The Dallas Cowboys suffered a dreadful Week 2 defeat against the New Orleans Saints, succumbing to a crushing 44-19 loss. After a promising start to the season with a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Cowboys’ defense faltered dramatically, conceding an overwhelming 35 points in the first half alone.
A Defense in Disarray
Facing the Saints, Dallas seemed completely outmatched. Under the command of quarterback Derek Carr, New Orleans executed flawlessly on offense, scoring a touchdown on each of their first six drives. Remarkably, the Saints' offensive prowess was highlighted by an 80-yard drive that culminated in a five-yard touchdown run from Alvin Kamara. Kamara was unstoppable, racking up a staggering 180 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.
The Cowboys’ defense, praised for their performance in Week 1, where they logged six sacks and two interceptions, managed only one sack and a single interception against the Saints. The lack of pressure was evident as Dallas registered a mere 17.6% quarterback pressure rate during the game.
"For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels," reflected linebacker Eric Kendricks, highlighting the defensive unit's struggles from the outset.
Breaking Down the Struggles
The Cowboys’ inability to stop the Saints’ offense was stark, with Dallas tying a franchise record for the most points conceded in the first half of a game. This marked the second-largest home opener defeat under owner Jerry Jones, adding a layer of historic disappointment to the loss.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs didn't mince words regarding the performance. "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 emphatically.
Linebacker Micah Parsons also emphasized the need for better execution on defense. "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," noted Parsons, pointing out the fundamental tactics that were missing.
Saints’ Offensive Execution
Praise for New Orleans’ offensive strategy was also evident. "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," added Parsons, acknowledging the Saints' strategic ingenuity.
The comprehensive defeat left a palpable sense of disappointment and urgency within the Cowboys' locker room. Eric Kendricks voiced the collective sentiment of the team post-game. "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," reflected Kendricks, advocating for a swift but thoughtful rebound.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare to move forward, there is a clear recognition that improvement is necessary across the board. "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," confessed Parsons, underscoring a commitment to accountability and growth.
The Cowboys will have a lot to dissect as they seek to correct course and build on the lessons from their early-season challenges. The upcoming weeks will undoubtedly test their resilience and determination to bounce back stronger.