The New Orleans Saints take on a major test in Week 2, hitting the road to play the Dallas Cowboys. Let’s make a few bold predictions for the game.
The schedule has quickly heated up for the New Orleans Saints. After starting the year with the Carolina Panthers, who were the the worst two in the league last season, New Orleans is preparing to play the Dallas Cowboys, a team that was 12-5 last season. To make things even tougher for the Saints, the game against Dallas on Sunday is a road game.
Even after a dominant Week 1 win, New Orleans is an underdog for a reason. People aren’t picking the Saints to win this game, but everyone is interested to see just how competitive it will be. That just gives the team another opportunity to put the NFL on notice.
Picking New Orleans to win would certainly be a bold prediction. Let’s take a look at some other bold predictions for Sunday’s game.
3. Micah Parsons won’t record a sack against the Saints
The deciding factor of this game very well could be how New Orleans’ young offensive line holds up against Dallas’ elite pass rush. Rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga will be starting the second game of his career, and Trevor Penning will be playing just his second game at right tackle. They’ll be tasked with slowing down Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
This definitely seems like a recipe for disaster, and the Saints understand that. That’s why they will likely do everything possible to negate the pass rush. From establishing the run, to screens and draws, and quick passes, the play calling should contribute to Parsons leaving this game without a sack.
2. Saints won’t have any turnovers
New Orleans’ offense did a tremendous job of protecting the football in Week 1. The team’s only turnover against the Panthers came on a muffed punt. With the defense taking the ball away three teams, the Saints were set up for victory by winning the turnover battle.
On Sunday, New Orleans plays a ball-hawking defense that’s a lot like the Saints defense. Last season, the Cowboys recorded at least one interception in all but four games— that includes five games with more than one interception.
They got right back to that takeaway culture in Week 1, with Trevon Diggs recording an interception. Dallas will definitely try to keep things rolling, but the Saints will play smart and protect the ball.
1. Saints will win
As previously stated, picking New Orleans is a bold prediction, but the Saints can definitely win this game. No one expected them to win 47-10 against the Panthers, so it’s clear no one knows what to expect from the Saints. They have the chance to put the league on notice in Week 2.
As good as Dallas is, it isn't just a flawless team that just dominates everyone. Last season, when the Cowboys won 12 games, they struggled to stop the run. Despite winning 33-17 against the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland was still able to run the ball. The Browns rushed the ball 19 times for 93 yards and one touchdown. That’s 4.9 yards a carry.
With Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, and Jamaal Williams, and an offensive line of downhill maulers, running the ball is key for this offense. If New Orleans is able to do that on Sunday, the team will have a formula for victory.
