We all know the Dallas Cowboys got a beat down on Sunday at home against the Saints, yet it is what happened around the league that bothers me the most.
Not only did Dallas take the L, but so did every other top team in the NFC. The Lions, 49ers, and Eagles all added a tick to the wrong side.
If you told me after the first two weeks of the season the only unbeaten NFC playoff team from a year ago would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I would have called you ridiculous.
Only 2023 NFC playoff team to open 2-0 THIS season?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) September 17, 2024
Although it was only the second week of the season, it is hard to overlook the chance they had to add a game on the other top teams in the conference.
Let’s Not Overact Just Yet
The Dallas Cowboys have this game every single year, like last year they lost to the Arizona Cardinals. That game they overlooked last week, they were just beaten by a better coached team right now.
The Cowboys were playing from behind early and had to chase the game.
The team’s 34.9 run-defense grade represented what we saw on the field, as the defense missed six tackles in the run game and their average depth of tackle was 5.13 yards — two yards more than the Saints’ defense.
Myself included, I did overact after seeing the Saints score a touchdown the first six times they touched the ball. It looked exactly like the playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
I’m Not A Coach, But..
I understand Mike Zimmer knows what he is doing, but was anyone else wondering why the best linebacker from week one was only on the field for a handful of snaps against the Saints?
The biggest defensive difference between Week 1 and Week 2 was that the Cowboys basically benched the guy who performed best in the season opener.
Second-year linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown, had a huge game against the Browns. In total, he put up 11 tackles and a sack in a dominating performance. Against the Saints, his numbers cratered to just four total tackles.
On Tuesday, Jerry Jones was asked about this issue.
“They want to get him out there more and recognize that he got limited, less snaps than they had planned on and I think you’ll see more of him in the future.”
So Jerry Jones on DeMarvion Overshown getting 18 snaps: Jerry Jones: "They want to get him out there more and recognize that he got limited, less snaps than they had planned on and I think you'll see more of him in the future."
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) September 17, 2024
I hope Mike McCarthy and Mike Zimmer pay close attention to what Jerry says. This man needs to be on the field, no matter what package they are running.
Is Sunday A Must Win?
The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens are a combined 1-and-3 after the first two weeks.
It may be a bit early for most, but are we really thinking the third week of the season is a must win for both teams?
I am not sure how this game is going to go because, honestly, the Ravens are the more desperate team, and have the better coach.
Are you taking over 48.5 points in Ravens-Cowboys? 👀 pic.twitter.com/PQmxTa8GUb
— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) September 18, 2024
I do think it will be closer this week than it was last week for Dallas. If this team can get Jake Furegson back, Dallas probably wins. If not, I think the Ravens will get their first win.
The Cowboys got a gift with all the other top NFC teams taking an L with them in week two. Dallas now needs to handle business on Sunday and stay right on pace. If they fall to under .500 a lot of people are going to be ready to hit the panic button.
With help from the other top teams in the NFC, they are still right in the thick of things after two weeks, but they need to rebound this week against the two time MVP.
