Underdog stories aren't necessarily bad.
of baltimore ravens They proved that with a Week 16 victory over the San Francisco 49ers that gave them momentum and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
this weekend, green bay packers They found themselves in a similar situation when they traveled to Dallas to face the Cowboys in the wild card game on Sunday afternoon. Las Vegas is the favorite to win by at least one point over the undefeated Cowboys at AT&T Stadium this season.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on January 7, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Tetch/Getty Images)
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But Packers legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Leroy Butler believes this year's young roster has particular advantages. cowboys, They have been chasing a Super Bowl title for a long time since their last Super Bowl title at the end of the 1995 season.
“This team is the youngest team in the league. And if you think about it, they're probably even younger because most of the veterans are injured,” Butler said in an interview on Fox News Digital this week.
“They don't know what they don't know. They were in a bowl game… They just want an opportunity. So they can't be scared of what they don't know. You can't be afraid.'' So the reason they're in the playoffs is because coaches expect them to wear blinders. ”
Jordan Love of the Packers stands on the field before a game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 7, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
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Based on what Butler saw at a recent practice, the Packers are “excited” about the chance to play in the postseason. In contrast, he said the pressure is on the Cowboys, who have fallen short in their 12 playoff appearances since 1995.
“Dallas averages 40 points at home. They're undefeated. Their defense is great. To me, CeeDee Lamb should be in the top 10.” [for] MVP. Duck (Prescott) “Dallas has to live up to all of that. They're supposed to be in the Super Bowl every year,” Butler said.
Hall of Famer Leroy Butler celebrates with fans on the field during halftime of the Tennessee Titans vs. Packers game at Lambeau Field on November 17, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Head coach Mike McCarthy led the Cowboys to the postseason in all three seasons in Dallas, but he still appears to be in the spotlight.
Asked directly about his future with the team, owner Jerry Jones said, “We'll see how each game goes in the playoffs.” Jones later clarified those statements, saying McCarthy was under contract with the team for next season and “couldn't be happier with what he's done.”
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But the pressure to perform remains.
Green Bay's season has been a roller coaster.lose to a team like new york giants, The playoffs seemed within reach as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons opened up double-digit leads and narrowly defeated the Carolina Panthers.
However, they won against the Kansas City Chiefs. detroit lions He kept the Packers on track and competing with the best.
Butler said of the Packers' struggles, “If the defense was having a great game, the offense was off the mark. The offense was having a great game, but the defense was off the mark.”
Green Bay Packers center Rudy Ford celebrates with teammates after making a defensive play against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mike Stove/2023 Mike Stove)
“But the defense, I think some of the guys took it personally. 'I had to play a certain way to get to the playoffs.' I'm proud of the fact that I did. ”
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The Packers' defense came back late, and quarterback Jordan Love ended the season with three straight wins. He allowed just one touchdown in his last two games. Butler believes the Packers can outscore the Cowboys if they can get an early lead in Sunday's game. But it's not easy.
“For me, the team with the least pressure is usually the looser team, and that's the Packers,” Butler said of his prediction. “That would be a big upset.”
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