By Ross Jackson
DALLAS — Just like last week, the New Orleans Saints are off to a dominating start after an explosive first half. Last week the team started with nine straight scoring possessions against the Carolina Panthers, they started their Week 2 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys off with five-straight touchdown drives.
For the second week in a row, the Saints have amassed at least 30 points in a first half. Quarterback Derek Carr is on a tear with 9 completions, 222 passing yards and two touchdowns passes on just 11 attempts and added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter as the cherry on top.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara already has a hat trick on his day with two rushing touchdowns and 57-yard screen for another.
Even though things have not been perfect on the defensive side for New Orleans, who have surrendered 16 points thus far, the big plays have been there. After being whistled for a pair of defensive holding penalties and being part of a crucial missed tackle that turn into a long catch-and-run touchdown for Saints’ cornerback Paulson Adebo, he capped off the second half with a huge interception return to set up the Saints’ offense on a short field.
The 35-16 lead feels like it should be more, but New Orleans should be focused less on that and more on maintaining their momentum in the second half.
These are not the New Orleans Saints of yesteryear. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has undoubtedly breathed new life into the offense and head coach Dennis Allen’s defense is showing up in big ways.
Last week, the Saints’ success was knocked down by many due to the struggling state of the Panthers. This week, there will be no excuses if New Orleans can hold this lead and march to a convincing 2-0 start. Doing so without their top cornerback Marshon Lattimore would be yet another crowning jewel for their early season success.
What will help New Orleans maintain their lead in the second half will come down to the defense. While defensive end Carl Granderson secured his first sack of the season on a clutch third down red zone pressure, there has not been consistent enough disruption in Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s rhythm. This will be key to watch as Dallas is nearing desperation that would force him to drop back to pass quite a bit to get back into the game.
Another multi-takeaway game would go a long way for New Orleans as well. The Saints’ aggression on offense has led to some short rest for the defensive group. If Kubiak keeps the foot on the gas like he did last week, it could be an early test of stamina for Allen’s unit. But there is no doubt about it, this Saints team is the real deal.
