Typhus
Captain Catfish
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SERIES: 22nd meeting. The Cowboys lead the series, 14-7, despite the Saints winning the last four games. The Saints have won those four meetings by a combined score of 93-47. In their last matchup on Dec. 12, 2004, the Saints claimed a 27-13 decision over the Cowboys in Texas Stadium.
2006 RANKINGS: Saints: offense 1st (21st rush, 1st pass); defense 12th (26th rush, 4th pass). Cowboys: offense 4th (8th rush, 5th pass); defense 7th (4th rush, 12th pass)
KEYS TO THE GAME: A shootout might actually benefit the Saints, who aren't likely to stop Dallas' balanced attack with any consistency. The problem for New Orleans is that WRs Joe Horn and Marques Colston continue to battle injuries that could keep one or both sidelined. The Saints made an increased effort to run the ball last weekend, but the Cowboys have the league's No. 4 run defense and a very athletic front seven. Dallas is far more vulnerable to the vertical passing game, so QB Drew Brees is going to have to push the ball down the field with whoever he has available at receiver. The Cowboys proved last Sunday that they can win even when QB Tony Romo is struggling a bit. Look for Dallas to lean on RBs Julius Jones and Marion Barber in an effort to keep Brees on the sideline as much as possible. If the Cowboys win the turnover battle, they should win the game because the Saints can't afford to waste possessions.
FAST FACTS: Saints: Coach Sean Payton was a Dallas assistant from 2003-05. ... Brees has nine touchdowns, one interception and a 112.5 passer rating in his past five road games. Cowboys: Romo leads the NFL with a 102.4 passer rating. He has a 105.3 rating in his six starts. ... WR Terrell Owens has 58 receptions for 938 yards and 11 TDs in 13 games against the Saints.
2006 RANKINGS: Saints: offense 1st (21st rush, 1st pass); defense 12th (26th rush, 4th pass). Cowboys: offense 4th (8th rush, 5th pass); defense 7th (4th rush, 12th pass)
KEYS TO THE GAME: A shootout might actually benefit the Saints, who aren't likely to stop Dallas' balanced attack with any consistency. The problem for New Orleans is that WRs Joe Horn and Marques Colston continue to battle injuries that could keep one or both sidelined. The Saints made an increased effort to run the ball last weekend, but the Cowboys have the league's No. 4 run defense and a very athletic front seven. Dallas is far more vulnerable to the vertical passing game, so QB Drew Brees is going to have to push the ball down the field with whoever he has available at receiver. The Cowboys proved last Sunday that they can win even when QB Tony Romo is struggling a bit. Look for Dallas to lean on RBs Julius Jones and Marion Barber in an effort to keep Brees on the sideline as much as possible. If the Cowboys win the turnover battle, they should win the game because the Saints can't afford to waste possessions.
FAST FACTS: Saints: Coach Sean Payton was a Dallas assistant from 2003-05. ... Brees has nine touchdowns, one interception and a 112.5 passer rating in his past five road games. Cowboys: Romo leads the NFL with a 102.4 passer rating. He has a 105.3 rating in his six starts. ... WR Terrell Owens has 58 receptions for 938 yards and 11 TDs in 13 games against the Saints.