Clarence Hill: Why Dallas Cowboys have edge in Mike McCarthy’s homecoming vs. Packers

Michael Ainsworth/AP

Mike McCarthy can’t wait for the kickoff on Sunday.

More importantly, he can’t wait his much anticipated return to Green Bay to put in his rear view mirror.

McCarthy has had enough of the reminiscing, the phone calls, the ticket requests and the nostalgia leading up to Sunday’s battle between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys in what will be his first game back at Lambeau Field as the opposing coach since being fired by the Packers midway through the 2018 season.

McCarthy, who has a street named after him in Green Bay for leading the Packers to a Super Bowl title in 2010 but left on bitter terms, doesn’t know what kind of reception he will get.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers thinks he will get a positive response from the Green Bay crowd.

“I hope that the fans show a lot of gratitude and appreciation for his 13 seasons and a championship and a lot of great memories over the years,” Rodgers said. “He’s got a street named for him. That’s pretty special. But I hope that the fans give him the reception he deserves.”

McCarthy has bought 40 tickets for friends and family members. And that number could grow by Sunday. His wife is from Green Bay. His two daughters were born there.

He just wants to focus on football and seeing his team extend it’s winning streak to three games and leave with a 7-2 mark.

“Oh, absolutely. Absolutely,” McCarthy said. “I don’t recommend this for anyone. It’s a privilege to be standing here as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I’m very grateful and thankful for that. Obviously, I recognize the time I had up there. But this you know, this is about our commitment, our journey. We need this game.”

Who has the edge between the Cowboys and the Packers:

Cowboys offense vs. Packers defense

The Packers defense is ranked sixth overall but don’t fooled. They are 26th against the run, giving up 138 yards per game, which is part of the reason the team is riding a five-game losing streak. The Cowboys should be do damage on the ground whether Ezekiel Elliott plays or not. Tony Pollard proved against the Bears that he can handle the load. This is also an important for an improving Cowboys passing game to continue gaining momentum with quarterback Dak Prescott. Linebacker Rashaun Gary, the Packers best pass rusher, was lost for the season last week with a torn ACL. And cornerback Eric Stokes will not play Sunday due injury.

Edge: Cowboys

Cowboys defense vs. Packers offense

The Packers, even with Aaron Rodgers, are not very good on offense. They are 27th in scoring and 14th in yards. They have questions along their offensive and will be without their their top two receivers. It’s not a recipe for success against a Cowboys defense that ranks first in the league in sacks and gives up just 16 points per game. The Packers will try to lean on the running game with Aaron Jones and hopefully exploit a Cowboys defense that gives up 4.7 yards per carry. It will most likely be unsustainable and thus a losing proposition.

Edge: Cowboys

Special Teams

This is a no-brainer as the Packers are putrid on special teams. Football Outsiders ranks the Packers 31st in the NFL in special teams. They rank below average in all five every elements of special teams: Field goals/extra points, kickoffs, punts, kickoff returns and punt returns. The Cowboys special teams are ranked second by Football Outsiders. And they have one of the most dangerous kick returners in NFL in KaVontae Turpin.

Edge: Cowboys

Coaching

This is one personal for Mike McCarthy as he was fired by the Packers and replaced by Matt LaFleur, who is 42-16 since 2019 but is currently going through the worst stretch of his career with a five-game losing streak and a 3-6 record. McCarthy is one of the 10 Cowboys staffers making a return to Green Bay with a little extra motivation on their minds.

Edge: Cowboys

Intangibles

This will be the first cold weather game for the Cowboys as temperatures will dip into the 20s Sunday afternoon. The Packers are used to practicing and playing in this weather. The Cowboys can’t simulate that.

Edge: Packers

Prediction: Cowboys 28, Packers 10

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