Blogging The Boys
What do you think it will be like when the Cowboys play the Packers this season?
In our last installment of the opponent X-Factor series, we covered the Chicago Bears and briefly mentioned how tough the NFC North has become. The Green Bay Packers are one of those tough teams in the division, and the Cowboys have seen that firsthand including the devastating postseason loss a couple years ago. The rivalry of two of the most historic franchises in NFL history will have yet another chapter when Dallas squares off against the Packers in Week 4. After going 11-6 in 2024, Green Bay is coming off their second consecutive playoff appearance. Yet, somehow Green Bay has a lot of players that are flying under the radar. Here are a few of the underrated players that could decide the matchup between the Packers and the Cowboys.
During the draft that was held in Green Bay, the hometown Packers selected Matthew Golden with their first-round pick. While Matthew Golden possesses plenty of speed and is one of the more high-profile rookies of the draft, Green Bay has another playmaking speedster receiver. Jayden Reed is a small receiver at just under 5’11” and 187 lbs., but he can fly. Over the last two seasons, he has been one of Green Bay’s most consistent threats in the passing game or running the football. Head coach Matt LaFleur likes to get creative and find unique ways to get the ball in Reed’s hands whether it be on wide receiver screens, sweeps, or end-arounds. Last season, Reed had over 1,000 yards on 95 touches from scrimmage. Reed offers some potential as a punt returner but isn’t a consistent threat to score on special teams.
Per Player Profiler, Reed is number two in the NFL in separation per target, meaning he’s creating a lot of space between himself and the defender when passes are thrown his way. He led the Packers with 15 receiving plays of 20 yards or more. Reed does have issues with ball security and has fumbled five times over his first two years in the NFL. Yet, whoever mans the slot for the Cowboys this year needs to be ready to cover every blade of grass if assigned to Reed whether it be vertically or laterally.
During the 2023 draft, the Packers selected two tight ends. Luke Musgrave in the second round and Tucker Kraft a round later in the third. Because Musgrave boasted such an impressive athletic profile, many assumed that Musgrave would be the lead tight end and Kraft would see the field to spell Musgrave. Over their last two seasons, it’s been the opposite. While Musgrave has battled injuries, Kraft has emerged as a reliable underneath target for quarterback Jordan Love, and in 2024, Kraft had a breakout season.
He recorded 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. Kraft has a stocky build and is deceptively fast for somebody almost 260 lbs. He’s...
