FRISCO, TX — The Dallas Cowboys (6-2) continue their playoff pursuit on Sunday, Nov. 13, when they travel to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI, to battle the Green Bay Packers (3-6) at 3:25 p.m. This game is the first time ex-Packers Head Coach and current Dallas Head Coach Mike McCarthy returns to Green Bay after the Packers fired him in 2018 after 13 seasons.
McCarthy shared his thoughts on the situation at the Cowboys’ weekly press conference at the star in Frisco on Monday ahead of the matchup. In regards to returning to Lambeau Field, McCarthy said, “Emotional? I think it's like anything else in this league. You have to get ready to go and win. That’s where my mind is regarding the game. Obviously, I have great memories of Green Bay, I spent a lot of time there, but I’m four years removed from working there. I’m looking forward to taking my team up to (Lambeau).”
When asked if he has any extra motivation to beat his old team, he chuckled and said, “I really want to win this game. Is that enough?” He spoke about Green Bay’s importance to his family. “You guys are trying to make me cry. I miss the people. The transition has been so great for me and my family. My kids were born and raised there, but to come here, the lifestyle in Dallas, Tx, is incredible. But still, I miss the people.”
Regardless of how coach McCarthy feels about Green Bay this weekend, the Cowboys have an excellent chance to travel to Lambeau and come home with a win. The Packers are on a 5-game losing streak, with the most recent loss by the Detroit Lions, 15-9, with no surefire way to right the ship. NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers does not look like himself, the O-line is struggling, and their receiving corps can not stay healthy. The defense is also full of injuries, with the Rashan Gary tearing his ACL last weekend, the latest blow to the Packers.
The Packers are only averaging 17.1 points per game this season which is a far cry from teams like the league-leading Kansas City Chiefs, who average 30.4 per game. Additionally, the Cowboys’ defense is a force to deal with this season, and Micah Parsons looks to make a significant impact against the Packers’ weakened offensive line.
However, the Cowboys’ future looks bright. Coming into Green Bay riding a 2-game win streak, they sit in 2nd place in the NFC East behind the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. McCarthy said, “Zeke won’t practice today, but I know he’s making great progress.” The veteran running back looks healthy enough to suit up against the Packers this weekend. DE Sam Williams and S Malik Hooker also return from injury this weekend.
One of the areas where the Cowboys continue to struggle is converting 3rd downs. Having Ezekiel Elliot back will help the Cowboys on early down situations, but the lion's share of the conversions must come from Dak Prescott.
Cowboys Coaches Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore (Contributed: USA Today)
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