The Cowboys and Packers game that ended in a 40-40 tie was one of those crazy back-and-forth games where both teams just couldn’t stop each other. Fans saw a scoring showdown with lead changes all night long, which made it exciting to watch. And if you were hoping for a great defensive battle on either side of the ball, well then, you probably did not get it. Both defenses seemed to have issues and that’s why neither team ever took the game away to win. And it was a tie after Packers kicker Brandon McManus scored a field goal in overtime to make it 40-40. That is pretty rare (in the NFL) so it just made it even more special.
One of the big stories before the game was the return of Micah Parsons. He used to play for the Cowboys, but was traded to the Packers about a month ago. Everyone thought that Micah Parsons could finally help the Packers defense, because he’s so good at rushing the quarterback, and the big plays he makes are sensational. (He sacked Dak Prescott in this game, which was one of the main headlines) But Micah Parsons got hurt after the game with a back injury, and that seemed to put a damper on him. And more than anything, it showed that even though Micah is a great player, the defense as a whole for both teams still needs a lot of work. The trade hasn’t been a quick fix for either side’s defensive trouble.
Offensive Performances
On the offensive side, both teams looked great. The Packers got off to a good start with quarterback Jordan Love throwing two touchdown passes within the first two minutes of the game. And then the Cowboys replied with Dak Prescott running into the end zone for two runs. In between those two drives there really was no holding onto a lead and neither team could hold on to one for very long. One very entertaining play, though, was when the Cowboys made a blocked extra point for a touchdown. Not something you see often enough.
Honestly, there was hardly a timeout, as both sides were able to get a field goal. Then McManus, who had made two more good ones, kicked his final as time expired and the game was tied. This was the first tie of the NFL since 2022, and with ties not coming too often, it showed just how tightly these teams fight.
Unfortunately the big takeaway from the game wasn’t about the offense. Both teams’ defenses really struggled. The Cowboys have had defensive issues all season, and even after adding Kenny Clark from the trade involving Parsons, their defense still could not keep up. The Packers also gave up way too many points, even when Parsons was on the field. Both teams will need to work hard on their defense if they want to stop giving up so many points in future games.
With this tie the Packers are at Dallas a while longer, and it shows that the Cowboys can be tough at home. On a side note, since neither team won the game, this can very well be good for the playoffs when every win counts. Both teams are still going to play games that will be major tests of the best they can become on offense and defense.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys’ defense needs to start making some major improvements soon. They have some hard games ahead, especially against teams with very good offenses. If the Cowboys can’t fix the holes in their defense, their offense won't be able to score enough points to win games. They need better coverage to stop receivers from getting open and more pressure on opposing quarterbacks to slow them down.
There's a similar dilemma for the Packers. The offense that they have with Jordan Love is exciting, but they need to make some changes on defense to become regular playoff contenders again. Parsons will probably be back before long to become a huge part of the defense, but the Packers need to do things in this area not only on the passing side of things, but also in the secondary where too many big plays were allowed.
This game showed us that scoring points is important, but defense is just as crucial to win in the NFL. Both teams can score, but they cannot keep opponents from scoring, and that balance has to change. The high-scoring match was fun and gave fans thrilling moments, but it also served as a warning. If defenses don’t improve, these shootouts won’t end well when it matters most.
Also special teams played interesting roles too. The blocked extra point return for two points was probably the best play of the game and a reminder that in football, every play can turn the game around. Brandon McManus had a solid kick to give the Packers a chance to tie it up late, and that just shows how important field goal kickers are in close games.
Fans watching this game got to enjoy a thrilling spectacle full of fast scoring and strategic plays. However, coaches will need to focus on fixing defensive errors. For example, missed tackles, blown coverages, and ineffective pass rush all helped the offenses rack up points. These problems often decide close games, and correcting them will be key for success.
The tie also adds to the incredibly unusual mix in the playoff picture. Neither team scored against the other, so their standing in the league remains uncertain. But both the Cowboys and Packers are tied for sixth place in the postseason race and every play and turn matters. This could still end up being factored into playoff tiebreakers as the season goes on.
In summary this game had it all. Great offense, rare special teams plays, and a surprise tie outcome. It reminded us that football isn't all about scoring, it is also about stopping your opponent from scoring. Both sides have some talented players and a good offense. But to be their best they have to be good on defense.
The NFL season is just getting started, and how the Cowboys and Packers fix their defensive problems will be a story to watch. Fans hope this tie was just a fun, high-scoring show and not a sign of more defensive issues ahead. Both teams have the ability to be great but need better defense to turn wild games like this into wins.