When it comes to sports collaborations, the city of New Orleans is all too familiar with unique hook-ups. For example, fans termed the chemistry of Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler from the then New Orleans Hornets, the "Crescent City Connection." Now, the most popular collaboration in the city is none other than between a champion quarterback and his superstar tight end.
The bond between Saints quarterback Drew Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham is a special collaboration.
The wisdom and arm power of Brees combined with Graham's size and agility are responsible for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games of the season.
If the Saints want to win in Arlington, those same ingredients are necessary in Sunday's primetime matchup against the Cowboys in AT&T Stadium.
The last time the two teams met, it was November in the Mercedes- Benz Superdome and the Saints were 6-2 entering that game. Offense and defense were clicking and hitting on all cylinders. In the end, the Cowboys galloped back to Texas in an embarrassment over a score of 49-17.
This time around, things are a little bit different. This time, with a record of 1-2, the Saints are looking to get back to .500 in the first quarter of the season. On the other hand, the Cowboys(2-1) are trying to avoid falling to .500.
Thus far, the Texas team is on a roll. In week three, Jason Garrett's group trailed by 21 points against the St. Louis Rams, but came up victorious in the end.
The Saints are favorites in Sunday night's game. But given their inconsistent play on defense and the performance of Dallas as of late, shouldn't the spread be in Dallas's favor? So what exactly are the experts saying? Well, the majority of analysts from the Dallas Morning News are picking the Saints. Down in New Orleans, specifically the Times- Picayune writer, Larry Holder has New Orleans winning by a point.
Should be a game of many different twists and turns. Anyway, here are your keys to the game.
OFFENSE:
#1- Run early and often. Set the tone in the rushing
game. While Mark Ingram is out with a hand injury, Khiry Robinson is more than ready to answer the call. #feedthatboy
#2-Build a fortress. Yes, it's a bit repetitious to mention each week the importance of protecting Drew Brees. A clean secure quarterback is a high performing quarterback.
#3 Flawless receiver performance. Eliminate mistakes. Dropped passes and missed opportunities on enemy turf can be critical in Sunday's game. If the research is correct, it will be interesting to see how Nick Toon responds in his first action of the regular season. This game will also be a great showing for Kenny Stills.
One thing worth mentioning is that defender Morris Claiborne is having some issues within the organization.The former LSU standout loss his starting spot to Orlando Scandrick. Mo will be looking to prove something to Jerry Jones.
Defense
#1 Contain Dez Bryant and limit the passing game. The arrogant wide receiver has already voiced his opinion on former Dallas Defensive Coordinator, Rob Ryan's alleged game plan. Bryant is adamant that if the Saints double team him, running back Demarco Murray will have field day. Of course the Saints won't forget about the other options for receiver, Terrance Williams and Dwayne Harris. Don't be surprised if Kenny Vaccaro comes up big in this game.
#2 Tight Coverage. Big play from Cornerback Keenan Lewis. Disrupting the concentration of skilled receivers is necessary for the Saints to be victorious in this game and for the rest of the season.
#3 Sack Tony Romo.
With monsters like Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan, getting to Tony Romo is definitely not impossible.
The team that wins the turnover battle, walks away with the victory.
Game prediction: Saints 24-21
Season prediction: 11-5; trip deep into the post season; maybe a SB Championship.
Cheers,
SC
****please drink responsibly. Age 21 and older. Always choose a designated driver.
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