Cowboys' 3 Biggest Chokers in Playoff Loss to Packers

2. The Entire Cowboys Secondary

When an entire unit doesn't play well in the playoffs, that's an invitation for disaster. Unfortunately, that's exactly what struck the Cowboys as their secondary failed them on Sunday.

This group was one of top reasons Dan Quinn's unit ranked among the NFL's best in defensive statistics during the 2023 season, but you wouldn't have guessed that watching them try to defend Packers quarterback Jordan Love on Sunday.

Love, who was starting in his first-ever playoff game, had no trouble absolutely picking the Cowboys' secondary apart. He only recorded five incompletions on the day and regularly found his targets for huge gains, thanks to huge coverage breakdowns.

The Utah State product would've had even more than his three touchdowns if Aaron Jones (3 rushing TDs) wasn't excellent on the ground during this contest, but Love's efforts through the air also helped set up each of those scores.

Love was the inexperienced one coming into this contest, yet he played with the talent and poise of a well-seasoned veteran. Meanwhile, experienced players like Stephon Gilmore, Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson made rookie mistakes trying to contain the Packers' young receiving corps.

Dallas had a faint shot at coming back in the second half if its defense could buy this squad a stop. Instead, this embarrassing performance by the secondary sealed the Cowboys' fate.