The Cowboys have a Superbowl caliber defense and the team will send shock waves throughout the NFL with this victory.
The blueprint:
Dallas must dictate the tempo.
TOP- The Saints lost to the Bucs, the Bucs had the TOP. The Saints almost lost to a stout Baltimore defense and ball control offense. In order for Dallas to win the game they must lead in time-of possession. This can be accomplished by Dallas sticking to the run game and being efficient on third downs. Dallas must methodically march down the field. If Dallas can have 4 seven-minute drives for touchdowns they will dominate the TOP. This will also allow our defense to stay fresh.
Feed Zeke- Dallas must establish the run early by feeding Zeke. He needs at least 30 touches.
Play action pass - Since the addition of Cooper, establishing the run is even more critical. The running games causes opposing defenses to stack the box. The world saw how great Cooper can be off play-action passes.
Dak must not take sacks. Timing passes, and quick outlets will mitigate the sack problem the team has had. Dak can’t afford to lose any yardage against the Saints especially when the team approaches field goal range.
When the offense is around mid-field, this is 4 down territory. Dallas has to stay in manageable down and distance. A 3rd and 2 is the perfect scenario. 4th and 1 is a must. Dallas can’t afford to punt the ball back to Brees
Dak must take deep shots down field early. With that being said, the team can’t be foolish either. The Cowboys can’t be predictable.
Dallas must score points with virtually each possession. When the team plays with a lead, the defense benefits greatly.
Dak must protect the football.
Pressure Brees. When the Cowboys blitz, the CBs must play press-man.
Stay out of Zone as much as possible. I know teams go to zone to rest DBs, I get it. However, Brees is a zone killer. Dallas must be mindful of what Brees can do if Brees dictates coverage.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Gregory must have career games. Brees, just like all QBs, get rattled when sacked, Dallas must him early and often.
Jaylon and “Wolf Hunter” must account for the RBs. Jeff Heath will play a huge role in limiting Kamara.
The defense must create turnovers to win. Dallas must limit the scoring opportunities that Brees has.
Dallas victory 38-24
Cowboys must have:
Good pass blocking. Dak wins most games when the pass blocking is good.
Get TDs instead of Field Goals.
Pressure Brees.
Avoid failed plays due to scheme issues (example: LB Wilson on TE Vernon Davis was lost due to a scheme match-up problem).
Win the turnover battle.
Avoid the killer penalties, especially the ones that cause big gains to be nullified.
In regards to your suggestions:
The Cowboys don't play much pure man coverage. Even when the outside CBs play press, it's usually not pure man coverage. When the outside CBs play the "Richard Sherman" style, it's press then man if the WR goes outside and Zone if the WR goes inside. The other player (not CBs) are playing Zone in that coverage.
They have played a lot of Zone in the 3 game win streak.
During the 3 game win streak, they have played more base (3 LBs) than normal. They've played base against 3 WR set and against pass receiving TEs where they would have played Nickel in the past. I expect more Nickel against the Saints.
They have barely played any Dime during the win streak. I expect more Dime against the Saints.
In regards to Dak taking less sacks. The play calling needs to be better in regards to when slower developing plays are called. The Cowboys offense won't function well if they try to complete avoid slow developing plays but calling them on 1st and goal at the 4 yard line is not good.
Dak has to hold the ball to some extent because the offense is based on giving receivers time to get open. They won't win if Dak always gets rid of the ball quickly but they must do better from a situational standpoint.
A few sacks are likely. Just don't turn the ball over.
Play action is a slow developing play with the QB turning his back to the defense.
