The Dallas Cowboys' defense encountered a humbling defeat in their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, with a final score of 44-19. This game, held at their home stadium, was a stark contrast to their 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, showcasing the inconsistencies that have plagued the team.
The Saints, led by quarterback Derek Carr, came out with an aggressive and effective game plan. They scored touchdowns on each of their first six drives, leaving the Cowboys' defense scrambling. An 80-yard drive capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Alvin Kamara was a highlight, showcasing the Saints' offensive prowess.
Kamara was a standout, accumulating 180 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns. His performance highlighted Dallas's defensive shortcomings, especially in terms of tackling. "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," said Micah Parsons, reflecting on the defensive efforts.
A Record-Breaking Struggle
The first half was particularly brutal for the Cowboys, who allowed 35 points, tying a franchise record for the most points conceded in the first half of a game. This poor performance marked the second-largest home opener defeat under owner Jerry Jones, an ignominious milestone that the team will be eager to forget.
Eric Kendricks provided a sobering assessment of the situation: "For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels." His words echoed the sentiment in the locker room, where disappointment was palpable. "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," Kendricks added.
A Defensive Letdown
The Cowboys' defense, which shone in Week 1 with six sacks and two interceptions, managed only one sack and one interception against the Saints. Their quarterback pressure rate dropped to a mere 17.6%, indicating a significant reduction in defensive effectiveness. Trevon Diggs expressed his frustration: "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."
The Saints' offensive strategy, which included quick passes and max protection schemes, left the Cowboys' defense struggling to adapt. Parsons noted the creativity in the Saints' approach: "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."
Looking for Redemption
Despite the heavy defeat, the players recognized the need to move forward and focus on their next challenge. Kendricks emphasized the importance of resilience: "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."
As the Cowboys review game footage, the emphasis will be on identifying gaps and ensuring a cohesive defense moving forward. "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," Parsons reflected.
The defeat against the Saints serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the NFL and the fine margins that can dictate success or failure. As the Cowboys regroup, the focus will be on addressing these weaknesses and ensuring they are better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.