Dallas Cowboys Routed by New Orleans Saints in Week 2
The Dallas Cowboys' defense experienced a humbling reality check in their Week 2 clash with the New Orleans Saints, falling 44-19 at home. The performance was a stark contrast to their promising start to the season, marked by a convincing 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
New Orleans, led by quarterback Derek Carr, put on an offensive clinic right from the outset, scoring touchdowns on each of their first six drives. The chaos inflicted by the Saints' attack left the Cowboys' defense scrambling. Alvin Kamara emerged as a terrifying force, amassing 180 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns, including an 80-yard drive capped by a five-yard run. Kamara’s physical dominance was further enabled by a well-executed game plan that kept Dallas on their heels.
"For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels," admitted Cowboys linebacker Eric Kendricks, reflecting the team's struggle to contain the Saints.
The Cowboys defense capitulated in the first half, conceding 35 points and tying a franchise record for the most points allowed in the first half of a game. This catastrophe marked the second-largest home opener defeat under the ownership of Jerry Jones, casting early doubts over the team's defensive resilience for the season ahead.
Against Cleveland, Dallas boasted six sacks and two interceptions, but those numbers dwindled against a methodical New Orleans outfit. The Cowboys managed only one sack and one interception as Carr seamlessly navigated their defensive line. Dallas mustered a meager 17.6% quarterback pressure rate, allowing Carr the time needed to dissect their secondary.
Trevon Diggs, one of the playmakers usually at the heart of Dallas’ defensive efforts, openly criticized the unit's lack of urgency. "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," Diggs stated.
The Cowboys' coaching staff and defensive squad were left puzzling over a myriad of tactical errors. Micah Parsons, renowned for his tackling and penetrative ability, laid bare the fundamental issues plaguing Dallas. "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," Parsons emphasized.
Parsons also commended the Saints on their strategic creativity while acknowledging the traps Dallas fell into. "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."
Eric Kendricks conveyed the somber mood of the locker room after the defeat, highlighting the collective disappointment yet urging a forward focus. "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."
While the Cowboys have been quick to acknowledge their shortcomings, there remains an underlying commitment among the players to rise above this setback. Micah Parsons, in a moment of introspection, summed up the broader sentiment within the squad. "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. Then, we’re going to continue that standard. I got a job. I owe these guys. I owe my family a certain level of ball. I don't think I helped to the best of my abilities today."
With the bruising defeat now a part of their narrative, the Cowboys must regroup and address their vulnerabilities if they are to salvage the ambitions of their season. The pathway to redemption is clear: tactical adjustments, improved execution, and an unwavering determination to rectify the flaws exposed by the Saints’ relentless offensive onslaught.