Maybe because they Saints are basically out of the playoff picture, this game has not been talked about this week as much as anticipated. Personally, I thought it would be talked about a lot not only about the on field preview, but in terms of this being the two main potential coaching spots for Sean Payton next year. Let me start off by saying, I’m not one of those who believe he is leaving. I think he is happy where he is and there’s no chance he goes to Dallas. Well, maybe there’s a “chance”, but my wishful thinking would like to think otherwise.
Today’s game could actually play a huge role in Dallas’ potential pursuit for Payton. In a three-way tie with Washington and New York for the NFC East, Dallas controls their own destiny, as do the other two. A loss to the Saints will make it very hard for them to win the division, especially with having to travel to Washington in Week 17. If they miss the playoffs, Jason Garrett’s job could be in jeopardy. If Dallas makes the playoffs, it doesn’t seem conceivable that Jerry Jones would fire his old pal whom has so much history in the organization. By no means am I suggesting that Saints fans should hope for a loss today, but if something crazy happens down the line, think back to the result of this game.
Moving on to the game, the New Orleans Saints come in to the game at 6-8, with the 4th ranked offense in the NFL averaging 397.9 yards per game. The offense had struggled through their last three games in their losing streak, but that was put to rest with a 41-0 drumming of Tampa Bay last week, in which Drew Brees fired four touchdown passes and looked like the guy we all know and love. Barring a complete miracle, it’s too little, too late, as the three game losing streak, along with the 0-4 start, will most likely doom the Saints and have them watching the playoffs from their couches for the first time since before they won the Super Bowl.
As mentioned before, the Cowboys are in a three-way battle for the NFC East with the Giants and Redskins. All three sit at 8-6. Dallas comes in to today’s battle with the league’s 13th ranked defense allowing 340.3 yards per game. They’re coming off of a huge overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, in which Brandon Carr made a phenomenal interception to set them up with a game winning field goal. Dallas will look to get revenge against New Orleans from their last match-up in 2010, a thrilling 30-27 Saints victory on Thanksgiving, when Tony Romo and Dez Bryant picked up a long gain and a first down late in the game to essentially ice the game, but Malcolm Jenkins stripped the ball from Bryant and the Saints offense went down the field to score and win. It’s always a good one between these two teams and both of these teams have been a model of inconsistency this season, so it’ll be interesting to see who shows up.
Pass Offense
Drew Brees finally got rolling again last week, as he went 26-39 for 307 with 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He had one of his days where he made the game look easy, while making the opposing defense look silly. The passing offense comes in to the game ranked 2nd in the NFL, averaging 298.1 yards per game.
Everything about Dallas’ defense sits in the middle of the pack in the NFL. Their pass defense is ranked 14th in the NFL, allowing 225.1 yards per game. Aforementioned corner back Brandon Carr is their best secondary player and has the talent to lock down #1 receivers for an entire game. DeMarcus Ware is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, although he has flown a bit under the radar this season, despite having 11.5 sacks.
Don’t expect this pass defense to slow down Drew Brees and company very much. It’s usually a shoot out when these two teams get together and you can most likely expect the same. Colston will probably see a lot off Carr, while Ware will try to get in Brees’ face and get him rattled. As compared to many other teams in the NFL, the Cowboys do not really have anyone to match-up with Jimmy Graham, so he has the potential for a big game.
Rush Offense
Mark Ingram is getting better and better with each game he is playing in the NFL. It’s very nice to watch, because the guy is obviously talented. He is coming off of another strong game, in which he had 14 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. His best runs are coming when he gets in to a rhythm and stays on the field for more than one play at a time.New Orleans’ rushing offense has steadily improved throughout the season, now sitting at 24th in the NFL with 99.9 yards per game.
Dallas’ middle of the pack defense sits at 15th in the NFL for rush defense and they allow 115.2 yards per game. They are nothing stout, but they are certainly no slouch, either.
With this game being anticipated as a shootout, they may not be tested too much, but it’s possible the Saints could look to get the ball rolling on the ground early on if they don’t give up early points. With now being pretty much out of the playoff race, it’s time to plan for next season, so they may look at Ingram’s performance from last week and try to build upon that to keep discovering what they have in their former 1st round pick.
Players to Watch
Drew Brees
As mentioned before, this match-up tends to be a bit of a shoot out. Drew will come out feeling good after last week and without the pressure of a playoff hunt on his back, he’ll be able to relax and do what he does best. Look for him to spread it around early and often and get the Cowboy defense off balance to try and prevent them from getting early pressure.
Mark Ingram
It looks as if the first round pick has arrived, ladies and gentlemen. When he gets the carries, he does well with him. They spent the money, picks, and effort to get him, now it’s time to force feed him the ball and see what you got. Ingram is very good talent, as are most players coming from Coach Nick Saban. As he gets more and more experience in the NFL, I truly believe Saints fans will become more and more pleased. Sit back and relax guys, I think we have a good one.
Jimmy Graham
Between Marques Colston getting the Brandon Carr treatment and Dallas not having a linebacker that can hang with Graham, I see him catching at least one touchdown. Everyone found out prior to last game that he has dealt with a wrist injury all season, which is hopefully an explanation for all of his drops, but it was believed to be just about healed up. Although he didn’t reel in one of Brees’ four TDs, he looked healthy last Sunday. Hopefully he as well is feeling much better and has all of his confidence back to finish the season strong and set a good foundation for next season.
Prediction
The Saints came out and played their best game of the season when they had the least pressure on them. Not only do I believe it was the playoff race not hanging over their head, but announcement of the vacated suspensions looked to inspire the defense. It’s been a very long 10 or so months for the Saints and I truly believe they are ready to kick back and relax. They know they are watching from home and I believe they want to go out with a bang and remind everyone that they are a good team and will be a force to wrecking with once again in 2013. It would also be fun to crush the playoff dreams of the Cowboys!
Saints – 31
Cowboys – 27
Happy Holidays to all of our readers, we truly appreciate you and just like the Saints we look to come back bigger, stronger, and better next season. Thank you for coming along for the ride and as always…Who Dat?!
