Official Saints vs Cowboys Thread.

[saintsfan1976]

Boy, things must be going pretty well in Who Dat Country if we're jumping right to "Predict the Score" on a Monday... LOL.

Let's talk about this Saturday's matchup and the problems it presents.

I apologize in advance for the long-winded post.

Defense:

Although our defense has capitalized on opportunities,
lately they've been more like the Saints defenses of past:
Avg 21pts and 347 yards per game.

I know, i know...it's the injuries. Well guess what,
we're still injured. Greer and Fujita are out.
Porter is doubtful. Jenkins is still learning (not to hold wr's)
Gay is playing through his injury (barely). Did anyone notice
Ellis limping off the field after Snelling's last TD in Atlanta?
McKenzie is starting to look more like a one-game-wonder
who has definitely lost more than one step!
Dear Gregg Williams, PLEASE no more "chucky blitz's"
with both CB's because Sharper cannot cover a wr who is
any faster than Michael Jenkins. Dude was toast!

We were barely able to stop a Chris Redman led Atlanta Falcons
team who were without their star RB and who's defense
gives up the 3rd most yards passing in the NFL. Thank God
he couldn't complete an out pass to save his life or we'd be
12-1.

Say what you will about Romo, but the guy hasn't thrown an
INT since Nov 15th. Miles Austin is for real. Roy and Witten
have to be covered and the Cowboys have three good RB's
and I fully expect them to pound the ball against us all night.
We will give up 300 yards of offense.

I look for Will Smith to have a good game vs Adams who
seems to be falling apart faster than Jerry Jones's nose.

It's now time to face a team who has everything to lose.
Remember; as we talk about how every week, every
team gives us their best game....blah blah blaaah
THIS is the last team on our schedule with a legit
chance to impact both their season as well as our own.

Although the Cowboys are streaky, I would compare
them to wild animal backed into an corner. And we
know how dangerous that type of team can be.

Offense:

Anyone know the status of Stinchcomb?

The Cowboys have a solid pass rush and we've seen Drew
struggle vs the Dolphins and Skins - both good
pass rushing teams. Will DeMarcus Ware play? This
could be the key to our night... Drew just has too many
weapons and the Cowboys can't cover them all game all the time.

Now, our offense is relatively healthy and I think
Drew can control the clock while putting up points.
The onus is on the Cowboys D to stop our rushing
attack and to make the Saints a one dimensional
team. But I'm not so sure they really want that either.
I've tried to remain objective and just can't
see how the 'boys will be able to stop this
offense from scoring.... unless....

That brings me to Garrett Hartley.
Did anyone hear Troy and Joe Buck last Sunday discussing
how much they were focused on GH during the
pre-game warmups? Well, it wasn't bc they were
admiring his range. They said the guy was actually
STUGGLING to make kicks before the game. (now we
know exactly why Payton called a fake last week)
Just thinking of how much Payton has done to improve
the kicking game from last year - if it costs us a game,
I may throw up.

Prediction:
The Saints will give up 300+ yards and Dallas will keep it close until the 4th qtr.
Saints 26 Dallas 24