Cowboys overpower Packers 34–10 as Parsons’ Dallas return falls flat

ARLINGTON, TX - The story all week had been about one man: Micah Parsons. His blockbuster trade from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers stunned the league and left fans reeling. When Parsons jogged out of the visiting tunnel at AT&T Stadium, the mix of boos and scattered cheers reflected a fanbase still raw. Signs reading "Why, Jerry?" waved from the stands. Social media had erupted the day of the trade with disbelief: "We traded Micah Parsons to the Packers? Nah, this is fake."

But by the end of Sunday Night Football, there was nothing fake about the scoreboard. The Cowboys dominated every phase, rolling to a 34-10 victory that reminded everyone why they still consider themselves contenders, even without their former star.

Game Recap

The first quarter was a tense stalemate, both teams trading punts. In the second, Dallas broke through when Dak Prescott zipped a 21-yard touchdown to Jaydon Blue. Brandon McManus added two field goals before halftime, giving the Cowboys a 10-3 lead.

In the third, Prescott extended the margin with an 11-yard strike to Javonte Williams, who also churned out 133 rushing yards on the night. Green Bay briefly responded when Jordan Love found Romeo Doubs from 14 yards out to cut it to 20-10. But that was the Packers' lone bright spot.

The fourth quarter belonged to Dallas' ground game. Miles Sanders rumbled in for touchdowns of 31 and 9 yards, putting the finishing touches on a blowout that sent fans streaming for the exits.

Key Stats

Prescott was efficient, finishing 16-of-25 for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Williams' bruising night paced a balanced attack, while tight end Jake Ferguson provided a reliable target with six catches for 80 yards. Sanders' two scores broke the game wide open.

For the Packers, Love completed 22-of-36 for 191 yards and a touchdown, while Doubs led the receiving corps with 53 yards. Parsons registered four tackles and a fumble recovery, but his impact was muted by Dallas' control of the game flow.

The Parsons Return

This was supposed to be Parsons' night - a triumphant return, proving his value under a new banner. Instead, he walked off the field overshadowed. Cowboys head coach Andres Perez didn't hide the emotion of facing his former defensive star. "We respect Micah - always will," Perez said. "But tonight was about showing who we are now."

Packers coach Matt LaFleur defended his new cornerstone despite the loss. "One player can't carry a team," he admitted. "Micah battled, but Dallas had the answers all night."

On the Cowboys' sideline, Kenny Clark watched from the bench in street clothes, sidelined with a lower-body injury suffered in practice. "It was tough not being out there against my old teammates," Clark said afterward. "But I'll be ready next week, and I know what this team is capable of."

For Dallas fans, who once raged at the trade - "We just traded a generational talent in his prime… for two first round picks" - Sunday night felt like closure. Their team, with or without Parsons, looked every bit like a contender.

Up Next

The Dallas Cowboys travel to MetLife Stadium in Week 5 to face the New York Jets. The Green Bay Packers are on their bye in Week 5 before returning in Week 6 to host the Cincinnati Bengals.