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How the Dallas Cowboys stack up against NFC contenders

Let's determine how the Cowboys stack up against the NFC's likely playoff teams.

By Terence Watson

NFC Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v San Francisco 49ers
NFC Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v San Francisco 49ers / Michael Zagaris/GettyImages
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New Orleans Saints

2022 Points Per Game: 19.4 (22nd)
2022 Points Per Game Against: 20.3 (9th)
Key Offseason Additions: QB Derek Carr, RB Jamaal Williams, TE Foster Moreau, DE Nathan Shepard, DT Khalen Saunders, DT Bryan Bresee

Cowboys Advantage - Cowboys Defensive Front vs. Saints OL

I know you're thinking the Saints, really, well yes really but more by default thanks to the lackluster assortment of quarterbacks in the division and the addition of Derek Carr. The Cowboys' defense overall should be able to handle this Saints offense, but they can't forget that this team has weapons on the outside and at running back. That being the Cowboys' defensive line will give this offensive line fits all day, the linebackers have the speed and range to attack and keep up with their running backs and the secondary with the addition of Stephon Gilmore will be able to handle their receivers.

It still remains to be seen how their offense will work under Carr but with the talent the Cowboys have amassed on defense, they should be able to handle whatever the Saints are able to throw at them.

Cowboys Vulnerability - Effective Secondary and Pass Rush

Much like the Eagles' defensive line, the Saints have an impressive group up front led by Cameron Jordan. They also have a group of speedy linebackers and a good secondary with the ability to match up well against the Cowboys. Put all that together and you can see why this team was able to stay in games last season without a quality quarterback to lead their offense. Now with Carr under center this defense could be even more aggressive in their approach and if the Cowboys offensive line isn't able to control the line of scrimmage it's going to be tough moving the ball against them.

Look for the Saints to lean on their defensive line in order to slow down the Cowboys' running game early in order to force Dallas to pass the football against that aggressive and talented secondary. Trenches win games and it couldn't be more apparent in this situation for the Cowboys.

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