16 Dec 10 New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys: 5 Keys To Victory for Each Side

The Saints head to Dallas to trying to stay on the Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Falcons in the NFC South, while the Cowboys try to continue theirresurgence under Jason Garrett.New Orleans Saints1. Come Out Fast In last year's game against the Cowboys, the Saints had an awful first half and couldn't overcome it in the second half. They can't let that happen again. The Saints need a big play early in the game on offense or defense.2. Speed Up the OffenseThe Saints have foundtheir passing game and the Cowboys have looked downright terrible in the secondary at times this season. The Saints should try to move the ball through the pass early and even try a few no-huddle plays to confuse and tire out the defense.3. Force TurnoversThe reason the Saints defense was so good last season was they forced 40 turnovers, while this season they have just 15. They did a good job last week against the Seahawks forcing two turnovers. This week they have to force Kitna to make some bad throws and gang tackle to try to create fumbles.4. Win the Special Teams Battle Reggie Bush is expected to play this week, which means the Saints are getting their punt returner back. The Cowboys have had some big plays on special teams the last couple of weeks. The Saints have to get a big play in the return game and make sure Dez Bryant or Bryan McCann doesn't burn them for a big gain.5. Stop the Cowboys Passing Attack The Cowboys have a solid passing game of their own. Dez Bryant is having a great rookie season, Miles Austin had two TDs last week and Roy Williams has Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
been dependable all season. The Saints have to make sure that Jon Kitna doesn't get into a rhythm like he did two weeks ago against the Giants. The more confidence Kitna has, the better he plays.Dallas Cowboys1. Establish the RunYes it's cliché, but with the Saints quick and deadly passing attack, running the ball sustaining long drives and running the clock is the best way to keep the score close and Drew Brees off the field.Who will win?Who will win?Cowboys 40.1%Saints59.9%Total votes: 2872. Get Dez Bryant the BallHe had a TD last week but wasn't thrown at much. This week he has to be a big part of the passing game for the Cowboys to be successful. The Saints will blitz and when they do, if Bryant has a one-on-one matchup all Kitna has to do is throw the ball up and give Bryant a chance.3. TackleThe Saints love to spread the field and get one-on-one matchups, so the Cowboys must tackle after the catch or there will be some long gains by the Saints. The Cowboys have been much better at the little things since Jason Garrett took over and they have to keep it up.4. Use the Home-Field AdvantageThe Cowboys got their first win at home last week and with two wins in a row there's excitement again in Dallas, although it may Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
be too late to make the playoffs. The Cowboys have to keep the crowd in the game and against the Saints, who won't be comfortable away fromLouisiana.5. Pressure Brees Last season the Cowboys were able to put pressure on Brees and force him to throw early and to move around—they have to do this again. If Brees gets too much time in the pocket, he'll pick them apart. DeMarcus Ware will be a huge part of this as he overcame a neck injury last season to make the game-winning play.