Three Halftime Takeaways From 17-0 Deficit Against Packers

The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of work to do after falling behind the Green Bay Packers 17-0 at halftime of their Week 6 matchup at Lambeau Field on Sunday night. Dallas has struggled to get its offense moving, and Dak Prescott’s two interceptions have made the comeback attempt even more difficult. Meanwhile, the defense has been unable to consistently slow down Jordan Love and Green Bay’s offense.

The Cowboys entered the game looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead, they face another difficult second half as they try to get back into the game. Here are three takeaways from the first half.

Cowboys’ defense struggles against Jordan Love

Dallas’ defensive issues have carried over from last week’s loss to Tampa Bay. Love and the Packers moved the ball effectively on their opening possession, putting together a 14-play, 90-yard drive that ended with a nine-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden.

Green Bay consistently found ways to extend the drive, converting all four of its third-down opportunities on the opening possession. Love also connected with Christian Watson on a 27-yard reception during the drive, giving the Packers another opportunity to attack Dallas through the air.

The Cowboys’ defense surrendered another touchdown when Love scored on a one-yard rushing attempt in the second quarter. Green Bay also added a 25-yard field goal, building a 17-point advantage before halftime.

Dallas entered the matchup with significant concerns on defense after allowing 241 rushing yards to Tampa Bay in Week 5. Against Green Bay, the Cowboys have again struggled to get the stops needed to keep the game close. They must find a way to pressure Love, limit the Packers’ scoring opportunities and force a few mistakes of their own after halftime.

Dak Prescott’s two interceptions put Cowboys in a deeper hole 

Prescott’s turnovers have compounded Dallas’ offensive struggles. The Cowboys entered halftime without a point on the scoreboard, and the quarterback’s two interceptions have made it even more difficult for the offense to establish a rhythm.

Dallas needs Prescott to protect the football while trying to climb back into the game. Instead, the turnovers have put additional pressure on an offense that has yet to turn its possessions into points. Against a Packers team that has already built a three-score lead, giving away opportunities is particularly costly.

Prescott still has CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and the rest of Dallas’ offensive weapons available to help spark a comeback. However, the Cowboys need better decision-making, improved execution and more productive drives in the second half.

The offense cannot afford to keep giving Green Bay additional opportunities. If Dallas hopes to make the game competitive, Prescott must take better care of the football while finding ways to move the ball downfield and finish drives with points.

KaVontae Turpin’s injury adds to Dallas’ concerns 

The Cowboys also lost an important special-teams contributor early in the game. Returner KaVontae Turpin suffered a rib injury on the opening kickoff and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

Turpin’s absence takes away one of Dallas’ most dangerous options in the return game. Losing a player with his speed and ability to create explosive plays reduces the Cowboys’ options on special teams at a time when they need contributions from every unit.

Although Turpin’s injury is not the primary reason Dallas trails by 17 points, it adds another challenge to an already difficult night. The Cowboys must adjust their return game while finding answers on both sides of the ball.

Dallas now has to regroup at halftime and respond in all three phases. The defense needs to limit Love, Prescott must eliminate the turnovers, and the offense has to start producing points. The Cowboys still have a full half to respond, but they need a much stronger performance after the break to give themselves a chance.