Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints: Full Dallas Game Preview
The Dallas Cowboys look to right the ship against the New Orleans Saints after a 39-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons dropped their record to 2-1. The Cowboys second-half collapse in Week 3 has cast significant doubt among Cowboys fans regarding the team's long-term viability in the absence of Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.
The Saints come into this game with a 0-3 record and their season hanging in the balance, thus making this a very important game for both squads.
With the difficulty of the upcoming schedule, the Cowboys need to come away from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with a win on Sunday night.
News and Notes
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Backup Quarterback Blues?
With a stat line like "22-of-26 for 232 yards and an interception," along with directing an offense that scored 28 points, it might appear as though Brandon Weeden did enough as the quarterback to help the Cowboys win.
However, after further examination, like this one at CowboysHQ, it becomes obvious that something was missing. Weeden’s determination to almost exclusively deliver short passes to the middle of the field ultimately contributed to the offense’s inability to move the ball in the second half.
There are two possibilities that could have led to Weeden ignoring open receivers down the field and to the outside. Firstly, the coaches could have been very clear in the game plan that the way they wanted the game played was through short, very safe interior passes.
Alternatively, Weeden could have trouble diagnosing defenses and/or throwing passes with anticipation, causing him to not recognize players as open, and moving on in his progression.
Neither of these possibilities should inspire great confidence from Cowboys fans moving forward, as neither of these represent easily correctable issues, and Weeden’s play will go a long way in determining the fate of the 2015 Cowboys.
Saints Facing Questions too
The Cowboys aren’t the only team facing questions at quarterback, as the Saints have uncertainty about who will start this week’s game under center.
Starter Drew Brees suffered a bruised rotator cuff in Week 2 and sat out the team’s 27-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. Brees’ replacement, Luke McCown, completed 31 of 38 passes for 310 yards and an interception against the Panthers, but similarly to Weeden, he failed to bring the explosive downfield passing element normally featured in the Saints offense.
Brees did throw at Saints practice on Wednesday, according to an Associated Press report (via the Dallas Morning News), but his status for Sunday is still uncertain.
Latest Injury News
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| Player | Position | Injury | Wed. Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dez Bryant | WR | Foot | Did Not Practice |
| Brandon Carr | CB | Non-Injury | Did Not Practice |
| Randy Gregory | TE | Ankle | Did Not Practice |
| Ronald Leary | LB | Groin | Full Participant |
| Jeremy Mincey | DE | Concussion | Did Not Practice |
| Ryan Russell | DE | Groin | Full Participant |
| Kyle Wilber | LB | Hamstring | Full Participant |
| Jason Witten | TE | Ankle/Knee | Full Participant |
(All injury information courtesy of DallasCowboys.com)
The Cowboys look to get some reinforcements back for Week 4, as starters Ronald Leary and Jeremy Mincey, who both missed Week 3, are expected to be back in the lineup. These two represent some much-needed help on the offensive and defensive lines, respectively, against New Orleans.
X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
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Cowboys Defensive Line vs. Saints Offensive Line
The Falcons were able to run the ball on the Cowboys almost at will as the game wore on, as a lack of depth due to injuries forced several backup defensive lineman into extended snaps. The unusual number of snaps wore down the Cowboys’ defensive front, and the lack of pass rush made life very difficult for the players in the secondary.
If the Cowboys want to have a chance to win this, or any, game with Weeden at quarterback, they are going to need a stellar performance from their defensive front.
Cowboys Wide Receivers vs. Saints Defensive Backs
One thing is for sure leading up to this game, and that is that Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will come into the game with an elaborate, exotic and potentially unsound game plan to stop the Cowboys. If the Cowboys wide receivers can figure out a way to get separation downfield, and Weeden is able to get the ball to them, there will likely be big plays for the taking.
The only wide receiver who made a catch in Week 3 was Cole Beasley, who hauled in four underneath passes. If the others can get involved, it could open up possibilities for the rest of the offense.
Cowboys X-Factor of the Week: The Offensive Line
The entire offseason narrative around the Cowboys was that their offensive line was good enough that they could let any running back run behind them, and that player would be productive. At times, like the first half against the Falcons, that theory has been proven, as Joseph Randle rushes for 91 yards in the first half and Darren McFadden recorded his own 35 yards.
However, for all the fanfare and accolades, the line has largely underperformed in 2015, specifically in the running game. If this offensive line gets going in the right direction, and can get on its blocks the way it did early in Week 3, it will give the Cowboys a great shot to get the wins they need.
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Prediction
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If the Cowboys can establish the run and avoid the costly penalties to stay ahead of the chains and allow the offense to operate efficiently with Weeden under center, they should be able to move the ball and score points.
The defensive results will likely have something to do with which Saints quarterback plays. However, regardless of the quarterback, the Saints’ lack of weapons in the run or the pass game will limit their ability to put big points up.
Prediction: Cowboys 24, Saints 22
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