Wil Lutz and the fantastic defensive effort were the key ingredients for New Orleans Saints’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys, 12-10. In the final NFL contest this Sunday, the Saints showed everyone that they know how to win games on playing defense, and not just by crushing the rivals’ through the attack.
“They have first-round picks all across that defensive front. They’re a talented group, and they did a good job moving up front and not allowing us to consistently run the ball,” said Jason Garrett, Dallas’ head coach.
The home team limited Ezekiel Elliot to only 35 rushing yards on 18 carries. It is something rarely seen. Throughout the entire match, New Orleans defense was doing an excellent job, whether was that stopping Ellion or pressuring Prescott. Also, the secondary was superb, almost completely shutting down Amari Cooper who had 5 receptions and 48 yards.
Prescott didn’t throw for a single touchdown pass, and he finished the game with 223 yards, 22 of 33 and one interception, which came in the closing moments of the game. With two seconds left, Cowboys’ quarterback had to search for a desperate solution, but Marcus Williams saw through his intention and picked up his pass to conclude this match.
“They’ve got a good front,” Prescott said. “I mean that’s a good defense we’re playing and give them a lot of credit. They came in, and they had a great game plan, and they executed.”
Meanwhile, Will Lutz brought all points for Sean Payton’s unit. The 25-year old went out on the field three times in the second period and kept his focus on all three occasions. His attempts from 40,42 and 19 yards were all successful. Later on in the fourth, with the result 10-9 for Dallas, Lutz scored another field goal, to set the final result of this match.
Teddy Bridgewater suffered 5 sacks, had one interception but kept the things under control for the Saints. He would eventually end the game with 193 yards, 23 for 30 and one interception. He too praised his teammates from the defensive team, saying that they were more physical than their opponents.
“We knew to come into this game, that we had to be the most physical team,” said Bridgewater.
The win against the Cowboys is the first one without a touchdown being scored during Sean Payton’s stint in Louisiana. Playing without Drew Brees is a tough job, but for now, the Saints are managing to hold on. By defeating the Cowboys, Payton’s unit showed that they can post excellent results without their best player and that they know how to adjust to the adverse circumstances.
They will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, and have a chance to beat a direct rival for the top spot of the NFC South division. Bucs defeated the LA Rams this Sunday, and with two wins and losses each, are right behind New Orleans who has 3-1. On the other side, the Cowboys have a huge game against the Green Bay Packers at home. Both sides have three wins and a loss and are coming off defeats recorded this week.
