When Jordan Love, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, stepped onto the field at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the stakes felt like a playoff day in early‑season disguise. Across the turf, the Dallas Cowboys were ready to test their own mettle, led by returning star Micah Parsons, linebacker and the ever‑present duo of Dak Prescott, quarterback and owner Jerry Jones, team owner. The clash was billed as Sunday Night Football on NBC, a marquee event that would set the tone for both NFC contenders.

Game Overview and Key Storylines

From the opening kickoff, the atmosphere in Arlington was electric. The narrative centered on three threads: Love’s quest to validate his starting role, Parsons’ comeback after an ankle sprain, and a defense for the Cowboys that had been under fire for allowing too many yards in the opening weeks. As the first quarter unfolded, the Cowboys struck first with a 15‑yard pass from Prescott to Amari Cobb, but the Packers answered with a 22‑yard drive capped by a rush from Josh Jacobs. By halftime, the scoreboard read 17‑14 in favor of Green Bay.

Offensive Highlights and Turning Points

Midway through the third quarter, Love engineered one of the night’s most memorable plays. On a second‑and‑six, he faked a handoff to Jacobs, rolled his eyes left, and lofted a perfect dart to Tucker Kraft, tight end from Timberlake, South Dakota. The ball landed on Kraft’s hands as he stretched toward the pylon; a brief review checked whether his elbow touched out‑of‑bounds, but the call stood—a touchdown that marked Kraft’s third of the season. The catch sparked a 34‑point third‑quarter surge, putting the Packers up 31‑21.

Dallas, however, refused to fold. Prescott rallied his offense with a 45‑yard drive, culminating in a 12‑yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb. The comeback was capped by a 53‑yard field goal from Brandon McManus, kicker that landed "right down the middle" and forced overtime.

Defensive Struggles and Overtime Drama

The Cowboys’ defense, previously lambasted for its inability to pressure the quarterback, showed flashes of life thanks to Parsons, who logged three sacks and a forced fumble on Love. Yet the unit still allowed 43 total yards after the two‑minute warning, prompting analysts to wonder if the early‑season critiques were warranted.

Overtime began with a coin toss won by the Packers. Love, calm under pressure, orchestrated a methodical drive that stalled at the Cowboys’ 38‑yard line. The ball turned over on downs, handing the Cowboys a chance to win. Prescott, however, faced relentless pressure from Green Bay’s pass rush, led by defensive end Robert Myers. After a sack and a hurried throw that fell incomplete, the game finally ended when McManus slipped the ball through the uprights again, this time from 49 yards, sealing a 34‑34 tie that officially recorded as a 34‑34 overtime win for Dallas under NFL overtime rules.

Broadcast Reach and Fan Access

The matchup aired nationally on NBC as part of its Sunday Night FootballAT&T Stadium. For fans in Phoenix, the game was simulcast on KPNX‑TV Channel 12, while streaming options spanned YouTube’s free NFL feeds, the NFL app, and the Peacock platform. Commentators peppered the broadcast with the latest trade rumors – notably a potential deal involving the Packers’ first‑round pick and a veteran defensive back – keeping viewers glued beyond the on‑field action.

• Final score: Dallas Cowboys 34, Green Bay Packers 34 (OT)
• Key players: Jordan Love (Packers QB), Micah Parsons (Cowboys LB), Tucker Kraft (Packers TE)
• Decisive play: Brandon McManus 53‑yard field goal to force overtime
• Broadcast: NBC’s Sunday Night Football, streamed on YouTube, Peacock, NFL app
• Attendance: 80,125 fans at AT&T Stadium

Implications for the Rest of the Season

For Green Bay, the narrow loss – or tie, depending on how you read the NFL overtime rulebook – highlights both the firepower of Love’s arm and lingering concerns about protecting leads in high‑pressure moments. Defensive coordinator Matt LaFleur will likely tweak coverage schemes to shore up the secondary, especially after the Cowboys’ late‑game drive exposed a few soft spots.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, get a morale boost. Parsons’ resurgence and McManus’ clutch kicking suggest a defense that can still bend but not break. Yet the loss of a few yards on a pivotal third‑down conversion still fuels the debate over whether Prescott’s offensive line can hold up against relentless pass rushes. Owner Jerry Jones will be watching his staff’s adjustments closely as the NFC East tightens.

What’s Next?

Both teams head into Week 5 with new challenges. The Packers travel to New York to face the Giants, a test of Love’s ability to perform on the road. The Cowboys host the Seattle Seahawks, where Parsons will be tasked with containing a high‑octane offense. Keep an eye on the trade market – sources say the Packers are eyeing a veteran safety, while Dallas may consider a quarterback‑coach swap if Prescott’s performance dips again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the overtime result affect the Packers’ playoff chances?

The overtime tie gives Green Bay a .500 record (2‑2‑1) after Week 4, keeping them in the NFC North race but putting pressure on them to win the next two games to avoid falling behind the Vikings and Bears.

What was Micah Parsons’ impact after returning from injury?

Parsons recorded three sacks and forced a fumble, energizing the Cowboys’ pass rush and proving he’s back to full speed, which should bolster the defense for the upcoming weeks.

Why was Tucker Kraft’s touchdown controversial?

Replay showed Kraft’s elbow briefly brushing the sideline as he dove for the pylon. Officials reviewed the play but ruled the ball a touchdown, sparking debate among fans about the precision of out‑of‑bounds calls.

What streaming options were available for fans who missed the broadcast?

Besides the NBC affiliate feed, viewers could stream live via the NFL app, Peacock’s free tier, and unofficial YouTube channels that offered live commentary, highlights, and real‑time statistics.

Are there any upcoming trades that could change the teams’ fortunes?

Rumors suggest the Packers are targeting veteran safety Jordan Poyer, while the Cowboys are exploring a potential swap for a backup quarterback after concerns about Prescott’s consistency resurfaced.