The New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys faced off in a thrilling NFL Week 2 matchup on September 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Saints delivered a commanding 44-19 victory, snapping Dallas’ 16-game regular-season home winning streak. This article breaks down the player stats, key performances, and strategic insights from the game, offering fans a detailed look at what made this matchup unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard Saints or Cowboys fan, or just love NFL stats, this analysis will keep you engaged with data-driven insights and actionable takeaways.
Why Was the Saints vs. Cowboys 2024 Match Significant?
The 2024 Week 2 clash was a statement game for the Saints, who improved to 2-0, while the Cowboys dropped to 1-1. New Orleans showcased an explosive offense, scoring touchdowns on their first six possessions, a feat achieved only once before in franchise history. For Dallas, the loss exposed defensive vulnerabilities and offensive struggles, raising questions about their Super Bowl aspirations. Let’s dive into the player stats to understand how the game unfolded.
Key Match Details
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Date: September 15, 2024
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Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
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Final Score: New Orleans Saints 44, Dallas Cowboys 19
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Attendance: 93,691
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Game Time: 2 hours, 54 minutes
Player Stats Breakdown: Saints vs. Cowboys
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the key player stats from the game, focusing on passing, rushing, receiving, and defensive contributions. Data is sourced from official NFL box scores and reputable sports websites.
|
Player |
Team |
Position |
Passing (Comp/Att-Yds, TD, INT) |
Rushing (Car-Yds, TD) |
Receiving (Rec-Yds, TD) |
Defense (Tackles, Sacks, INT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Derek Carr |
Saints |
QB |
11/16-243, 2 TD, 1 INT |
1-1, 1 TD |
– | – |
|
Alvin Kamara |
Saints |
RB |
– |
20-115, 3 TD |
2-65, 1 TD |
– |
|
Rashid Shaheed |
Saints |
WR |
– | – |
4-96, 1 TD |
– |
|
Chris Olave |
Saints |
WR |
– | – |
4-81, 0 TD |
– |
|
Alontae Taylor |
Saints |
CB |
– | – | – |
9 (8 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INT |
|
Paulson Adebo |
Saints |
CB |
– | – | – |
4 (4 solo), 0 sacks, 1 INT |
|
Carl Granderson |
Saints |
DE |
– | – | – |
5 (3 solo), 1.5 sacks, 0 INT |
|
Tyrann Mathieu |
Saints |
S |
– | – | – |
3 (3 solo), 0 sacks, 1 INT |
|
Dak Prescott |
Cowboys |
QB |
27/39-293, 1 TD, 2 INT |
2-12, 0 TD |
– | – |
|
Rico Dowdle |
Cowboys |
RB |
– |
7-30, 0 TD |
2-16, 0 TD |
– |
|
CeeDee Lamb |
Cowboys |
WR |
– |
1-11, 0 TD |
4-90, 1 TD |
– |
|
Jalen Tolbert |
Cowboys |
WR |
– | – |
2-56, 0 TD |
– |
|
DeMarvion Overshown |
Cowboys |
LB |
– | – | – |
8 (6 solo), 0 sacks, 0 INT |
|
Brandon Aubrey |
Cowboys |
K |
– | – | – |
4/4 FG (52, 38, 48, 40) |
Analysis of Key Performances
New Orleans Saints: Offensive Dominance
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Alvin Kamara’s Historic Day: Kamara was the standout, scoring four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) and amassing 180 total yards (115 rushing, 65 receiving). His 57-yard touchdown on a screen pass was a highlight, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. Kamara became the only Saints player to score four touchdowns in a game twice.
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Derek Carr’s Efficiency: Carr completed 11 of 16 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns, and a 125.0 passer rating. His 70-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed was a game-changer, exploiting Dallas’ secondary. Carr also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
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Receiving Corps: Shaheed (4 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD) and Chris Olave (4 receptions, 81 yards) stretched the field, creating opportunities for Kamara and the run game.
Dallas Cowboys: Struggles on Both Sides
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Dak Prescott’s Mixed Bag: Prescott threw for 293 yards but struggled with two interceptions and three sacks. His 65-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb was a bright spot, but the offense lacked consistency.
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Running Game Woes: The Cowboys managed only 68 rushing yards, with Rico Dowdle leading at 30 yards on seven carries. The absence of a reliable run game put extra pressure on Prescott.
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Defensive Breakdown: Dallas’ defense, which held Cleveland to 54 yards in Week 1, allowed 432 total yards to the Saints. The run defense was particularly weak, conceding 190 yards at 4.9 yards per carry.
Defensive Highlights
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Saints’ Secondary Shines: Paulson Adebo’s 47-yard interception return set up a touchdown, while Tyrann Mathieu’s fourth-quarter pick sealed Dallas’ fate. Alontae Taylor led with nine tackles, including eight solo.
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Carl Granderson’s Pressure: Granderson’s 1.5 sacks disrupted Prescott’s rhythm, contributing to the Saints’ defensive dominance.
What Made the Saints’ Offense So Effective?
The Saints’ offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, designed a game plan that exploited Dallas’ defensive weaknesses. Here’s why New Orleans dominated:
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Balanced Attack: The Saints combined 190 rushing yards with 243 passing yards, keeping Dallas’ defense off balance. Kamara’s versatility as a runner and receiver was key.
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Big Plays: The 70-yard touchdown to Shaheed and Kamara’s 57-yard score highlighted New Orleans’ ability to strike quickly.
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Third-Down Efficiency: The Saints converted 7 of 13 third downs (53.8%), sustaining drives and controlling the clock.
Tip for Fans: How to Analyze Game Stats
To get the most out of NFL box scores:
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Focus on Efficiency Metrics: Look at yards per carry, completion percentage, and third-down conversion rates.
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Check Turnovers: Interceptions and fumbles often decide games, as seen with Prescott’s two picks.
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Evaluate Big Plays: Long touchdowns, like Shaheed’s 70-yarder, can shift momentum.
How Did the Cowboys’ Defense Falter?
Dallas’ defense, under new coordinator Mike Zimmer, struggled to contain the Saints. Key issues included:
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Run Defense Collapse: Allowing 190 rushing yards exposed weaknesses in the front seven, especially without key players like DaRon Bland.
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Secondary Exploited: Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave found gaps in coverage, with safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson struggling on deep balls.
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Lack of Turnovers: Dallas, known for forcing turnovers, failed to capitalize on Carr’s lone interception.
Practical Tip for Aspiring Analysts
When evaluating a defense, focus on:
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Yards Per Play: The Saints averaged 6.1 yards per play, a sign of defensive struggles.
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Tackles for Loss: Granderson’s disruptive plays limited Dallas’ offense.
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Red Zone Defense: The Saints scored touchdowns on 6 of 7 red zone trips, a critical factor.
Historical Context: Saints vs. Cowboys Rivalry
The Saints and Cowboys have met 32 times, with Dallas leading 18-14. However, New Orleans has won 6 of the last 10 matchups, including the 2024 blowout. Notable past games include:
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2018: Saints 12, Cowboys 10 – A defensive battle where New Orleans held Dallas to 257 yards.
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2009: Cowboys 24, Saints 17 – Dallas ended New Orleans’ undefeated season.
The 2024 game marked the Saints’ fifth win in Dallas, improving their record at AT&T Stadium to 5-11.
What Can Fans Learn from This Game?
For fans and fantasy football players, this game offers valuable lessons:
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Start Alvin Kamara with Confidence: His multi-touchdown potential makes him a must-start in fantasy lineups.
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Monitor Cowboys’ Run Game: Dallas’ lack of a consistent rushing attack could limit their offensive ceiling.
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Trust Saints’ Passing Game: Carr’s chemistry with Shaheed and Olave suggests more big plays ahead.
Fantasy Football Tip
Use advanced stats like Expected Points Added (EPA) to evaluate players. Kamara’s high EPA in Week 2 reflects his game-changing impact.
How Does This Game Impact the 2024 Season?
For the Saints, the win solidified their status as NFC South contenders, with a high-powered offense under Klint Kubiak. For the Cowboys, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly on defense and in the run game. Both teams face tough schedules ahead, with the Saints hosting the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cowboys facing the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.
See Also: fballquery.com
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints’ 44-19 rout of the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 was a masterclass in offensive execution, led by Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr. The Saints’ ability to exploit Dallas’ defense through big plays and a balanced attack set the tone for their early-season success. For Cowboys fans, the game was a wake-up call, underscoring the need for defensive adjustments and offensive balance. By analyzing player stats and strategic decisions, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s nuances and what it means for the rest of the season.
