Packers, Cowboys settle 40-40 OT tie as Micah Parsons returns

Packers, Cowboys settle 40-40 OT tie as Micah Parsons returns Sep, 29 2025

During the Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys matchupAT&T Stadium on Sunday, a rare 40‑40 overtime tie left fans buzzing and analysts scrambling for explanations.

For the first time since his blockbuster trade, Micah Parsons, now a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, faced his former club, the Dallas Cowboys, on the very turf where he built his early reputation.

Game Overview

The opening quarter belonged to Green Bay. Jordan Love connected with receiver James Dobbs for a 12‑yard touchdown, putting the Packers ahead 7‑0. Dallas struggled to get anything past the Packers’ defensive front, leaving the first ten minutes eerily quiet for the Cowboys.

Things flipped in the second quarter when Dallas erupted for 16 points. Quarterback Dak Prescott tossed two touchdown passes, and a field goal by Brandon McManus capped the half at 16‑7 in favor of the Cowboys.

Quarter‑by‑Quarter Breakdown

Third quarter was a mirroring dance — both teams added a touchdown, nudging the score to 23‑14 Dallas. The fourth quarter turned into a fireworks display. Green Bay’s running back Josh Jacobs ripped a 28‑yard sweep that set up a goal‑line plunge, while Love found Dobbs again for his second TD of the night.

Dallas answered with a 19‑yard pass to wideout CeeDee Lamb and a late‑game drive that ended with a McManus 46‑yard field goal, tying the game at 37‑37 and forcing overtime.

Overtime Drama

Overtime in the NFL is a sprint, but both squads ran a marathon. The Cowboys won the toss, but the Packers forced a three‑and‑out. McManus, unfazed, launched a 53‑yard strike that sailed “right down the middle,” giving Dallas three points.

Green Bay’s chance came on the next possession. Love’s pass fell incomplete, and the night ended in a statistical oddity: a 40‑40 tie, the first such result involving these two franchises since the league introduced the current overtime rules.

Key Performances

Parsons, back on the field after a two‑game suspension, recorded three tackles and a sack, proving he still hauls on the edge of the Dallas line. In post‑game comments, he said, “Winning is the only thing that matters, no matter who’s watching.”

Prescott, meanwhile, finished with 285 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a rush for a first down. “We fought back, and we didn’t give up,” he remarked, gesturing toward the roaring home crowd.

Love’s stat line: 310 yards, two TDs, zero interceptions. Jacobs racked up 102 rushing yards and a crucial 28‑yard carry that shifted momentum in the fourth quarter.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur praised his defense: “Micah’s return gave us a spark, and the kids answered. A tie isn’t the result we wanted, but we showed resilience.”

Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn lauded his linebacking corps: “Parsons is a kid brother now. He’s still a monster, and we respect him. This game showed our depth.”

Implications for the NFC North and NFC East

With the tie, Green Bay slides to 2‑1‑1 overall and 0‑1‑1 on the road, trailing the Detroit Lions (3‑1) in the NFC North. The Packers’ loss of a potential win tightens the race ahead of next weekend’s showdown with the Chicago Bears.

Dallas, now 1‑2‑1, sits third in the NFC East behind the 4‑0 Philadelphia Eagles and the 2‑2 Washington Commanders. The tie keeps the Cowboys within striking distance, but they’ll need a win against the New York Giants to stay alive.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Packers travel to Milwaukee next week to host the Minnesota Vikings, a game that could decide the North’s top seed. A win would restore momentum and put pressure on Detroit.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, head to Foxborough to square off with the New England Patriots. A victory would catapult them back into the East’s top three and give one more chance to test Parsons against a high‑powered offense.

  • Final score: 40‑40 (OT)
  • Key players: Micah Parsons (Packers), Brandon McManus (Cowboys), Jordan Love (Packers), Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
  • Standings impact: Packers 2‑1‑1, Cowboys 1‑2‑1
  • Location: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
  • Next games: Packers vs. Vikings (Oct 5), Cowboys vs. Patriots (Oct 6)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the tie affect the Packers' playoff chances?

The tie leaves Green Bay at 2‑1‑1, putting them a game behind Detroit in the NFC North. With three games left in the division schedule, a win against the Vikings could catapult them back into first place and keep their wild‑card hopes alive.

What made Micah Parsons' return so noteworthy?

Parsons, a former first‑round pick of the Cowboys, joined Green Bay in free agency this season. His first appearance against Dallas was emotional – he recorded a sack and three tackles, showing he still dominates the line of scrimmage while facing his old teammates.

Why is a 40‑40 tie considered rare in the NFL?

Since the league adopted the current overtime format in 2017, ties have occurred in less than 0.5% of games. A 40‑40 result is especially uncommon because both teams managed to score three points in the extra period, something that rarely lines up.

Did the overtime field goals affect the final score equally?

Yes. McManus nailed a 53‑yard field goal for Dallas, while the Packers' kicker – Riley Patterson – responded with a 45‑yard effort. Both three‑point kicks cemented the 40‑40 stalemate.

What does this game mean for the NFC East race?

Dallas remains third, trailing the 4‑0 Eagles and the 2‑2 Commanders. The tie adds a half‑win to their record, keeping them within one game of Washington and giving them a chance to climb if Philadelphia stumbles later in the season.