The Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers are preparing to compete in what is being dubbed the "Ice Bowl." Dallas has been playing in the climate-controlled wonderland that is Jerry's World while the Packers have gotten used to playing in the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field which could work in their advantage as the two teams face off in the NFC Divisional Playoff game. Dallas is heading to Wisconsin to get a taste of winter for the first time.
The Dallas Cowboys insist that playing in the cold is a mental thing. They do not have the experience of facing off in -13 degree temperatures, but several players have stressed that if they believe they can win in that weather then they absolutely will. The Cowboys have one of the league's best offenses, especially on the road. The team is averaging 34.4 points while going 8-0 away from Dallas which is giving the team a lot of confidence heading into the big matchup.
The big question mark for Dallas will be running back DeMarco Murray who was held to just 75 yards against Detroit. He has put up an NFL-high 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns this season and the Cowboys need the running back playing at his best in this game. Tony Romo is also hoping to be an x-factor. The quarterback has experience with Wisconsin weather while finishing the season with 14 touchdowns and one interceptions over the past five games. On the road, he has a league-best 20 touchdowns and two interceptions. Dez Bryant had 153 receiving yards in last year's meeting with Green Bay, something needed on Sunday.
The Packers hope that home-field advantage is their key to winning this playoff game as Aaron Rodgers has a lot of uncertainty surrounding him. It was reported by ESPN.com earlier in the week that Rodgers had a small tear in his calf muscle that will not keep him out of the game, but will keep him from being overly mobile on the field. Green Bay has insisted that the calf injury is not a major issue moving forward.
The Green Bay offense should be fine if they can get Eddie Lacy moving and quickly. The running back finished with 1,139 yards and nine touchdowns this year while having 141 yards and a touchdown against Dallas last year. The Packers are averaging 39.8 points while playing at home this season, but their defense allowed 153.5 rushing yards per game through the first eight games, something that cannot afford to happen.
The Packers understand what playing in the snow and freezing temperatures is like. Wisconsin is not kind during the winter and makes for interesting conditions to play an NFL playoff game. The Dallas Cowboys will be leaving the comforts of a dome stadium and heading north to get a taste of -13 degree temperatures while playing football. The team that can withstand the weather and get their offense moving will be the team that advances in the playoffs.
