NFL
The rematch from the highest rated Thursday night game ever takes place on Sunday night when the 3-0 Dallas Cowboys, pay a visit to the Big Easy, to play the 2-1 New Orleans Saints. This will be the first game for the Cowboys against a team with a winning record. In other words a test. When they met last year it was a defensive battle with Dallas winning 13-10.
Keys to the Game:
Will the Cowboys defense be as stout as they were last year against Alvin Kamara? Last year they held Kamara, to a paltry 38 yards on 11 carries. This defense has been built with exactly that in mind. The best way to combat speed is to have speed yourself. The defensive line was a menace in that game, and then Vander Esche, and Smith, were right there in front of Kamara. That has to be repeated on Sunday night. He is easily the best weapon they have. When he get’s going it opens up everything else for the Saints.
Last year the all time leading passer was limited by the Cowboys to 127 passing yards. The defensive line was coming right up the gut and was in Brees’ face very quickly. No quarterback does well when they have to deal with that type of pressure. If the line can do that to Bridgewater, it will be a tough night for Thomas, Cook, and Ginn. I like the Cowboys chances of getting at least one INT against Bridgewater, especially if he is under duress from the linemen. Now that they’ve actually had a few sacks, it’s time for more. Stay hungry and get to Bridgewater.
The other side of the ball will be a battle as well. The Saints have an opportunistic defense and are very good on special teams as evidenced by last week’s win against Seattle. Note to Garrett and the other coaches, keep that game film on how to beat the 12th man up in Seattle. That’s the formula. It will be incumbent on Prescott to play as he has in second half of games so far, right from the opening series. Get that early lead and take the noisy Superdome crowd out of the game. I really hope they use both backs as they did last week. Once the offensive line starts dominating with their tremendous run blocking, the Saints will have to deal with the play action passing game that Dallas has looked so good with. Look for another red zone TD from Witten this week. .
This game should see more offense than last year’s game, and with that said I am predicting the Cowboys move to 4-0 with a 24-14 win. Bridgewater didn’t light up the Seahawks, it was Kamara along with their defense and special teams that did the damage.
You can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
