Prescott, Elliott can put NFL on notice with win over Packers

The Dallas Cowboys' rookie duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have exceeded all expectations this season, taking the NFL by storm with Pro Bowl-level play, and leading the club to a 4-1 start.

But what they lack is a signature win, the "we've arrived, and we're coming for you" moment that makes the rest of the league stand up and take notice.

Last week, they comfortably handled the Cincinnati Bengals, but that team has looked far from the contender many thought they'd be at the start of the season.

The other three teams the Cowboys have beaten this season are a combined 5-10.

Now, enter the 3-1 Green Bay Packers and superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who should provide the Cowboys rookies with their first real challenge in Week 6.

For Elliott, he faces a defense that's yet to give up a single 100-yard rusher this season. If fact, the Packers are the NFL's best team against the run, giving up a paltry 42.6 yards per game. The New York Jets, at 68.4, are second, which illustrates how well Green Bay's defensive front have been playing.

But the Packers haven't faced a runner like Elliott.

This season, the Packers have shut down T.J. Yeldon, Jerick McKinnon (after holding Adrian Peterson to 1.6 yards per carry in one half before his injury), Theo Riddick, and Orleans Darkwa. Runners with talent, but none in the same stratosphere as Elliott.

The fourth overall draft pick has exploded after a relatively quiet first few games. He's posted three consecutive 130-yard performances on the ground, and leads the league in rushing with 546 yards.

So something has to give. Either Elliott dominates, exposing the Packers' rush defense, or Green Bay halts his temporary ascension, showing that the rookie runner might not be a finished product just yet.

If it's the latter, then the Cowboys will put the burden of victory onto the arm of Prescott.

While the Packers' run defense has been strong, they've been vulnerable through the air, ranking 26th in passing yards allowed per game.

Dallas hasn't been afraid to let Prescott throw in critical situations, but the rookie passer has just one game with more than 32 attempts. Elliott, plus a surprisingly solid defense, has allowed Prescott to play it safe, exploiting the short passing game and only taking shots after defenses zone in completely on Elliott.

But that won't cut it if the Packers force the Cowboys into a shootout. To go toe-to-toe with Rodgers, Prescott will need to elevate his game and take some risks. He's yet to throw an interception, which highlights just how good his decision making has been, but it also shows how careful with the football he's been.

The Cowboys will need an otherworldly performance from one of their young offensive stars to take down the Packers. But if they walk away from Lambeau Field with a victory on the back of either Prescott or Elliott (or maybe both), any remaining doubt about Dallas' chances this season should evaporate.