Thursday Night Football at 8:20 PM EST on FOX is the Cowboys vs the Saints as Dallas tries to change their luck by going on the road. There is a LOT going on in this game and as we all know, “Matchups Maketh the Game” with the chess pieces changing quicker than a 2-minute drill in the days leading up to the game what are the matchups to look at when the whistle blows? Time for the Cowboys vs Saints Preview.
Cowboys vs Saints Preview
CeeDee Lamb is going to play
The guy is a warrior. CeeDee Lamb cleared protocol and made it clear he would be strapping on the helmet against the Saints. He was a full participant in practice. ‘Nuff said.
Micah Parsons makes up for a lot
There is plenty of buzz about Micah Parsons in regards to rookie awards and rightfully so. This has an effect however of distracting from the fact Micah isn’t just having a great year for a rookie, Parsons is having a great year period. Tackles and assist? He’s got ’em. Pressures and sacks? By the handful. Forced fumbles, recoveries and he’s slapped down a few passes. He has his eyes set on his first pick of the season. The man is on the field for a ton of snaps at 100% speed/effort while playing multiple positions. A burgeoning team leader this kid is a difference-maker, a generational talent that changes a team’s culture and makeup. Enjoy the ride, he’s not done yet.
Trysten Hill hasn’t worked out
Trysten Hill was a reach. That’s not his fault. However, since being selected by the Cowboys Hill hasn’t been the player they envisioned. Though occasionally flashing his talent, inconsistency and availability have plagued his tenure. Hill will miss the game against the Saints because he threw a post-game punch versus the Raiders. Dumb, dumb, dumb. The Cowboys need all hands on deck vs a Saints offense that always manages to surprise. Dumb.
Amari Cooper is back – sort of
Amari Cooper has been activated from the COVID 19 list which is awesome news. HC McCarthy made it clear however that Coop is still “not feeling all that good yet” and even though he practiced would probably not travel for the game. We will see. Dr. Jerry Jones has cleared him.
COVID and the Cowboys are not on good terms
The list of Cowboys players and staff affected by Covid19 is long.
- DB Nashon Wright
- OT Terence Steele
- WR Amari Cooper
- HC Mike McCarthy
- TE Blake Jarwin
- WR TJ Vasher
- Six position Coaches
That is a lot of talent and infrastructure not able to contribute on game day. Cooper’s status is still not known however it’s not looking good. The one silver lining is the players/staff should have a level of immunity above what they had before and therefore won’t be in the stricter protocols once they get back.
Dak is going to be just fine
Dak Prescott’s calf is not his problem. The offensive line, an injured Zeke, and a gimp WR corps are the bane of his ills. As those things come back, so will the uber-production Cowboys Nation enjoyed earlier in the season.
Is Tank going to make it back?
Rumors are Demarcus Lawrence will be activated in time for the game. No word on how effective he would be. Exciting possibilities regardless.
Both Cowboys Lines are the keys to the game
The pit on both sides of the ball holds the key for the ‘Boys Thursday night. The team has to play physical. The OLine needs to get the running game going, AND give Dak time to throw the ball. When on defense Quinn has to slow down Alvin Kamara and contain Tayson Hill while getting enough pressure on him for the Cowboys defenders to get turnovers. Simple, right?
Look for Quinn to figure out how to match up defensively by the 2nd quarter and the offense to have enough juice to rack up 30+ points. Zeke will try and get going but Pollard will be the key.
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on Twitter: Steven Van Over
