The Packers looked to get back on track after blowing an early 10-point lead at home to the Eagles in week four, losing 34-27. Their task would not be easy, taking on the 3-1 Cowboys in Dallas.
After failing to move the ball on the first possession, the Packers defense was on their heels as Dallas drove down the field. A timely interception by Jaire Alexander at the Packers’ 16 halted a potential scoring drive. Green Bay took advantage, marching the ball 47 yards on five plays, culminating in an 18-yard scamper by Aaron Jones to put the Packers up, 7-0. Following another defensive stand, Green Bay’s offense was in full gear, moving down the field at will, 89 yards with another Jones touchdown run to put the Packers ahead 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Continuing excellent defensive play set up the Packers for an impressive, time-consuming 12-play drive in the second quarter. Although failing to cash in with a touchdown, the Packers went up by 17 following a Mason Crosby 20-yard field goal.
Aaron Jones continued to run through the Dallas defense in the third quarter, scoring on runs from five yards and one yard out, giving the Packers a seemingly commanding 31-3 lead. However, the Cowboys defense started to tighten, while the offense got into gear. After a 40-yard strike from Dak Prescott to Michael Gallup, the Packers lead 31-10.
Another offensive sputter by the Packers late in the third gave the Cowboys the ball back and it didn’t take them long to deliver. After five plays and 70 yards later, Ezekiel Elliott found the endzone, cutting into the lead even more at 31-17.
A clutch field goal by Crosby from 38-yards out made it a three-possession game at 34-17 halfway through the fourth quarter. Just two plays later, the Cowboys struck again, this time a 53-yard catch and run by Amari Cooper to cut the lead to 34-24.
Trying to hold on to avoid the biggest single game collapse in league history, the Packers allowed the Cowboys to march 68 yard on 10 plays to get up a field goal to make it a one possession game. Fortunately, Maher missed from 33-yards out. The Packers survived to win, 34-24.
Aaron Rodgers managed the game nicely, going 22-for-34 for 238 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the Aaron Jones show, scoring four times and rushing for 102 yards on 19 carries. Dak Prescott threw for 463 yards but was intercepted three times, while Ezekiel Elliot was kept in check, rushing for 62 on 12 carries.
The Packers keep their lead in NFC North with a 4-1 record. They’re now headed back home to face the Lions Monday night, October 14 with first place in the division on the line.