In a disheartening performance, the Dallas Cowboys' defense crumbled under the relentless attack of the New Orleans Saints, suffering a staggering 44-19 defeat in their Week 2 matchup. This game marks a significant low point, particularly after their promising 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
A Troubling Start Against the Saints
From the onset, the Cowboys were on their heels. New Orleans, under the leadership of quarterback Derek Carr, scored a touchdown on each of their first six drives. The Saints' offensive coordination was impeccable, epitomized by an 80-yard drive capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Alvin Kamara. Kamara was a force to be reckoned with, amassing 180 yards from scrimmage and crossing the end zone three times.
As linebacker Eric Kendricks succinctly put it, "For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels." The Cowboys' defense was left scrambling, leading to an abysmal first-half performance where they conceded 35 points, matching a franchise record for most points allowed in the first half of a game.
Defensive Struggles
The quick succession of scores by the Saints highlights a stark contrast to the Cowboys' Week 1 defensive prowess, where they recorded six sacks and two interceptions against the Browns. In this game, however, they managed just one sack and one interception, significantly lessening their pressure on Carr with a mere 17.6% quarterback pressure rate.
Micah Parsons voiced his frustration, emphasizing the team's need to tighten up their 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."
Adjustments and Reactions
Defensive back Trevon Diggs echoed this sentiment, underscoring the challenges the Cowboys faced. "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' strategy proved difficult to counter. "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.
Locker Room Reflections
The defeat cast a somber mood over the Cowboys' locker room. Kendricks reflected on the disappointment, especially given the context of the home opener. "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 defeat is painful, there is an underlying current of resolve to address the shortcomings and improve. Parsons summed it up, acknowledging the importance of accountability and improvement. "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."
This humbling defeat has undoubtedly given the Cowboys much to ponder as they prepare for their next challenge. The crucial learnings from this encounter will serve as a foundation for the team to bounce back and establish a more resilient defense moving forward.