By Ross Jackson
There may not be a lot of confidence in the New Orleans Saints this weekend heading into their Week 2 tilt against the Dallas Cowboys, but after an outstanding season opener, there is some reason for optimism. New Orleans does not necessarily need to win this game. But a win would make a loud statement.
In order for the Saints to pull off the early-season upset, they would need to check a few important boxes on both sides of the ball. Limiting the number of Dallas’ offensive weapons that can contribute game-changing plays, minimizing the impact of the league’s best defensive player and simply staying true to who they are as opposed to trying to counter the Cowboys.
Limit Cowboys Offense To Their Two Biggest Weapons
Behind wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Cooks, the Cowboys are tying to figure out their third option. For New Orleans, it is imperative that they do not let Dallas figure out against their defense. With tight end Jake Ferguson doubtful with a knee injury, the most likely place for the Cowboys to find their tertiary attack will be via the ground game.
New Orleans’ linebackers will be a necessity for the team’s success. Demario Davis, Pete Werner and Willie Gay Jr. may end up being in the field together quite a bit in this matchup. If so, it will be up to them and the rest of the front seven to keep running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle from giving Dallas a viable third option.
Minimize The Impact Of Micah Parsons’ Big Plays
With players like Parsons, it is best to be pragmatic. He is going to make plays. He will get a sack, and he will get pressure, especially with the Saints managing offensive line injuries.
The key will be minimizing the impact of those plays. A big help with this will be getting into manageable third down situations so that the Cowboys’ pass rushers cannot just pin their ears back and get after quarterback Derek Carr.
If he does get home to make a play on Carr, which is likely to happen, mitigating his contributions could simply come down to not letting the ball come lose and keeping Carr healthy. If the Saints can do that, the team will have the orchestration they need to at least stay in the contest.
Stick With Your Identity On Offense
One of the team’s biggest struggles in the last few years has been a lack of offensive identity. Even running back Alvin Kamara openly referred to this issue last year. Now, Kamara is firmly implanted as a large part of the team’s DNA: a reliable run game that sets up the test of the offense.
Kamara, Jamaal Williams and tight end Taysom Hill will all play large roles in this area of the game. Regardless of what Dallas does to counter it, it will be important for New Orleans to stick to its foundation. If they do that, they will keep themselves in contention. If and when they veer away from what makes the Saints the Saints, the game could get away from them.
Help The Offensive Line
While the tight ends were major contributors in last week’s win, it stands to reason that they may not be this week. At least not so much in the pass-catching area.
With several injuries and health concerns now on the offensive line, tight ends like Foster Moreau and Juwan Johnson may be asked to help out in pass protection. Staying back to block or chipping before releasing into coverage could provide much-needed seconds to Carr on passing plays. Look for the tight end group to play a large role here, especially if rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga is out.
Get Chris Olave Involved
The Saints may not have shown everything against the Carolina Panthers. Because that game quickly turned into a blowout, there was not much of a reason to keep deploying new plays and concepts.
With Olave having only two receptions in the Week 1 contest, it would make sense of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak leaned on his top receiver much more in this one. If he does, it puts the team in position to minimize its top pass-catching weapon. Although the passing game does not have to be the limit for Olave.
