By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Playing the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs is nothing to the Dallas Cowboys. There is a history of bad vibes for the Boys, even though Green Bay is now in the post-Rodgers era. Dak Prescott & company just won their second NFC East title in three years, while the Packers, in their first season with Jordan Love under center, managed to qualify thanks to a late regular-season surge.
Along with the NFC East, the Cowboys secured the #2 seed in the NFC playoff bracket. The Packers come in as the seventh seed. Dallas has not reached the NFC Championship since 1995, and they're determined to do it this time. The Cowboys were eliminated last year in the divisional round against the 49ers and are adamant to avenge back-to-back playoff losses to San Francisco. For now, another team with a history of ending Dallas's run stands in their way.
It's fair to say that Dallas is and should be on upset alert this week. The Packers are the Packers, and even though Rodgers isn't there, Dallas has bigger problems. Problems from the offensive line and the defense are all the Packers need. In addition, on paper, Dallas may be the overwhelming favorite. Still, Green Bay holds a distinct mental advantage since Dallas often crumbles under pressure, and the Packers always find the best ways to take advantage. Furthermore, being the massive underdog is nothing new to Green Bay, and quite frankly, the Packers thrive on being the doubted underdogs.
Green Bay can pull off the upset, and they may do it. Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy's job should be on the line this week because losing in the wildcard at home after coming off a third straight 12-win season is unacceptable. The Packers have nothing to lose in this game, but the same can't be said about the Cowboys, which again solidifies Green Bay's mental advantage. In other words, the Packers can easily get in the Cowboys' heads, and if that happens, Green Bay will take over.
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