3 things you must know about Cowboys victory over the Saints

Well, a wins a win, and that is exactly what the Dallas Cowboys got on Thursday Night Football. Despite the end result, the Cowboys’ offense has some serious issues that they must work out before starting an NFC east gauntlet the next three weeks.

On the other side of the ball, the defense was fantastic in this game. They recorded four interceptions of Saints quarterback Taysom Hill and gave the offense plenty of opportunities to score points.

Without further ado, here are the 3 things you need to know about the Thursday Night Football victory.

3. The Cowboys offense is sloppy

Some really good drives, some really bad drives. The Cowboys’ offense right now is struggling to consistently put points on the board. There were six 3 & outs in this game which is something that should not be happening with all the talent on the field.

I think part of the issue are the first down runs. We knew coming in that New Orleans had a good run defense, but the Cowboys still tried to stuff the ball into the line of scrimmage series after series.

Everything just seems so difficult for the offense, they have not rushed for over 100 yards in a game since Week 10. Plus, quarterback Dak Prescott does not seem comfortable in the pocket. He has made some inaccurate throws in recent weeks, and those are tough to swallow especially on third downs when they need conversions.

Also, we may need to have a conversation about offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. This lull the offense is in has something to do with the plays being called. Moore seems to be going run happy on early downs which simply is not working of late. Adjustments need to be made and I am hopeful Moore will do that before taking on the Football team.

I think having to play three games in 12 days along with the Covid-issues within the team has made it difficult to have the full group practicing together. But over the next 10 days, they need to find their early-season rhythm on offense which will be crucial for a team that is looking to be playing football deep into the playoffs.

2. Cowboys defensive fireworks

The Cowboys’ defense had generated only 5 takeaways the past four games, and they almost matched that number in this game. As previously stated, the Cowboys’ defense intercepted Taysom Hill four times and pressured him on 18 of his 41 dropbacks.

Despite giving up over 100 yards rushing to Hill, when the defense forced him to throw they were in great shape. Hill completed a measly 19 of 41 passes, which is quite putrid. He also ended with a passer rating of 44.2.

The defense had many stand-out performers including Micah Parsons, who does something amazing every week, this week he recorded one sack (10th of the year) and two QB hits. Trevon Diggs got another interception, his first since Week 10. He continues to lead the NFL in interceptions with nine.

Defensive lineman, Carlos Watkins even chipped in with his first career pick-six. For a defensive lineman, he showed off some incredible hands on this one,

Jayron Kearse and Jourdan Lewis also played quite well, Kearse mostly for his playmaking around the line of scrimmage and Lewis helped on one of the interceptions by hitting Hill’s arm while he was attempting to throw.

Lastly, the reinforcements are coming for the Dallas D. DeMarcus Lawrence played sparingly in the game but made an impact with two passes defended and one QB hit. While defensive lineman Randy Gregory and Neville Gallimore are expected to join the fray in Week 14 against Washington.

1. Cowboys need to rest Zeke

If it was not evident to you already it should be now. Running back Ezekiel Elliott is nowhere near 100%, and it is not helping anyone running him out there. At the beginning of the year, Zeke looked so explosive and was running very well. But, now due to this knee injury, he looks like a shell of himself.

Tony Pollard has clearly been the more explosive running back and we saw that on his 58-yard touchdown run.

Pollard deserves more playing time and it would be the best of both worlds if the Cowboys gave Zeke at least the next game off to try and help his injured knee.

Elliott is such a tough player, he is never going to want to come off the field. But, the Cowboys should realize where they are at in the NFC East standings and that having Elliott healthy for the end of season and playoffs is most important.

There were talks before the Saints game that the Cowboys would consider resting Elliott, I have no idea why they decided not too but at some point, they must if they want to get him back to full health. Pollard rushed 7 times for 71 yards while Elliott had 13 carries for 45 yards. Zeke is clearly not right and now is the time to rest him to make sure he is ready for late December and early January football.