Down but not out. The Green Bay Packers trailed by 14 points in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys before storming back to pull off a 31-28 win in overtime. With seven games left on the schedule, the Packers improved to 4-6 and are still in the mix for the postseason.
It was an unfortunate ending for Mike McCarthy, whose homecoming was spoiled by the team that fired him in 2018. This was Dallas’ game to lose after capitalizing on a muffed punt and forcing a three-and-out before driving 86 yards to go up by 14 in the third quarter.
Earlier in the season, this Green Bay team would have folded in such adverse conditions. However, with the season and the prospect of a six-game losing streak on the line, they decided to fight.
The Packers rallied to score 14 points in the fourth quarter to tie the game, and maybe could’ve won it in regulation if not for poor game management from Matt LaFleur. With one minute and 38 seconds remaining in regulation, Green Bay’s offense showed very little urgency when they needed only 30 yards to attempt a field goal. Rodgers said after the game he was upset with the play calling that led to a wasted opportunity.
“Our guys bailed me out,” a relieved LaFleur said postgame.
After losing the overtime coin toss, Green Bay’s defense rose to the occasion by stopping the Cowboys on fourth down to give the ball to Rodgers, who delivered like he has many times during his illustrious career. The most pivotal play came on third down when Rodgers found Allen Lazard on a slant for a 36-yard catch and run that eventually set up Mason Crosby’s game-winner.
Sunday’s come-from-behind win may have saved the Packers’ season momentarily, though they have a quick around with another challenging opponent in the 6-3 Tennessee Titans coming to town on Thursday. But before we look ahead, let’s look back at the standouts from Green Bay’s improbable week 10 win.