The New Orleans Saints’ offense will face a tough challenge from the Dallas Cowboys’ defense in their upcoming matchup. The Cowboys’ ability to apply pressure on quarterbacks is widely recognized, and the Saints will need to be prepared for the intense pass rush they’ll face.

Dallas enters the game after a dominant defensive performance in their season opener against Cleveland. They recorded six sacks—two by DeMarcus Lawrence and one by Micah Parsons—along with 25 pressures, 17 quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss. Parsons, who has become a cornerstone of Dallas’ defense, was responsible for nine pressures and five quarterback hits.

Meanwhile, the Saints’ offensive line was solid in their opening victory against the Carolina Panthers, allowing just one sack and one quarterback hit. However, the challenge ramps up significantly as they prepare to take on the Cowboys (1-0) this Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

“They have a really good scheme, and they know how to apply pressure,” Saints Head Coach Dennis Allen said. “We’ll have to be sharp in identifying who’s coming and how to protect against it. It’ll be a challenge with their talent, but we’re up for it.”

A key part of Dallas’ pressure comes from linebacker Micah Parsons, a rising star in the league. Parsons, the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has consistently been among the top contenders for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, finishing third in 2023 and second in 2022. Last season, he tallied 14 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 18 tackles for loss, making him one of the most disruptive players in the league.

“Micah Parsons is a dominant player, regardless of position,” Allen said. “He’s one of, if not the best, defensive players in the league. We need to be aware of where he is at all times.”

Saints quarterback Derek Carr acknowledged the difficulty Parsons poses. “He’s fast, powerful, and plays with a lot of heart. He reminds me of Von Miller in how explosive he is and his understanding of the game,” Carr said. “It’s crucial not to let their pressure throw off my game. I’ve got to keep my eyes downfield and trust my offensive line.”

Carr emphasized the importance of staying focused under pressure, especially with defenders like Parsons and Lawrence wreaking havoc. “If I focus too much on the rush, I’m doing a disservice to my receivers. I’ve got to keep looking for opportunities, even if it means finding a scramble lane,” Carr said.

The Saints’ offensive line, which faced questions during the offseason, performed well in their opener, giving Carr time to execute plays. With three new starters, the unit showed promise but is aware of the challenges ahead.

“It’s only one game, but it was an NFL game, and they did really well,” Carr said. “We have a big challenge against Dallas’ front, but I have confidence in our guys to compete at a high level.”

Injury Report:
Safety Tyrann Mathieu (heel) and guard Lucas Patrick (toe) returned to practice on Thursday but were limited. Linebacker Jaylan Ford (hamstring) was also limited. However, left tackle Taliese Fuaga (back), cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), linebacker D’Marco Jackson (calf), and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (calf) did not participate. All other players were full participants in practice.

As the Saints head into Sunday’s matchup, their offensive line will need to perform at its best to counter Dallas’ potent defense, especially with key injuries affecting their lineup.