The Packers defense picked up right where it left off in New York and coupled with some big special teams plays and a productive offense....pity the poor Dallas Cowboys as Green Bay dominated 45-7 in prime time at Lambeau Field tonight. The Packers erupted for 28 second quarter points, and if not for a two minute drive by the Cowboys, could have pitched their second straight shutout. Aaron Rodgers was incredibly precise, hitting 16 of 18 passes in the first half for a pair of touchdowns and he finished the evening connecting on 27 of 34 for 289 yards, three scores, no picks and a passer rating of 131.5. James Jones was the top target, catching a career high 8 passes for 123 yards and a 10 yard touchdown in the third quarter. Greg Jennings also caught a scoring pass as did Brandon Jackson, a 9 yard screen to open the scoring and he also crashed over from the 2 that made it 14-0. Green Bay piled up a season high 415 yards with 26 first downs and converted 10 out of 15 third down plays. The special teams also produced a touchdown late in the first half. Dallas called its third and final timeout just before Rodgers hit Jennings on an 8 yard slant with 2:13 remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, Jarrett Bush ripped the ball out of Bryan McCann's hands and Nick Collins picked up the fumble and raced 26 yards to make it 28-0. Replays clearly showed McCann was down but Dallas, without a timeout, couldn't challenge the play just outside the 2 minute warning. The Cowboys did respond however with rookie Dez Bryant catching a 2 yard touchdown from Jon Kitna over Sam Shields with :16 remaining in the half, the score set up by a 41 yard sideline grab from Bryant. Shields did come up with his first career interception in the opening quarter as the relentless Packers defense continued to play lights out. They sacked Kitna 4 times, allowed only 39 yards rushing on the night and capped the blowout by A.J. Hawk deflecting a pass into the arms of Clay Matthews who raced 62 yards for the game's final points. Matthews was outstanding with another sack, giving him 10 and a half on the season, becomming the first Packers player to reach double digit sacks in his first two seasons. He also blew up Marion Barber on a third and one play at midfield to force a punt. The defense allowed just 205 yards on the night. Atari Bigby saw his first action of the year, getting activated Saturday from the PUP list. Ryan Pickett had to leave the game, reinjuring his sprained ankle but X-rays were negative. At 6-3, the Packers maintain their lead in the NFC North and head into the badly needed bye in week 10 before returning for the rematch with the Minnesota Vikings on the 21st. Here's what the guys had to say about the romp in the happy locker room:
Packers rout Cowboys



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