason matchups, all taking place at old Texas Stadium. This time around, it will be Tony Romo trying to lead Dallas to the NFC title game. If he can pull it off, it will be the first time the Cowboys have been that far since Troy Aikman led them there in 1995, when they defeated Brett Favre and the Packers.
On the other sideline is a hobbled but dangerous Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has not thrown an interception at Lambeau Field since 2012 and has the Packers rolling. Green Bay has not lost at home all season, making it the only NFC team to sport an unblemished record in its building. In those eight wins, Rodgers and co. average 39.8 points per game.
If the Cowboys are to pull the upset, or the Packers are to advance, here are three keys to look for:
1. Packers offensive line
Dallas is going to aggressively come after Rodgers. The MVP candidate is dealing with a badly injured calf, limiting his mobility. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will blitz early and often, for more reasons than just the calf. Dallas only has 28 sacks this season, the lowest total of any remaining playoff team. Additionally, the Cowboys know they can not guard Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson man-to-man without getting serious pressure on Rodgers. Marinelli needs his blitzers to get home and force some sacks, holding penalties, turnovers or throwaways. If the Packers can’t handle the blitz, it will be a rough ending to a promising year.
2. DeMarco Murray
Murray led the NFL in rushing this season with 1,845 yards. In the Wild Card round against the Detroit Lions, Murray amassed 75 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown. For Dallas to move onto the NFC Championship game, Murray needs to hit the 100-yard mark and surpass it. The Cowboys have a terrific offensive line led by Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. Murray must find space and create big plays on the ground, while also being a threat in the screen game. If Murray can make enough explosive plays, Rodgers will be on the sideline and Dallas will be in the driver’s seat.
3. Quick start for Dallas
At Lambeau Field, the Packers are a virtual juggernaut. If Dallas falls behind early in this game, it is all over. Green Bay will be able to utilize its play-action passing attack along with a steady dose of underrated back Eddie Lacy. On the other side of the ball, Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers will pin their ears back and hunt for Romo. The Cowboys have to get out in front and control the tempo of this game, otherwise it will be done by halftime.