Ex-Badger Ferguson is off to a white-hot start for Cowboys

By GERY WOELFEL

There was a reason Jake Ferguson lasted until the fourth round in the 2022 NFL draft.

Ferguson, in the eyes of most NFL scouts, would never be more than a fringe starter at best and, more likely, a competent backup tight end.

But Ferguson, the former University of Wisconsin standout, is making those so-called expert talent evaluators look foolish these days. Feguson, now in his fourth pro season with the Dallas Cowboys, appears on his way to having a big-time season.

He enters Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers in Dallas with 27 receptions, the most by any tight end in the league.

More impressively, Ferguson, whose grandfather is legendary Wisconsin coach Barry Alvarez, ranks second in the NFL among ALL receivers. Only Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has more catches with 29.

Ferguson is coming off outstanding back-to-back games. He had 12 receptions two weeks ago against the New York Giants and then followed with a 14-catch performance against the Chicago Bears last week.

The 6-foot-5, 244-pound Ferguson will have to fashion yet another stellar showing if the Cowboys hope to have any chance of upsetting the Packers. That’s especially true with Cowboys star receiver CeeDee Lamb sidelined with an ankle injury.

Ferguson, while not fleet a foot, is crafty, runs precise routes and has glue-like hands. He’ll severely test a Packers’ secondary that has had issues guarding good tight ends.

If the Packers can keep Ferguson in check, though, they would drastically reduce Dak Prescott’s passing options and the Cowboys’ chances of upending the Packers.

WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers by 6.5 points.

GW’S PREDICTION: Packers 27, Cowboys 20.