Top 5 Matchups to Watch for During Saints vs. Cowboys

The Cowboys are one of the worst teams at defending the tight end. In fact, they have given up 27 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns to opposing tight ends over the span of three games. Graham comes in 24 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Given the state of the Cowboys linebacking corps, this might be a long day for the Cowboys’ defense.

Tyron Smith is coming off an absolutely dominant performance against Robert Quinn, and this week he gets to face off against Junior Galette. While Galette isn’t as dominant as Quinn, he is the Saints’ most effective pass rusher.

One thing that the Cowboys can’t afford to do is leave Doug Free one-on-one against Cameron Jordan in pass protection. If that happens, I have no doubt that Free will get abused. I expect the Cowboys to, at the very least, chip Jordan with a back or a tight end on every passing play.

Upon learning that he’d been demoted in favor of Orlando Scandrick, Morris Claiborne threw a tantrum and left Valley Ranch. He eventually returned, and said he’s ready to move on, but that remains to be seen. It doesn’t matter who Claiborne lines up across from, the Saints will target him until he gives them reason not to.

According to Pro Football Focus Jonathan Goodwin is the Saints’ biggest liability in pass protection and is coming into this game with a bad ankle; in fact, he’s listed as questionable for Sunday. If he does play, he will be going against the Cowboys’ best pass-rusher in Tyrone Crawford, who will probably make the start at the 3-technique due to injuries.