Every week, we'll grade the Cowboys on the three phases of the weekend's game.
Offense: A-
The Cowboys did pretty much everything they needed to do to knock off the Packers in Lambeau Field, but it just didn't quite work out. The biggest glaring negative from an offensive standpoint was DeMarco Murray's key fumble that led to a Packers field goal on a play he surely would've scored from 50-plus yards with all kinds of real estate in front of him. It was his first lost fumble since Week 8 after he got off to a concerning start to the year in that department. Otherwise, Murray was great, rushing for 123 yards and a score. Tony Romo was phenomenal once again, despite tearing ligaments in his finger during the game and taking a blow to the knee. The protection for Romo was shaky at a few points during the game, but in general, it was solid.
Defense: B-
For a half, the Cowboys' defense looked like world beaters against an albeit banged up Aaron Rodgers & Co. The second half told a different story as Rodgers was able to pick apart the Dallas secondary when the Cowboys inexplicably quit trying to pressure him and instead opted to play back in coverage. The yards after catch, especially by rookie Davante Adams, was a killer in the second half. They did force a first-half turnover, but it wasn't enough as Rodgers kept his ridiculous home streak dating back to 2012 alive without throwing an interception.
Special teams: C
The coverage units played well, and Dwayne Harris had a couple of decent kickoff returns. However, Dan Bailey's missed field goal in the closing minutes of the first half resulted in a six-point swing and turned a possibly 17-7 halftime lead into a 14-10 one.
