Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats from January 14, 2024, paint a picture of one of the most stunning playoff upsets in recent NFL memory. In a game that shocked the football world, the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers dismantled the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys 48-32 at AT&T Stadium, ending Dallas’s incredible 16-game home winning streak in spectacular fashion. Jordan Love’s playoff debut couldn’t have been scripted better, while Aaron Jones returned to his childhood favorite team’s stadium to deliver a performance for the ages.

The dallas cowboys vs green bay packers match player stats reveal a tale of two halves that never materialized for the home team. Key storylines dominated the buildup: Could rookie playoff quarterback Jordan Love handle the pressure? Would the Cowboys’ top-ranked defense shut down Green Bay’s offense? Could Dallas avoid their recent playoff struggles at home? The answers came swiftly and decisively, with the Packers scoring touchdowns on six of their first seven offensive possessions while building a commanding 48-16 lead before Dallas added cosmetic late scores.

Read More: Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles Stats

Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field

Teams and Key Players

Game Details

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

Additional Breakdown Details

What Was the Event?

This was an NFC Wild Card Playoff game, the opening round of the NFL postseason where the seventh-seeded Green Bay Packers faced the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys.

Where Was the Match Held?

The game took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most iconic venues with a capacity of over 80,000.

When Did It Take Place?

The matchup occurred on Sunday, January 14, 2024, during the NFL’s Wild Card weekend, with kickoff in the evening under the retractable roof on a frigid day in the Dallas area.

Why Was the Match Significant?

This game carried enormous significance as Dallas entered as heavy favorites with a 12-5 record and an incredible 16-game home winning streak. The Cowboys sought to break their recent playoff struggles at home, while rookie playoff quarterback Jordan Love made his postseason debut for Green Bay. The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats would ultimately reveal one of the biggest playoff upsets in recent memory.

How Did It Unfold Generally?

The Packers dominated from the opening drive, building a stunning 27-0 halftime advantage that left the home crowd in shocked silence. Green Bay’s offense was unstoppable early, scoring touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions, while the defense forced two critical turnovers including a pick-six. Dallas mounted a desperate fourth-quarter rally that made the final score more respectable, but the game’s outcome was never in doubt after the Packers built their massive early lead.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Packers Set the Tone

Key Moments: Green Bay received the opening kickoff and immediately marched down the field on a methodical 12-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 7:52 of game clock. Aaron Jones capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving the Packers an early 7-0 lead. The Cowboys’ offense struggled to find any rhythm against Green Bay’s aggressive defense, going three-and-out on their opening possession.

Shifts in Momentum: The Packers seized control from the first snap, establishing both their running game with Jones and Love’s efficient passing. Dallas’s highly-touted defense, ranked fifth in the NFL, looked confused and out of sync.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Jaire Alexander, who was questionable with an ankle injury suffered during the week, played and made an immediate impact for Green Bay’s secondary.

Notable Strategies: Green Bay employed play-action passes off their effective running game, keeping Dallas’s pass rush off-balance. The Cowboys tried to establish the run with Tony Pollard but faced stacked boxes.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Table:

Extra Insights: The home crowd at AT&T Stadium started loud but grew increasingly quiet as the Packers controlled the tempo and time of possession.

Second Quarter: Complete Domination

Key Moments: This quarter belonged entirely to Green Bay. Aaron Jones scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard run to make it 14-0. After a missed extra point on Dontayvion Wicks’s 20-yard touchdown catch, the crushing blow came when Darnell Savage intercepted Dak Prescott’s pass intended for CeeDee Lamb and returned it 64 yards for a pick-six, extending the lead to 27-0 with 1:50 left in the half. Dallas finally got on the board with a Jake Ferguson 1-yard touchdown catch as time expired.

Shifts in Momentum: The Savage pick-six completely silenced an already shell-shocked home crowd. The Packers were in complete control, executing flawlessly on both sides of the ball.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Romeo Doubs, who had been hospitalized with a chest injury just a week earlier, showed no ill effects with multiple big catches including a 46-yard reception.

Notable Strategies: Green Bay continued attacking Dallas’s secondary with precision passing. The Cowboys tried various defensive schemes but couldn’t slow Love or the Packers’ offensive attack.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Table:

Extra Insights: The halftime statistics were staggering—Green Bay had built a 20-point lead while the “retractable roof on a frigid day” crowd sat in stunned silence. This marked the Cowboys’ first home deficit since the 2022 season opener.

Third Quarter: Packers Extend Lead

Key Moments: Dallas opened the second half with a 12-play, 60-yard drive resulting in a Brandon Aubrey 34-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 27-10. However, Green Bay responded immediately with Aaron Jones’s third rushing touchdown, a 9-yard run that pushed the lead back to 34-10. The Cowboys answered with an 11-play, 88-yard drive capped by Tony Pollard’s 1-yard touchdown run (failed two-point conversion made it 34-16), but Luke Musgrave’s 38-yard touchdown catch from Love restored Green Bay’s commanding advantage at 41-16.

Shifts in Momentum: Despite two Dallas scores, the Packers continued to answer decisively, never allowing the Cowboys to build any real hope of a comeback.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams remained relatively healthy, with rotational players getting increased snaps as the game situation became more lopsided.

Notable Strategies: Green Bay showed no mercy, continuing to attack downfield rather than playing conservatively with their big lead. Dallas tried to establish longer drives to keep Love off the field.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Table:

Extra Insights: The third quarter demonstrated Green Bay’s killer instinct—every time Dallas scored, the Packers had an immediate answer to crush any momentum.

Fourth Quarter: Garbage Time Drama

Key Moments: Romeo Doubs caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Love to extend Green Bay’s lead to 48-16 with 10:23 remaining, effectively ending any doubt about the outcome. Dallas added two late touchdowns—Jake Ferguson’s 7-yard and 14-yard catches from Prescott, both with successful two-point conversions—to make the final score more respectable at 48-32.

Shifts in Momentum: There was no real momentum shift; Dallas’s late scoring came with the game long decided and Green Bay playing prevent defense.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams substituted freely with backups getting playing time in the blowout.

Notable Strategies: The Packers played soft coverage and ran clock, while Dallas abandoned any semblance of defense to score quickly and attempt an onside kick.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Table:

Extra Insights: The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats from this quarter showed Dallas padding statistics in garbage time, but the game’s narrative had been written long before the fourth quarter began.

Highlight Standout Performances

Star Players and Their Stats

Shooting Percentages (Passing Efficiency)

Key Offensive Statistics

Defensive Stats – Tackles, Sacks, Turnovers

Clutch Moments

• Darnell Savage’s Pick-Six (Q2): With Green Bay leading 20-0, Savage intercepted Prescott’s pass intended for Lamb and raced 64 yards untouched for a touchdown, building an insurmountable 27-0 halftime lead. This play completely demoralized the home crowd and Cowboys.
• Aaron Jones’s First TD (Q1): The opening drive touchdown set the tone immediately, with Jones powering through for 3 yards to cap a dominant 12-play drive that consumed nearly eight minutes.
• Jaire Alexander’s Interception (Q2): Alexander, playing hurt, picked off Prescott at the Dallas 19-yard line, setting up another Packers touchdown and demonstrating Green Bay’s defensive dominance.
• Luke Musgrave’s 38-Yard TD (Q3): After Dallas had scored to cut the lead to 34-16 and seemingly gain momentum, Love found Musgrave for a backbreaking 38-yard touchdown that restored the 25-point advantage.

Leadership and Teamwork

Aaron Jones displayed emotional leadership throughout, playing against his childhood favorite team while honoring his late father. Jordan Love showed remarkable poise in his playoff debut, never forcing throws and making smart decisions. Matt LaFleur’s game plan was executed to perfection, with the Packers’ offensive line dominating the trenches. For Dallas, Dak Prescott tried to rally his team but faced constant pressure and couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats reflected superior team execution from Green Bay across all three phases of the game.

Key Statistics

Final Score

Total Offensive Production

Turnover Battle

Time of Possession

Defensive Statistics

Penalty Comparison

Scoring by Quarter Breakdown

Quotes and Reactions

Player Reactions

• Aaron Jones (Packers RB): “This was my dad’s team. You always want to be like your father, so that’s how it became my team. Dallas is a special place to me, so it’s a full-circle moment. It feels like home.” Jones’s emotional tribute to his late father while playing against his childhood team added a powerful human element to his three-touchdown performance.
• Jordan Love (Packers QB): “We came in here with a mindset of we’re going to dominate. A lot of people were counting us out, and we didn’t care about that.” Love’s confidence in his playoff debut showed maturity beyond his experience, backing up his words with a near-flawless performance.
• Dak Prescott (Cowboys QB): “Just shocked, honestly. From the beginning of the game, we got beat. There’s no which way around it. There’s no way to sugar coat it. Shock.” Prescott’s raw honesty captured the stunning nature of the loss and Dallas’s complete inability to compete from the opening whistle.

Post-Game Analysis

• Darnell Savage (Packers S) on his pick-six: “They were mad at me ’cause I wasn’t celebrating afterward. I was like, ‘We gotta keep playing.’ But it was definitely a momentum swing in the game, I think.” Savage’s maturity in the moment showed veteran composure despite being young in his career.
• Matt LaFleur (Packers Head Coach): “That was fun.” LaFleur’s understated reaction belied the significance of defeating his former team (Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys) in such dominant fashion in a playoff game.

Key Takeaways from Analysts

• ESPN analysts noted that Green Bay matched their Super Bowl-winning 2010 team for most points in a playoff game, highlighting the offensive explosion.
• The Cowboys became the first team to win at least 12 games in three consecutive seasons without reaching a conference championship game, underscoring their playoff failures.
• Jordan Love’s 76.2% completion percentage and three touchdowns without an interception marked one of the best playoff debuts by a quarterback in recent history.
• Aaron Jones’s 488 career yards against Dallas in just four games, with nine touchdowns, established him as a Cowboys killer.
• The Packers’ undefeated record (6-0) at AT&T Stadium, including this playoff game and Super Bowl XLV, gave them complete psychological dominance at the venue.

Emotional Reactions

The post-game atmosphere reflected the stark contrast between the teams. Green Bay’s locker room celebrated not just a win, but validation after finishing 9-8 and grabbing the seventh seed. Players embraced the underdog role they’d been given all week. Meanwhile, Dallas’s locker room was described as “stunned silence” with players struggling to comprehend how their 12-5 season and 16-game home winning streak had ended so abruptly and decisively. The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats told a story of complete domination that left one team elated and another searching for answers.

Match Analysis

What Went Right for Green Bay

Offensive Execution

• Jordan Love’s playoff debut was nearly perfect, completing 76.2% of his passes with three touchdowns and zero turnovers. His decision-making and accuracy under pressure far exceeded expectations for a first-time playoff quarterback.
• Aaron Jones dominated against his childhood favorite team, rushing for 118 yards and three touchdowns while maintaining a stellar 5.6 yards per carry average. His emotional connection to the game translated into physical dominance.
• Romeo Doubs emerged as the clutch receiver, posting a career-high 151 yards on six catches just one week after being hospitalized with a chest injury. His ability to beat single coverage stretched Dallas’s defense.
• The offensive line protected Love beautifully, allowing only one sack and giving him time to find open receivers downfield. Their run blocking created massive holes for Jones and the ground game.
• Red zone efficiency was perfect (4-for-4), with Green Bay converting every opportunity inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns, demonstrating excellent play-calling and execution.

Defensive Dominance

• Two turnovers changed the game’s complexion, with Darnell Savage’s 64-yard pick-six and Jaire Alexander’s interception deep in Dallas territory directly leading to 14 points.
• The secondary consistently blanketed Dallas receivers, forcing Prescott into tight windows and bad decisions. Alexander played through injury to deliver a crucial performance.
• Pass rush timing disrupted Prescott’s rhythm without generating traditional sack numbers, hurrying throws and forcing mistakes.
• Third-down defense held strong when it mattered most in the first half, preventing Dallas from sustaining drives during the crucial opening periods.

Special Teams Contributions

• Anders Carlson made all but one extra point attempt, providing reliable scoring on PATs and field goals.
• Kickoff coverage prevented big returns that could have given Dallas short fields and momentum.

What Went Wrong for Dallas

Defensive Collapse

• The fifth-ranked defense in the NFL completely failed to slow Green Bay’s attack, allowing touchdowns on six of the Packers’ first seven offensive possessions—an unacceptable performance.
• Defensive backs couldn’t cover Doubs, Wicks, or Musgrave, consistently getting beat deep and giving up explosive plays that extended drives and crushed momentum.
• Pass rush generated only one sack despite facing a playoff-inexperienced quarterback, failing to create pressure that forces mistakes.
• Red zone defense was abysmal, allowing Green Bay to score touchdowns on all four trips inside the 20-yard line.
• Tackling was poor throughout, with multiple missed tackles extending plays and allowing chunk yardage.

Offensive Struggles

• Two costly turnovers by Prescott—including the pick-six to Savage—spotted Green Bay 14 points and killed any momentum Dallas tried to build.
• The running game was completely ineffective in the first half, with Tony Pollard managing just 56 yards on 15 carries (3.7 YPC), failing to establish any ground presence.
• Slow starts plagued the offense, going scoreless in the first quarter and not finding the end zone until the final seconds of the first half.
• Third-down conversions came too late, with most success happening in garbage time when Green Bay played prevent defense.
• Offensive line struggled to protect Prescott early, though sack numbers were low due to quick throws forced by coverage pressure.

Coaching and Strategy Issues

• Mike McCarthy’s game plan appeared unprepared for Green Bay’s defensive schemes and offensive aggression.
• Defensive adjustments never materialized—the same issues that plagued the first quarter continued throughout the competitive portion of the game.
• Clock management and timeout usage seemed panicked rather than strategic, particularly in the second quarter.
• The team showed no answers when facing adversity, appearing shell-shocked rather than resilient.

Controversial Calls and Game-Changing Moments

The Pick-Six Darnell Savage’s 64-yard interception return for touchdown completely demoralized Dallas and the home crowd. Coming with the Packers already leading 20-0 at the 1:50 mark of the second quarter, this play effectively ended the competitive portion of the game. Prescott’s decision to throw the slant to Lamb, with Savage in perfect position, represented a crucial mental error at the worst possible time.

Jaire Alexander’s Interception Playing through a questionable ankle injury, Alexander picked off Prescott at the Dallas 19-yard line in the second quarter, setting up another Packers touchdown. This turnover demonstrated Green Bay’s superior preparation and execution despite injury concerns, while highlighting Dallas’s mental mistakes under pressure.

Fourth-Down Failures Dallas went 0-for-2 on fourth-down attempts while Green Bay converted their only try, demonstrating the contrasting aggression and execution levels between the teams. McCarthy’s conservative approach backfired, while LaFleur’s calculated risks paid dividends.

No Controversial Officiating Remarkably, no controversial referee calls affected this game’s outcome—the result was purely dictated by one team’s superior performance over another. The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats showed a clean game from an officiating perspective.

Recent Form and Context

Green Bay’s Momentum The Packers entered the playoffs having won six of their last eight regular season games to secure the seventh seed. Jordan Love had developed into a confident quarterback during that stretch, while the defense found its identity. This hot streak carried directly into the playoff game, with Green Bay playing their most complete game of the season at the perfect time.

Dallas’s Regular Season Dominance The Cowboys finished 12-5 with an 8-0 home record and had won 16 consecutive home games dating back to 2022. They captured the NFC East title and earned the second seed, seemingly positioned for a deep playoff run. However, the team’s history of playoff underperformance loomed large, and those demons materialized in devastating fashion.

Historical Context This marked Dallas’s second consecutive home playoff loss, continuing a troubling pattern under Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys became the first team to win 12+ games in three straight years without reaching a conference championship game. Conversely, Green Bay maintained their perfect 6-0 record at AT&T Stadium (including Super Bowl XLV), demonstrating complete psychological and physical dominance at the venue.

Coaching Rivalry The matchup featured Matt LaFleur defeating his predecessor Mike McCarthy, who was fired during the 2018 season to make way for LaFleur in 2019. The comfortable victory added narrative intrigue to an already dominant performance.

The dallas cowboys vs green bay packers match player stats from this game revealed not just superior execution but also vastly different trajectories—one team peaking at the right moment, another crumbling under playoff pressure despite regular season success.

Conclusion

The January 14, 2024 playoff showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys will be remembered as one of the most stunning upsets in recent postseason history. The green bay packers vs dallas cowboys match player stats tell the story of a 48-32 demolition that was far more dominant than the final score suggests, with Green Bay building an insurmountable 48-16 lead before Dallas added meaningless late touchdowns. Jordan Love’s playoff debut exceeded all expectations, Aaron Jones honored his late father with a three-touchdown masterpiece against his childhood favorite team, and the Packers’ defense forced two critical turnovers that broke the game open.

This devastating loss raises serious questions about Dallas’s future. The Cowboys have now won at least 12 games in three consecutive seasons without reaching a conference championship game, a dubious NFL record. Their playoff demons at home continue to haunt them, with Mike McCarthy’s job security suddenly uncertain despite regular season success. The second-seeded Cowboys’ inability to compete with a seventh-seeded opponent exposed fundamental flaws in both execution and mental preparation.

FAQs Section

Q1: What was the final score of the Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys playoff game?

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 48-32 in the NFC Wild Card playoff game on January 14, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The seventh-seeded Packers dominated the second-seeded Cowboys in one of the biggest playoff upsets of the season.

Q2: Who were the top performers in the game based on player stats?

Aaron Jones led the Packers with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Jordan Love completed 16 of 21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns in his playoff debut. Romeo Doubs caught six passes for a career-high 151 yards and one touchdown. For Dallas, Dak Prescott threw for 403 yards but also had two costly interceptions. Jake Ferguson caught 13 passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns, while CeeDee Lamb added nine receptions for 110 yards.

Q3: What were the key moments that decided the game?

The most critical moment was Darnell Savage’s 64-yard interception return for touchdown in the second quarter, extending Green Bay’s lead to 27-0. This play completely demoralized the home crowd and Cowboys. Jaire Alexander’s earlier interception at the Dallas 19-yard line set up another score, while Aaron Jones’s three rushing touchdowns (including two in the first half) established early dominance. The Packers scored touchdowns on six of their first seven offensive possessions, leaving Dallas no opportunity to mount a competitive challenge.

Q4: How did Jordan Love perform in his first playoff game?

Jordan Love delivered a nearly flawless playoff debut, completing 16 of 21 passes (76.2%) for 272 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. His poise under pressure, smart decision-making, and accuracy exceeded all expectations for a quarterback making his first postseason appearance. Love’s efficient performance proved he could handle the brightest spotlight and led many analysts to declare him a legitimate franchise quarterback.

Q5: What does this loss mean for the Dallas Cowboys?

The loss represents a devastating blow to Dallas’s season and potentially their organizational direction. The Cowboys became the first NFL team to win at least 12 games in three consecutive seasons without reaching a conference championship game, highlighting their consistent playoff underperformance. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s job security came into question after the loss. The defeat ended Dallas’s remarkable 16-game home winning streak and marked their second consecutive home playoff loss, exposing fundamental issues with the team’s mental preparation and execution in high-pressure situations.

Q6: What was Aaron Jones’s connection to the Dallas Cowboys?

Aaron Jones grew up as a Dallas Cowboys fan, idolizing Emmitt Smith and the franchise as a child. His late father was also a passionate Cowboys fan, making this playoff game deeply emotional for Jones. Playing at AT&T Stadium against his childhood favorite team while honoring his father’s memory, Jones delivered the performance of his career with three touchdowns and 118 rushing yards. He now has 488 career yards and nine touchdowns against Dallas in just four games, establishing himself as one of the Cowboys’ biggest adversaries despite his childhood allegiance to the team.

Read More: New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles Stats