'SNF' takeaways: Packers-Cowboys thriller ends in a tie

Here are four takeaways from Sunday's nightcap:

Micah Parsons held in check in back-and-forth affair

Parsons' only sack of the game prevented Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott from scoring what would have been the game-sealer in overtime, but was otherwise kept from leaving a huge impact on the field.

While the Cowboys had to settle for a Brandon Aubrey field goal moments later, Green Bay took the clock all the way down in overtime. Despite nearly running out of time, Packers kicker Brandon McManus nailed a 34-yard field goal to tie the game at 40.

In a game that saw both QBs combine for seven TDs and a hat trick from Packers WR Romeo Doubs (Six catches, 58 yards, three TDs), there was no shortage of action in one of the more thrilling games you will see offensively.

George Pickens steps up for Cowboys

With their star wideout CeeDee Lamb (left ankle) out of action, the offseason trade acquisition Pickens was elevated to the WR1 role and delivered in a major way.

Along with a key TD to put the Cowboys in the lead before the half, Pickens made the go-ahead 28-yard catch with 43 seconds remaining in regulation.

Overall, Pickens had eight catches for 134 yards and two TDs, delivering in clutch moments for a Cowboys team that was down their top target. If Dallas can continue to get that kind of production from Pickens while Lamb is out, it will certainly take it.

Packers must get healthy on offensive line

Injuries have plagued Green Bay's offensive line so far, which has led to multiple combinations and sloppy play at times. Although the Packers eventually scored on each drive, a pair of false starts from guard Sean Rhyan and center Elgton Jenkins on the one-yard line were inexcusable that close to the end zone.

This has been a lingering issue through the first four weeks of the season for the Packers. Starters Aaron Banks (groin) and Zach Tom (oblique) were out for Sunday's game, as was rookie Anthony Belton (ankle), who was expected to fill in for Tom. 

In addition to Tom and Belton, the Packers have also played Jordan Morgan and Darian Kinnard at right tackle, which speaks to the inconsistency they have had putting a healthy offensive line together.

For this team to take that next step, its offensive line must get healthy, especially in tightly-contested games when penalties can prove even more costly.

Cowboys defense is still not right

Following a blocked PAT attempt in the second quarter and a scoring drive from the offense, the Dallas defense got a strip sack from defensive end James Houston late in the first half that led to a second TD within one minute of game action.

Aside from that, it was much of the same for a struggling defense, which allowed five Packers TDs and 489 yards of total offense. One week after giving up a 19-play drive to the Chicago Bears, the Cowboys once again had difficulty getting off the field on defense, which is going to continue to be a problem as the season progresses if it is not fixed soon.