FRISCO, Texas – The 3-0 Dallas Cowboys hit the road in week four to take on the toughest opponent they have faced thus far- The 2-1 New Orleans Saints. Both the Giants and Dolphins, whom the Cowboys faced in weeks one and three, are in a rebuilding phase. Sunday will be a true test for Dallas on both sides of the football.
The Cowboys’ defense played the most physical against Miami last Sunday that they have been so far in 2019. The defensive line played lights out in the second quarter with penetration coming from all angles.
I spoke with strong safety Jeff Heath earlier in the week on the defense’s production against the Dolphins and he remarked, “ just having 11 hats at the ball. Very rarely on tape was just one guy trying to make a tackle. Guys were trying to fight for more yards and they were getting hit by 2,3,4 more guys.”
Dallas will need that same kind of aggressiveness against the Saints’ offense with Teddy Bridgewater’s go-to-target Michael Thomas and featured back, Alvin Kamara. Thomas will be lined up all over the formation to create matchup problems and he is dangerous working the middle of the field. Kamara will be a big part of Sean Payton’s game plan on Sunday with Drew Brees out. He has incredible speed/power and is extremely difficult to tackle when the ball is in his hands: a complete back who is just as big of a threat as a receiver catching the ball.
The Cowboys’ defense has faced many elite backs in 2019 with Saquon Barkley in week one and Adrian Peterson in week two, but Kamara brings unique challenges to the table.
Jordan Lewis commented on his ability as a rusher, “when he is out in space he can break so many tackles. He is elusive, you know second to none honestly. He is one of the premiere players in this league, definitely a challenge when you have him in space and have to get him down. That will be a big challenge for us this year.”
The defensive line has to keep their shoulders square at the line of scrimmage with linebackers coming up to help fill gaps in order to clog holes. That will stop Kamara and create pressure on the Saints’ offensive line to get to Teddy Bridgewater.
Offensively, the Cowboys have been firing on all cylinders. They are ranked third in the league in total offense, first in third down efficiency, and have scored over 30 points in three-straight games. The key against New Orleans’ 4-3 defensive front will be starting fast and the offensive line blocking well up front to protect Dak Prescott and to open up lanes for Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The Saints have one of the league’s best defensive ends in Cameron Jordan. He has amassed 25 sacks over the past two seasons and is an effective run defender, in addition to his pass rush ability off the edge.
I spoke with Elliott earlier in the week on Jordan and he said, “ He is a guy we have to know where he is at all times. He is a guy that brings it. “
A key matchup in the game will be between Cameron Jordan and offensive tackle La’el Collins at the line of scrimmage. Collins did a fantastic job against Jordan last year and did not allow him to beat him for a sack but that is in the past. He will need another repeat performance on Sunday in the Superdome.
