Dallas Cowboys: Jaylon Smith, key players vs. Saints
By Randy Gurzi
Dak Prescott, Quarterback
The Cowboys offensive gameplan needs to be an extension of their defense. What I mean by that is, they need to do all they can to keep Drew Brees on the bench and watching the game. The more he’s on he sideline, the better their chances are.
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This means there’s going to be a heavy dose of Ezekiel Elliott, as there should be. He enters this week as the NFL’s leading rusher and he’s the best player on the team. However, he can’t do it alone.
There’s going to be times that the Cowboys need to make plays through the air — especially on third downs. That’s where Dak Prescott comes in. He’s been a different player since they acquired Amari Cooper and will absolutely need to look his way early and often in this one. The two have been on fire when it comes to converting first downs and they have to continue that trend — as every conversion keeps Brees sitting just a few minutes longer.
Prescott will be needed not only to complete key passes on third downs, but the Cowboys can also use his ability to make plays with his legs. So far this season, Prescott has 279 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. When he gets rolling in this area, the entire offense opens up — and that’s going to be huge if they want to steal a win.