If tonight is the Dallas Cowboys’ first real test of the 2019 season, then so far they are failing. Dallas has allowed turnovers and some anemic offense to lead to a 9-3 halftime deficit.
Second-half fumbles by Jason Witten and Ezekiel Elliott brought untimely ends to much-needed scoring opportunities. Witten’s came after a 16-yard pass would have given the Cowboys the ball at the New Orleans 47, and Elliott’s squandered a 4th-down pickup toward the end of the half.
Dallas scored the first points after getting an interception on the Saints’ first drive. Jeff Heath delivered a big hit to receiver Ted Ginn, which popped the ball up enough for Chidobe Awuzie to grab it. The Cowboys drove down to the 10-yard line but had to settle for a Brett Maher field goal.
The defense has done its part. Robert Quinn has been dynamic with a sack and several other pressure plays. Maliek Collins also added a sack, and Dallas has only given up three field goals despite the turnovers and lack of field control.
Dallas need to find an answer to Michael Thomas, who has five catches for 57 yards. He’s been able to bail Teddy Bridgewater out a few times with catches under duress.
Only trailing by six points, the Cowboys are certainly still in this one. Will Kellen Moore’s halftime adjustments open things up for the offense, and can Dallas stop shooting itself in the foot?
