How will Cowboys’ defense measure up with Saints’ offense? Something has to give
How perfect is this?
The Dallas Cowboys, winners of three consecutive games and on the verge of turning a wayward season into something potentially special, host the hottest team in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints (10-1), Thursday night at AT&T Stadium.
It couldn’t have lined up any better for the Cowboys, who since acquiring receiver Amari Cooper, appear to have an effective offense. The Dallas’ defense, which has been the team’s saving grace through 11 games, is coming into its own and playing even better. Those turnovers they desperately sought are finally coming. The have five interceptions during the three-game stretch.
The Saints and quarterback Drew Brees, however, are especially adept at keeping the ball. They’re tied for the fewest turnovers in the league with nine and Brees has a league-low two interceptions. Something has to give.
Five things to watch Thursday night:
1. Measuring stick game
The Cowboys players and coaches were asked multiple times this week whether they viewed Thursday’s game against the Saints as a measuring stick game. Do they belong in the same conversation as the Saints, who are tied with the best record in the league, have won 10 straight and have scored more points than anyone else in the NFL? The Cowboys’ defense is soaring, however, and has allowed the third-fewest points (213), fourth-fewest rushing yards (1,030), fifth-fewest first downs (207) and seventh-fewest total yards (3,642).
2. Best defense is offense
The best way to slow down a prolific offense such as the Saints, is to keep them off the field. The Cowboys’ offense isn’t built to win shootouts, so Dak Prescott is likely to have long, time-consuming drives in mind. If ever there was a game to highlight Prescott’s running ability (along with Ezekiel Elliott’s, of course), this would be it. Since rushing a season-low 19 times in the Monday night loss to the Titans, Dallas has rushed 91 times during their three-game win streak. Coincidence?
3. Zeke’s streak
Ezekiel Elliott is in the middle of his best three-game stretch of his young career, combining for a total of 531 yards from scrimmage. Elliott is made for games such as this and despite missing practice earlier in the week with a sore hip, he seems poised to keep it going. The offensive line remains a concern, especially with starting left tackle Tyron Smith being a game-time decision with a neck stinger. Smith missed his first game of the year last week when the neck injury he suffered the week prior proved not ready.
4. Appreciate Drew Brees
While you’re rooting for the Cowboys’ to knock Brees’ head off, also take a few moments to sit back and realize you’re watching one of the best quarterbacks to ever play. Brees is the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (73,580), completions (6,494) and second all-time in passing touchdowns with 517. He’s likely to top Peyton Manning’s record of 539 if he plays at age 40, which he turns on January 15. Make no mistake, you’re seeing a legend play.
5. More from Amari
The Cowboys’ offense has improved drastically since receiver Amari Cooper joined the team. That was made clear by Cooper’s performance last week in the 31-23 win over the Redskins. Cooper had 180 yards, including touchdown catches of 40 and 90 yards. They were huge, game-turning scores in the second half, too. Another big game from Cooper would help continue to cement the growing perception that Jerry Jones made the right call to give up next year’s first round pick for the receiver. Cooper’s presence has made everyone in the offense better, including the other receivers.
This story was originally published November 28, 2018 at 10:00 AM.