Packers-Cowboys Game Plan

Packers' Game Plan

• Feature more "empty" sets. The Packers' top-ranked pass attack uses a multitude of formations to take advantage of favorable matchups in space. Against the Cowboys, look for the Packers to use more empty sets to get DonaldLee, James Jones and Koren Robinson isolated on Roy Williams and Ken Hamlin in space.

• Force Romo to throw from the pocket.TonyRomo's improvisational skills outside of the pocket lead to big plays for the Cowboys in the passing game. Expect the Packers to use a mixture of five-man pressures designed to create a push up the middle while allowing Aaron Kampman and KabeerGbaja-Biamila to crash off the edges. Keeping Romo in the pocket is a must for Green Bay to limit the Cowboys' big plays.

Cowboys' Game Plan

• Defuse the explosives. The Packers' short passing game has produced the most completions of more than 40 yards (13) in the league. And the sudden emergence of the deep throw has made the Packers' offense difficult to defend. Look for the Cowboys to eliminate the deep throw by playing Cover Four to force Brett Favre to settle for underneath throws.

• Work the middle of the field. The Cowboys typically get their offense rolling by feeding Terrell Owens and Jason Witten early in the game. But expect Witten to take the lead role this week due to an advantageous matchup with Green Bay's Atari Bigby. The Packers have struggled against top tight ends all season, so look for Romo to feed Witten early to open up the field for Owens in the second half.