How the Dallas Cowboys can beat the Saints at their own game
The first true test for the Dallas Cowboys has arrived in the New Orleans Saints. Can America’s Team beat them at their own game this Sunday night?
Last year the Dallas Cowboys were able to upset the New Orleans Saints due to a very good defensive effort. That defense held the Saints high powered offense that averaged almost 30 points a game to just 10 points. This time around the Cowboys have the ability to beat the Saints at their own game.
The Saints offense has been so successful over that past few years due to their use of the play-action pass. And while starting quarterback Drew Brees is out with a thumb injury it doesn’t mean they can’t still use it with backup Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday. That play-action passing game is exactly what the Cowboys can use this time around to go along with their defense to beat the Saints.
The Dallas Cowboys will be able to set this up due in part the game last week against the Dolphins where both running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard were able to rush for 100 yards each. The Saints will now have to game plan for that which will play right into the hands of quarterback Dak Prescott who has been on fire early in the season. Now he won’t have Michael Gallup to throw too but he will possibly be getting back speedster Tavon Austin this week.
Using their speed on the outside with Austin and Devin Smith the Cowboys should be able to exploit Saints cornerback Eli Apple who has had problems with quick receivers in the past drawing either a pass interference call or getting burned for a big gain.
The other way the Cowboys can attack this defense is to use Pollard just like the Saints use Alvin Kamara. Putting him on the field with Elliott at the same time and splitting him out wide causes the Saints defense to use a linebacker to cover him.
Next. The top 30 moments in Dallas Cowboys history. dark
Giving Prescott the ability to pick the best option given to him based on the matchup. Either hand the ball off to Elliott or exploit the slower linebacker trying to cover Pollard in man coverage. The Cowboys have the personnel and talent now to give the Saints a taste of their own medicine Sunday. Let’s just hope they decide to use it.