The New Orleans Saints exceeded expectations in Week 1 with a dominant 47-10 thrashing of division rival Carolina Panthers. The Saints offense was nearly unstoppable, scoring on their first nine possessions, which included five touchdowns and four field goals. Everything clicked for the black and gold, setting a high bar for the rest of the season. However, a more daunting challenge awaits in Week 2 as they face the Dallas Cowboys. Like the Saints, the Cowboys impressed in their opener with a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, powered by a ferocious defense. According to PFF, the Cowboys defense tallied 40 pressures, including seven sacks and 12 quarterback hits. The Saints offensive line will have its hands full in this crucial NFC matchup. However, it’s their defense that could be the key to securing a victory in Dallas. One Saints defender will be critical in disrupting the Cowboys high-powered offense.
Fourth-Year Corner Key To A Potential Saints Upset Victory Vs Dallas
Superstar Corner Missing
As the New Orleans Saints prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, all eyes will be on the Saints defense, particularly in light of a key injury. Superstar cornerback Marshon Lattimore is at risk of missing this week’s matchup due to a hamstring injury. Lattimore, who has struggled with injuries recently, has played in only 18 of 51 games since the 2022 NFL season. His absence from practice this week raises concerns about a significant void in the Saints secondary. Lattimore showcases his exceptional ability to shut down top receivers in man coverage. His presence is crucial against the Dallas passing attack. With their lockdown corner potentially sidelined, the pressure will mount on the remaining members of the secondary to step up and contain Dallas dynamic receiving threats. The Saints will need a strong defensive effort to compensate for Lattimore’s potential absence and neutralize the Cowboys high-powered offense.
Next Man Up
With Lattimore in danger of missing the Dallas matchup, all eyes will be on fourth-year corner Paulson Adebo. This is not the first time Adebo will have to step up and shadow the opponent’s number one option. He held his own in 2023 finishing the season with four interceptions and 11 passes defended which ranked tied for fourth according to PFF. Adebo allowed a 56.8% catch rate on 88 targets leading a Saints defense that allowed 207 yards passing a game. Additionally, head coach Dennis Allen is one of the best defensive minds in the league consistently coaching a unit that finishes top ten in overall defense. In this high-stakes NFC showdown, Adebo’s ability to contain the Dallas offense will be the deciding factor in the potential upset. Adebo will carry over the success of his 2023 season and slow down the second-highest paid-non-quarterback in wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
The Saints are six-point underdogs against the Cowboys in Week 2. The game’s over/under is set at 46.5, and Ceedee Lamb’s yardage prop is set at 84.5 against the Saints backup corner. For more odds and to place bets, head over to BetMGM at the top of the article.
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Main Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
