Here’s what the Dallas Cowboys must do to beat the Saints

Can the Dallas Cowboys beat the New Orleans Saints this Thursday? Yes, they can. It will not be easy but this is how they could do it.

The New Orleans Saints come into AT&T Stadium Thursday night with a 10-game winning streak in their pocket. They are the hottest team in the NFL. ESPN only gives the Dallas Cowboys a 37.8 percent chance to win. Yet, the ‘Boys can beat this team, but it won’t be easy.

This game will come down to execution in all phases of the game. Particularly on offense. The offensive line may still be missing the services of All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith, who is suffering from a stinger as well as an elbow injury.

Individually and collectively, this group must control the tempo of the game. Running back Ezekiel Elliott must have running lanes and quarterback Dak Prescott must have time to go through his reads.

Red Zone

The Cowboys will not win a track meet against New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. Despite only averaging about 70 yards more per game, the Saints are scoring almost 16 points per game more than the Cowboys.

This statistic tells us that New Orleans is much better than Dallas in the red zone, who are ranked 4th and 23rd respectively in touchdowns scored. Thus, failure in the red zone is not an option.

Run the Ball

The Saints defense is only allowing a league-low 73.2 rushing yards per game. This is likely due to opposing teams getting behind quickly and having to abandon the run game. Elliott, and certainly the Cowboys as a whole, must double this total to eat up clock and control the game.

Third Downs

Third down conversions and the ability of the defense to get off the field on third down, will have a tremendous impact on this game. Again, there is a huge disparity offensively, with the Saints ranked 5th and the Cowboys ranked 21st. The ‘Boys must extend drives and do everything possible to keep Brees from sitting in the pocket, moving the chains.

Play Smart

Prescott must connect with his receivers on third down. He cannot continue to miss open throws or when pressured, turn his back to the field and run into sacks. His poor pocket awareness contributes to turnovers and offensive holding penalties.

The defense must rush the passer and not rough the passer. Brees possesses an uncanny pocket awareness that frustrates the defense. The defenders cannot get caught up giving Brees an extra shot and be penalized.

Turnovers

The ability to protect the ball and not give Brees extra possessions is paramount. Likewise, the defense must take the ball away and add to Brees’ impressive total of only two interceptions on the season.

In addition, the defense must tackle soundly. The defenders usually get to the ball carrier but miss too many tackles. The Tampa 2 scheme is designed to keep everything in front of the defense and make tackles immediately. Yards after the catch, is a staple in the Saint’s offense.

Special Teams

This unit’s ability to change field position with proper kick coverage and avoid undisciplined penalties may decide the game. Both Elliott and Prescott showed a lack of situational awareness with the ill-advised stunt on Thanksgiving versus the Washington Redskins. It cost them a short field, when the special teams allowed a bad return, which led to a touchdown and put the Redskins within one score.

I feel this game will be competitive and I firmly believe the Dallas Cowboys will give the New Orleans Saints their toughest test of the season. What thoughts do you have about this matchup? Tell us in the comments section below.