Cowboys vs Packers presents starter with terrific opportunity to go off
Quietly but steadily, Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz is coming along. After a rocky start to the season due to injuries, Schultz has had 11 catches in 12 targets for 123 yards over the past two games. Five of those catches moved the chains for Dallas. Despite a 74-yard performance against the Chicago Bears, […]
Quietly but steadily, Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz is coming along.
After a rocky start to the season due to injuries, Schultz has had 11 catches in 12 targets for 123 yards over the past two games. Five of those catches moved the chains for Dallas. Despite a 74-yard performance against the Chicago Bears, it feels like Schultz has yet to have his "explosion" game this season. In fact, he hasn't scored a touchdown yet this season.
That could change versus the Green Bay Packers. Although their defense struggles against the run, they lead the ninth-best pass defense in DVOA per Football Outsiders.
That's unsurprising since the secondary is led by cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas, the latter of which is able to play outside and inside. Eric Stokes, who's been solid for the Packers at cornerback too, has not practiced due to an ankle/knee injury and could miss the game on Sunday.
CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup will have fun, though match-ups on Sunday for sure.
As such, the Cowboys would be smart to focus their efforts on the running game, an area where the Packers have mightily struggled. However, it's also a favorable match-up for Schultz.
The Packers are 22nd in defensive DVOA against tight ends. Just last week, they gave up two touchdowns to the Detroit Lions, who had just traded away starter TJ Hockenson. While they combined for little yardage, they managed to be a headache in the endzone.
Lately, the Cowboys have found some much-needed rhythm in the red zone. Over the last three games, they boast the third-highest TD scoring percentage in red zone trips.
They've done so by running heavier packages that feature multiple tight ends, play-action, and read option, look for Schultz to get some targets to score.
In fact, the Cowboys use 12 personnel at the sixth-highest rate in the NFL inside the 20 per Sports Info Solutions. They also use 23 and 13 personnel in such situations.
Not to mention, Prescott clearly likes to go to Schultz in key situations and the bye week should've helped the productive TE's health. This one has the makings for a monstrous Schultz game.
Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
