Crissy Froyd
The New Orleans Saints have an offense — and a potent one at that. The Saints have produced 91 points in their first two games of the season, a far cry from so many of their low-scoring affairs in the 2023 season.
This is only the second time in franchise history that the Saints have opened the season with two consecutive games scoring 40 points or more. The last time that happened was over a decade ago in 2009.
What did we take away from this one, what are the biggest storylines and what’s up next to look ahead to? Here’s everything to know as the Saints move to 2-0 in what is still a young, but highly promising season:
Final score: New Orleans 44, Dallas 19
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The saying “it’s not over until it’s over” rings true in several sports games, including unlikely comebacks. But it didn’t take long for the Cowboys to look all but dead in the water as the Saints broke out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter. By halftime, the Saints led at 35-16.
Dallas put up a much stronger defensive effort in the second half that limited the Saints to 9 points, but only put up 3 points themselves with continued offensive woes and self-inflicted wounds that prevented the Cowboys from getting back into it.
Injury outlook
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by DeMarvion Overshown #13 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Saints didn’t deal with nearly the level of injury they encountered in the first game of the season against the Carolina Panthers in this one. Here’s a look at who was affected and how in Week 2:
S Tyrann Mathieu suffered a calf injury, but returned to action after receiving an IV
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. left the game and returned after suffering an abdominal injury
It was over when…
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
One could argue this game was over as soon as it started. The Saints got out to a 19-point lead at the half, holding the momentum for the entirety of the game even when the Cowboys showed a spark.
It could be argued that it truly was all over, though, when Dak Prescott threw his second interception of the day to Mathieu on what appeared to be a forced pass with roughly 12 minutes remaining in the game. The Cowboys trailed, 41-19 at that point and the turnover eliminated any real chance Dallas had to forge a comeback with the chance New Orleans was afforded to work the clock.
This marks Prescott’s first game with 2 interceptions in his last 14 starts.
Saints’ top performers
Sep 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Saints continued looked strong offensively, something that’s been refreshing for the fan base after how lackluster the team was on that side of the ball in 2023. Here’s a look into who came up big for the team on either side of the ball in this one.
