DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys welcome the New Orleans Saints for their 2024 home opener with a 16-game regular season home win streak on the line.
The Cowboys say they want to get back in the win column at home after their postseason stinker against the Packers in the Wildcard round of the playoffs last season.
Let's not dwell there, though - let's get you to "5 Things to Watch" in Sunday's game against the Saints.
What time do the Dallas Cowboys play?
- Time: Noon (CST) / 1 p.m. EST
- Where: AT&T Stadium
- Opponent: New Orleans Saints
5 things to know for Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints
1. What's up Zim's sleeve?
The grand unveiling for Mike Zimmer's defensive scheme in his second stint with the Cowboys was a rousing success. Cowboys defenders took full advantage of an injury-depleted Browns offensive line, harassing DeShaun Watson to the tune of 25 pressures, 17 hits and six sacks. And that number could have easily been 10 sacks if Watson wasn't so elusive.
Zimmer's scheme is multi-faceted, but players and coaches alike say there's plenty left up Zimmer's sleeve because of the way the game played out. And we should see more against the Saints.
Derek Carr can be effective when given time and that was the case against the Panther's in Week 1. Carr threw three touchdown passes, giving Saints nation reason to smile. Expect Zimmer to make life much more difficult in week two with different pressure packages and defensive looks meant to fool.
2. Containing Kamara
Alvin Kamara is healthy again and that means he can be a lethal weapon Sunday afternoon. The talented Saints running back ripped off 83 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in the opener. That Cowboys run defense is still suspect in my eyes. The Browns rushing attack was never a real factor in the opener, but again, Cleveland was missing their two starting tackles, so it's impossible to get a true read.
We all know the Cowboys defensive sore spot in recent years has been stopping the run and this figures to be their first true test.
New linebacker Eric Kendricks should give Cowboys fans confidence, especially after this impressive debut with a star on his helmet Sunday against the Browns. His ability to get the defense organized will be key against the Saints. New Orleans offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak runs a version of the West Coast offense from the Mike Shanahan tree. The Cowboys have struggled with it when facing the 49ers recently.
3. Dak's Day
He's the highest paid player in the league, but Dak Prescott didn't have to do much to earn his keep in week one. The Cowboys punishing defensive effort set the stage for the season-opening win so Prescott wasn't pressed into to making many big plays. His numbers were pedestrian, completing 19-of-32 passes for 179 yards and touchdown.
In all fairness, Prescott was sharp in the first half when the game was in question.
With a 24-point lead early in the fourth quarter, Prescott morphed into game management mode avoiding all risks. The Saints game figures to be more competitive so Dak should get his shot at making more high leverage plays presumably with the game hanging in the balance.
4. Overshown's Encore
DeMarvion Overshown was forced to wait more than a year to make his NFL debut after a preseason ACL injury ended his rookie campaign prematurely last year.
Wow! Was it ever worth the wait!
Overshown burst onto the scene flashing his play-making ability and eye-popping closing speed. The stat line was ridiculous for a debut - nine tackles with a couple quarterback pressures and a sack that showcased his speed.
Overshown looks like the sideline-to-sideline patrolling linebacker that can have an immediate impact in Zimmer's defensive scheme. Watching the Arp, Texas native blossom on the big stage will be fun, so keep an eye on number 13 against New Orleans.
5. Youth being served
It's still so early in the season, so we'll have to keep an eye on the Cowboys rebuilt offensive line featuring a pair of rookies in left tackle Tyler Guyton and center Cooper Beebe.
Guyton played well against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. He got beat a couple times by Garrett, but held his own as well as expected. Beebe did as well, handling the line's communications like he'd been there before. Hard to believe it was the first game he's ever played as a center.
The Saints defensive front does a great job of moving the line of scrimmage in their favor, so the heat will be on the Cowboys young offensive lineman again. The Cowboys rushing attack didn't turn any heads in the opener, so this week will provide more opportunity to show their running back by committee approach can actually work.
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