Three things to watch when Green Bay Packers face Dallas Cowboys

The Packers run defense has been an issue for almost a month, and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine would like to be clear: It’s not that he doesn’t think stopping the run is important — even if it looks that way based on the numbers.

“It’s not like we were saying, ‘Hey, we’re going to play Cover-2 every snap and we’re just (OK with) giving up 8, 10, 12 yards a chunk,’” Pettine said.

The Packers’ special teams units haven’t done much to help their cause through four games — save for punter JK Scott’s late-game moon shots in their three victories to start the season — but the kickoff coverage unit has been particularly problematic in the limited number of times the group has been called upon.

Through four games, kicker Mason Crosby has had only three of his kickoffs returned — and two have gone for 60 or more yards: A 60-yarder by Denver’s Diontae Spencer in Week 3, and a 67-yarder by Philadelphia’s Miles Sanders last week. You can bet the Cowboys are aware of the issue, have worked this week on similar blocking schemes and will try to attack the Packers’ perceived weakness with their returners, including ex-Packers receiver/returner Randall Cobb (above).

With No. 2 cornerback Kevin King (groin) listed as doubtful for the game and No. 3 corner Tony Brown (hamstring) already having been ruled out, the Packers will be relying on an old hand and some youngsters in the secondary.

It’s likely that veteran Tramon Williams, whose versatility in sub packages has been vital so far this season, would get the call opposite No. 1 corner Jaire Alexander (above) in the base defense, although Pettine could opt to keep Williams inside and go with rookie Ka’dar Hollman or second-year man Chandon Sullivan, who spent five games (one start) with the Eagles last year. Pettine could also use Williams outside in the base defense, then move him inside in nickel and dime personnel groups and merely play Hollman or Sullivan outside in those situations.