The Dallas Cowboys suffered a harsh defeat in their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, falling 44-19. The Cowboys' defense was thoroughly outmatched, allowing the Saints to score touchdowns on each of their first six drives. Quarterback Derek Carr led the offensive charge, orchestrating an 80-yard drive punctuated by a five-yard touchdown run from Alvin Kamara.
Kamara was a standout performer, amassing 180 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns. His exceptional play highlighted the Cowboys' defensive struggles, particularly their inability to tackle effectively. Micah Parsons, one of Dallas' top defenders, lamented the team's tackling woes: "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."
The Cowboys got off to a disastrous start, conceding 35 points in the first half, tying a franchise record for most points conceded in the first half of a game. This marked the second-largest home opener defeat under owner Jerry Jones. Linebacker Eric Kendricks expressed the team's disheartenment: "For sure humbling, can't give up big plays and start the game off like that. Got us on our heels."
The defensive issues were numerous, from a lack of pressure on the quarterback to missed assignments and poor tackling. Trevon Diggs was candid about the challenges: "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."
Indeed, the defensive pressure that was so effective in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, where the Cowboys recorded six sacks and two interceptions, was nearly nonexistent against the Saints. Dallas managed just one sack and one interception, with a meager 17.6% quarterback pressure rate.
Parsons also noted New Orleans' effective game plan: "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."
The loss was a stark contrast to the team's performance in Week 1, where they secured a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The defensive unit that looked so formidable then was largely ineffective against the Saints' well-executed offensive schemes.
The mood in the locker room post-game was somber, with players visibly dejected by the outcome. Kendricks commented on the team's collective disappointment: "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."
Parsons echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accountability and effort: "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."
As the Cowboys look to regroup, it's clear that defensive adjustments will be a priority. The team must enhance their tackling fundamentals, improve their defensive schemes, and find a way to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks if they hope to avoid future debacles like the one endured against the Saints.