Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) celebrates his interception of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026. Joining him was cornerback Keisean Nixon (25)
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told his players earlier this season that great teams find a way to stack wins. They create winning streaks, which the Cowboys have done only once in Schottenheimer’s time.
On the contrary, bad teams stack losses — which the Cowboys can now say they’ve done this season.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (25) makes a diving tackle of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams (83) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
The Cowboys fell to the Packers 23-13 on Sunday Night Football. It’s their second loss in a row, marking their first losing streak of the season. The Cowboys had an opportunity to climb in the standings with losses by both the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. The opportunity was missed.
Article continues below this ad
The Cowboys are now 2-4.
Here are five thoughts from the Cowboys’ loss in Green Bay:
(3rd) Down and out
The Cowboys entered the week as the worst third-down defense in the NFL. They allowed a conversion 52.6% of the time through five weeks. It didn’t get better on Sunday.
The Cowboys allowed four third-down conversions on the opening drive. That included two conversions on 3rd and 13 and a 9-yard touchdown from Jordan Love to Matthew Golden.
Article continues below this ad
The Packers converted their first seven third-down attempts before they were finally stopped near the goal line, forcing them to settle for a field goal.
Green Bay finished the game 11 for 18 on third downs.
The Cowboys brought in new defensive senior assistant Mike Pettine, in part, to dig through data and film and ascertain areas where the Cowboys defense could improve. They should devote a lot of that attention moving forward to how they play on third down.
Dallas Cowboys fans Isaiah Leiva of Sheboygan, Wisconsin (left) and his friends Orlando Sosa (center) and Green Bay Packers fan Peter Yang throw back a poured shot ski during a tailgate party outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026. The synchronized shot is from shot glasses glued to a retired snow ski.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Packers fans visit during a backyard party next to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026. The Packers are getting ready to face the Dallas Cowboys.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys fans hang out with Green Packers fans during a tailgate party outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
The Packer Tailgate Band performs ‘”Beer Barrel Polka’ during a tailgate party outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (left) pulls head coach Brian Schottenheimer close to visit with him during pregame warmups before facing the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker hugs wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) during pregame warmups before facing the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
New Dallas Cowboys senior defensive assistant Mike Pettine watches his squad during pregame warmups before facing the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Kavontae Turpin (9) limps to the sideline after injuring himself on the opening kickoff against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) leaps into the stands after scoring a first quarter touchdown against Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (24) at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) rolls out looking for a receiver during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse (2) attempts to intercept a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse (2) attempts to intercept a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) is tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse (2) following a during a irst quarter pass completion at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) celebrates his first quarter interception with teammates at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026. After official video review, the score was called back because he was ruled down by contact. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw the interception.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hands the ball off to running back Javonte Williams (33) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) drops a second quarter touchdown pass against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Ameer Speed (23) at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (24) tackles Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) following a second quarter pass completion at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) and safety Markquese Bell (14) bring down Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams (83) after a first half completion at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (25) makes a diving tackle of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams (83) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
On fourth down, Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard (7) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the third quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is thrown to the ground by Green Bay Packers defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (51) after releasing a fourth quarter pass at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (89) leaps over Green Bay Packers linebacker Ty’ron Hopper (59) following a third quarter pass completion at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) holds up his jersey number for the Sunday Night Football camera after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) sits on a case at the end of the bench during the second half of their game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) makes a second half catch in front of head coach Brian Schottenheimer at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026. Green Bay Packers cornerback Kamal Hadden (36) was covering on the play.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) escapes the grasp of Green Bay Packers defensive end Barryn Sorrell (99) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confers with referee Craig Wrolstad (center) as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott walks away following a second half foul during the Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) hands off to running back Marshawn Lloyd (32) during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Green Bay Packers place kicker Trey Smack (28) kicks a second half field goal against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) escapes the sack attempt by Green Bay Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (57) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys running back Tyler Goodson (32) lets a potential touchdown catch slip through his hands as he’s covered by Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) and linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) In the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) fails to make a catch as Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) stepped in front of the pass during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to the video replay after the team failed to convert a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Lt Overton (99) leans over in a chair as he and his defensive teammates watch the Green Bay Packers run out the clock during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and his lineman walk off the field after failing to convert on 4th and 11 during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs up the tunnel following their loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer walks off the field following their loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
A Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers fan watch as the final minutes tick off the clock during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 18, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
The streak ended
The Cowboys were the final team in the NFL without an interception. They finally joined the rest of the league. Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters made a diving interception of Jordan Love while in coverage against Golden. Winters took the interception back for a touchdown, but replay showed he was down by contact.
Article continues below this ad
It was the Cowboys’ first interception since Week 14 of last season.
It was a great play for Winters in an area where he’s struggled this season. He came in allowing 15 receptions on 17 targets for 142 yards, according to Next Gen Stats. Linebacker coverage was something the Cowboys have emphasized in practice. It paid off there.
The positive news didn’t last, however. Dak Prescott threw an interception on the ensuing drive. Winters even left the game with an ankle injury in the second quarter.
Where’s the balance?
Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams said during the week they needed an identity on offense. He wanted them to be more balanced in terms of their run-pass distribution, which had swayed heavily in the passing direction through the first five weeks.
Article continues below this ad
The Cowboys had to earn more running carries, however. It wouldn’t be given to them. That was showcased again Sunday.
In the first half, the Cowboys threw the ball 15 times compared to just seven rushing attempts.
The Cowboys finished the game with 54 passing attempts compared to 15 rushing attempts. Their leading rusher was Javonte Williams with 11 carries for 41 yards.
Lack of offense
While the Cowboys’ defense has had its struggles, the recent performance by the offense hasn’t been great, either.
Article continues below this ad
The Cowboys’ offense was shut out in the first half. That was the first time that has happened since Nov. 7, 2021, when they lost to the Denver Broncos, 30-16.
Prescott threw two interceptions in the first half in Green Bay territory. One of those happened after CeeDee Lamb slipped and fell, creating for an easy Brandon Cisse interception.
The last two weeks, the Cowboys’ offense has been held in check. It’s an area that’s supposed to lead this team. The last two weeks just hasn’t been enough from an offensive perspective.
And yet …
Remember the losses from the Eagles and Giants we pointed out in the beginning? Well, if the Washington Commanders lose to the undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Monday it’ll mean the division was winless for the second week in a row. That includes last week when the Commanders and Giants tied.
Article continues below this ad
It means that despite how much the Cowboys have underachieved this season — and despite there being little optimism about this team at the moment — they still have a chance to go on a run. They still have a chance to turn things around, starting next week against the Eagles.
Bad teams lose back-to-back games. Really bad teams lose three. They can’t allow that to happen.