The Dallas Cowboys faced a humbling defeat in their Week 2 matchup, falling 44-19 to the New Orleans Saints. Following a strong 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, the Cowboys' defense struggled significantly against the Saints' potent offense.
Early Dominance by the Saints
The Saints, led by quarterback Derek Carr, unleashed a relentless offensive attack, scoring touchdowns on each of their first six drives. A standout moment came with an 80-yard drive culminating in a five-yard touchdown run by Alvin Kamara. Kamara had an exceptional game, racking up 180 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns.
Dallas' defense was unable to contain the Saints, conceding 35 points in the first half. This ties a franchise record for the most points allowed in the first half of a game. The 44-19 defeat is also notably the second-largest home opener loss in the tenure of owner Jerry Jones.
Struggles on Defense
After a promising start to the season where the Cowboys recorded six sacks and two interceptions against the Browns, their performance against the Saints was underwhelming. The defense managed only one sack and one interception, and registered a quarterback pressure rate of just 17.6%.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks reflected on the defeat, stating, "For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels." The sentiment was echoed by cornerback Trevon Diggs, who added, "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."
Challenges in Tackling and Scheme Adjustments
The Cowboys' tackling was another area of concern. Linebacker Micah Parsons pointed out, "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." He also praised the Saints' strategic approach, saying, "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."
Locker Room Reflections
The post-game atmosphere in the Cowboys' locker room was one of disappointment and reflection. Kendricks noted, "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."
Parsons expressed a similar resolve to improve, stating, "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."
The Cowboys will need to regroup and address these issues as they prepare for their next game. The defeat serves as an eye-opener and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the season.