NFC Divisional Round Game Recap: Cowboys Edge Packers 31-28, Advance to NFC Championship

LAMBEAU, WI — “We knew it was going to be a battle,” said Cowboys head coach Andres Perez after their thrilling 31-28 victory over the Green Bay Packers. “Our team showed resilience and the ability to execute under pressure, which was key to our success today.”

In an electrifying display of playoff football, the Dallas Cowboys secured a narrow victory over the Green Bay Packers, with the final score reading 31-28. This intense battle was characterized by momentum swings, pivotal plays, and a showcase of gridiron grit, ultimately deciding the Cowboys’ advancement to the NFC Championship for the second straight season.

Game Summary

In an electrifying display of playoff football, the Dallas Cowboys clinched a narrow victory over the Green Bay Packers, ending with a scoreboard reading 31-28. This hard-fought battle was characterized by a series of momentum swings, pivotal plays, and a showcase of sheer gridiron grit that ultimately decided who would advance to the NFC Championship to face the Atlanta Falcons.

The game kicked off with both teams matching each other’s intensity, finishing the first quarter tied at 7-7. The second quarter, however, belonged to the Cowboys, who galloped ahead with 14 unanswered points, thanks to the dynamic plays from their offense.

The third quarter was a defensive stalemate, with neither team able to break through the opposition’s resistance. But the final quarter was where the drama peaked. Both the Cowboys and Packers ramped up their offensive engines, adding 10 points each to the tally.

Dallas’s offensive line paved the way for Tony Pollard, who bulldozed through the Packers’ defense, gaining crucial yardage. Meanwhile, Packers quarterback Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson for a spectacular 68-yard touchdown, keeping hopes alive for the home crowd at Lambeau Field.

As the minutes ticked away, the Cowboys’ defense, which had been under siege, stood tall when it mattered most, thwarting the Packers’ final efforts. The game concluded with Dak Prescott taking a knee, signaling the Cowboys’ triumph and the end of the Packers’ season.

Statistical Highlights

• Dak Prescott (Cowboys QB) completed 13 of 16 passes for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
• Tony Pollard (Cowboys RB) was a force on the ground, rushing for 185 yards on 40 attempts and scoring three touchdowns.
• For the Packers, Jordan Love completed 21 of 33 passes for 270 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
• Aaron Jones (Packers RB) rushed for 113 yards on 8 attempts, including a 75-yard run, and scored one touchdown.

Player Quotes

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott shared his thoughts on the win: “This game was about perseverance. We kept our focus and executed our plays when it mattered most. Now, we’re looking forward to facing the Falcons in the NFC Championship.”

Packers quarterback Jordan Love, reflecting on the season, said, “It’s been a great season, and we’ve taken a step in the right direction. We didn’t make the playoffs last year, so this year’s performance is something we can build on.”

Looking Ahead

The Cowboys’ victory marks their second consecutive NFC Championship appearance, setting up a showdown with the winner of tomorrow’s second NFC Divisional round between the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Rams. For the Packers, the season ends on a high note, showing significant progress from not making the playoffs last season to reaching the Divisional Round this year.