In a game highlighted by tactical brilliance and sheer athletic prowess, the New Orleans Saints delivered a resounding statement against the Dallas Cowboys, handing them a 44-19 defeat in Week 2. This outcome contrasts sharply with the Cowboys' 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, raising pressing questions about the changes needed in Dallas.
Led by quarterback Derek Carr, the Saints showcased offensive efficiency, scoring touchdowns on each of their first six drives. "For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels," said Eric Kendricks. The Cowboys' defense, which had six sacks and two interceptions in their strong Week 1 start, struggled to contain New Orleans, managing only one sack and one interception this time around. This game marked the Cowboys' second-largest home opener defeat under owner Jerry Jones, a statistic highlighting the severity of the loss.
Saints' Offensive Prowess
The Saints opened the game with an imposing 80-yard drive, culminating in a five-yard touchdown run by Alvin Kamara. Kamara, a constant menace to the Cowboys' defense, racked up 180 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns. Dallas allowed 35 points in the first half, tying a franchise record for the most points conceded in the first half of a game. Reflecting on the defensive lapses, Trevon Diggs noted, "Unacceptable. Yeah, it's not necessarily confusing, it's just you have to be on your toes. You have to be on your Ps and Qs because they can run it, play-action and then when they [are] passing the ball, they're max-protecting everybody. So we're not getting any [pass] rush. You're just out there just, you know, this is unacceptable. We ain't come to play today."
Micah Parsons echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of physicality and proper technique. "We have to use our hands and feet. We got a guy like Kamara. We're not tackling well. We're arm-tackling. We're trying to pull a guy down. We got to be aggressive, we have to create penetration and do a much better job tackling," he emphasized. Parsons also credited the Saints for their innovative blocking schemes. "They did a great job schematically. Everything was short. Everything was quick, and if it wasn't, it was max [protect], two-man routes. Instead of having a lineman block me in max protection with a chip, they sent a chip with a lineman and sent a running back to cut. I was going through a maze almost. I thought that was creative, a new way," Parsons observed.
Defensive Adjustments Required
The Cowboys’ defense struggled to replicate its Week 1 form. In stark contrast to their pressure-driven showing against the Browns, Dallas managed a mere 17.6% quarterback pressure rate against the Saints. The defensive woes were compounded by poor tackling and a lack of efficiency in stopping Kamara. "Everyone is going to say they did their job and everything was perfect right now, but the film tells all. I can't wait to see the film. I don't know who was out of what gap [in the run game]. I know for the guys when I turn the film on, I want to say 'No. 11 was giving his all.' That's all that matters," said Parsons, indicating the importance of honest self-assessment and accountability within the team.
Eric Kendricks captured the mood within the Cowboys' locker room after the defeat, noting the humility that comes with such a loss. "I feel like you look around the locker you can sense it. Obviously everyone is disappointed. We didn't want that, especially at the home opener. The NFL will humble you like that. This isn't the first time I've been a part of that. We got to make a stand. We got to come back to work tomorrow. Obviously, let it hurt for a little bit. I think that's a good thing. Put it in our rearview and work toward the next," Kendricks stated, highlighting the need for resilience and renewed focus as the team prepares for future challenges.
This game serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictability and swift shifts in momentum that characterize the NFL. As the Cowboys sift through the rubble of a devastating defeat, the focus will now shift to identifying flaws, tightening defensive strategies, and reclaiming their winning form.