Game Details
- Match-up: New Orleans Saints (1-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Date: Sunday, 28 September 2014
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- TV: NBC
New Orleans comes into this game a week after getting it’s first win of the season at home against the Vikings. The defense kept the Vikings out of the end zone and played much better than the previous two games. While it was a good win, it should have been better. The Saints haven’t quite been 100% in sync yet. Meanwhile Dallas is coming of a comeback win in St. Louis and look to improve to 3-1.
Key Match-up
Cowboys WRs vs. Saints Secondary. The Saints came into the season having one of the best secondaries in the NFL, at least on paper. So far that has not come to life. While it is mostly due to the weakness at the #2 CB spot, as a whole the defensive backs have not been sharp. This is a Dallas team loaded at the skill positions in the passing game with Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and Terrance Williams. They will have their hands full, but also have the talent to compete against them. Rob Ryan simplified the defense last week, and it worked well. Hopefully that was a sign of things to come as he faces his old team for the 2nd time in two years.
Players to Watch
Demarco Murray for the Cowboys and Brandin Cooks for the Saints. This game is most likely going to be all offense, and these two will be a big part of it. Murray is leading the NFL in rushing yards coming into week 4 and stopping him will be a big issue. Meanwhile Brandin Cooks leads all rookie players in receptions with 18 and he touches the ball in every way possible. Like Jimmy Graham, the Saints want him to get the ball, and they will find ways to make it happen. Dallas can’t key on him too much though, because there are plenty of other guys Drew Brees can use.
What Does It All Mean?
Like I said, this has all the makings of a Fantasy Football player’s dream. There will be a ton of yards and TDs in this game. Last year the Saints manhandled the Cowboys, setting an NFL record for First Downs in a game with 40 in a 49-17 win which saw Drew Brees throw for 392 yards and 4TDs. Is Dallas’ Defense that much better? On paper, no. But this is a road game for the Saints who’s defense isn’t the same as last year either so far. The Saints defense has forced only 5 turnovers the last 14 games and only one so far this season. They will have to change that now if they want to not only win this game, but make the playoffs.