NFL Week 4 Preview and Predictions: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football [Poll]
Week 4 of the 2014 National Football League season is here at last. Sunday Night Football gives fans a matchup between two NFC teams who are both coming off Week 3 victories.
The last time we saw these teams face one another, the Saints dominated the Cowboys 49-17 in week 10. Drew Brees threw for 392 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. It was one of the worst defensive performances in NFL history as the Cowboys surrendered an NFL record 40 first downs.
Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
After losing their first game of the season to the San Francisco 49ers, the Cowboys have won their last two games against the Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams. This will be a big test for the Cowboys defense, as the Saints offense is always one of the best in the league year in and year out.
Quarterback Tony Romo hasn't looked like himself throwing four touchdowns and four interceptions so far. The veteran quarterback is coming off back surgery, but wide receiver Dez Bryant has been there to support him. Bryant has 247 yards through the air and two touchdowns. Running back DeMarco Murray has been one of the best in the NFL so far with his 385 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
The Philadelphia Eagles currently lead the NFC East at 3-0 and will be facing the San Francisco 49ers this week. The New York Giants are 2-2, currently riding a two-game win streak. As for the Washington Redskins, they're still trying to find a quarterback.
Jason Garrett and the Cowboys need to stay true to the run game. The more the Cowboys run the ball, the more often they win. If the Cowboys can run the ball effectively, they can keep Drew Brees off the field.
New Orleans Saints (1-2)
It hasn't quite been the start that many football fans expected in New Orleans. The Saints lost their first two games to the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons but rebounded in Week 3 with a win over the Minnesota Vikings. Rob Ryan's defense hasn't been impressive at all ranking 24th overall in yards against.
Of course all eyes will be on former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Drew Brees. Brees is an elite quarterback with a rocket arm, but he has made some questionable throws this season, like the end-zone interception in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Running back Mark Ingram has played above average so far in the first three games, and head coach Sean Payton must keep giving the ball to him. As much of blowout as last year's game was, this game won't be played in New Orleans.
The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers currently lead the NFC South at 2-1 with the Saints trailing just one win behind. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 0-3 looking to be making a run the 2015 No. 1 overall draft pick.
Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and rookie wide out Brandin Cooks are the top three targets for Brees. The Cowboys have a weak pass defense, but they can score on offense. If the Saints can run the ball effectively, they should be able to control the game. The bigger issue for the Saints will be whether or not they can stop Dez Bryant.
Where and when to watch
The Saints and Cowboys will be playing at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST with coverage on NBC.
Prediction
Both the Cowboys and Saints have a good offense, but questionable defenses. Maybe football fans will get a high scoring game Sunday Night. The Saints can't drop to 1-3 in the NFC South, or their season is pretty much over. This isn't a must win for the Cowboys, whose defense is still questionable.
Saints win 31-27
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