Keys to the Game
Saints
- Keep the Pocket Clean for Derek Carr
- Win Turnover Battle
New Orleans had a picture-perfect Week 1 against the Panthers. They were throwing the ball all around the yard. Their first key to this Week 2 matchup in Dallas is to protect QB Derek Carr in hopes of recreating last week’s passing production. Carr is a slow, pocket passer, who is not adept at escaping a strong pass rush. He isn’t one to make a big play with his legs if the pocket collapses.
Unfortunately for the Saints, the Cowboys’ pass rush was the best in the NFL last week, finishing 1st in sacks, pressures, pressure percentage, and QB knockdowns. Defensive ends Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are both stars.
All hope is not lost, however, as the Saints offensive line graded out 1st in PFF pass blocking grade last week. It will be interesting to see if they can hold their own against a much, much more talented Cowboys defensive front. I’m a bit worried for rookie Taliese Fuaga in particular.
Another massive goal for the Saints should be to win the turnover battle. Last week, New Orleans picked off Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on the first play of the game, which set the tone for the whole afternoon. They ended up winning the takeaway battle 3-1, while the Cowboys avoided committing any turnovers in their Week 1 contest. As the heavy road underdog, taking the ball away from the Cowboys is one of the only avenues to success for the Saints.
Cowboys
- Stay Sharp in the Secondary
- Take Advantage of Rookie Cornerback
Dallas’ first key to the game is to stay sharp in coverage. The Cowboys did a great job of this last week against the Browns, finishing the week with 2 interceptions and allowing the 2nd-lowest net yards per pass attempt. The secondary unit is lined with studs like Trevon Diggs, Donovan Wilson, and Malik Hooker.
To make matters interesting, Derek Carr and the Saints carved up the lowly Carolina secondary last week. They posted 3 passing touchdowns and gained the 5th-most net yards per pass attempt. From Dallas’ perspective, it is important to make sure that New Orleans is much less effective in the passing game and limit WRs Rashid Shaheed (3 receptions for 73 yards and 1 TD last week) and Chris Olave.
Another key for the Cowboys is to attack Saints rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. Historically, rookie cornerbacks don’t typically perform well. Besides quarterback, cornerback might be the toughest position for rookies to acclimate to. Dak Prescott is experienced and knows that targeting McKinstry, who played on nearly half of New Orleans’ defensive snaps last week, is a profitable endeavor. I expect Dak to complete a long pass or two in Kool-Aid’s direction.
What’s the Move?
Cowboys -6 (ESPNBet)
Despite the Saints winning by 37 points last week, I don’t think they’ll cover in Dallas. This is a difficult road matchup against a very talented team. The Cowboys don’t mess around in the regular season, especially at home. I think that the defense combined with Dak and CeeDee Lamb on offense will be too much to handle.