Saints vs. Cowboys instant analysis: What went right, what went wrong

The New Orleans Saints finally delivered the kind of performance they needed before the games begin to count. After being embarrassed 34–0 by the Los Angeles Rams one week earlier, New Orleans responded with a 27–24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Friday night’s preseason finale at AT&T Stadium. Most of the Saints’ established starters—including quarterback Tyler Shough—were held out of the game. That placed the spotlight squarely on the players fighting for backup roles and final spots on the 53-man roster. Several of them answered the call. Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson both played efficient football, the Saints produced 169 rushing yards, Ronnie Bell led the receiving corps and newly signed kicker Daniel Carlson drilled the game-winning 53-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining. The Saints finished the preseason 1–2, but this victory gave coach Kellen Moore a much better final evaluation tape heading into roster cuts. Rattler Starts Fast and Keeps the Offense Moving Rattler started the game and immediately gave the Saints’ offense something it had been missing: rhythm. He directed three scoring possessions during the first half, completing eight of 10 passes for 79 yards while adding an eight-yard rushing touchdown. The Saints opened the game with a seven-play, 47-yard drive that ended with Carlson connecting from 38 yards. Rattler then helped direct a 10-play, 71-yard touchdown drive that ended with rookie receiver Barion Brown scoring on a seven-yard end-around. New Orleans’ final touchdown of the half came after Audric Estimé exploded for a 33-yard run down the left sideline. On the next play, Rattler raced toward the right pylon and finished the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. Rattler did not produce a passing touchdown, but he operated the offense efficiently, avoided turnovers and repeatedly put the Saints in scoring position. That was exactly the response New Orleans needed after failing to score against the Rams. Zach Wilson Delivers in the Clutch Wilson took over in the second half and continued the Saints’ strong quarterback play. The veteran completed nine of 12 passes for 93 yards and immediately directed a touchdown drive that ended with Zamir White scoring from 11 yards out in his Saints debut. Wilson’s most important work came after Dallas erased a 24–9 deficit and tied the game late in the fourth quarter. With the Saints needing an answer, Wilson led an eight-play, 44-yard drive into Dallas territory. He escaped pressure on the first play and found CJ Donaldson for a momentum-changing first down before Carlson eventually finished the drive with the winning field goal. Rattler and Wilson combined to complete 17 of 22 passes for 172 yards without committing a turnover. Neither player separated himself completely from the other, leaving Moore with a difficult decision regarding the backup spot behind Shough. That is a good problem for the Saints to have. Saints’ Running Game Comes Alive The biggest offensive development was the production from New Orleans’ running backs. The Saints rushed 32 times for 169 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt and scoring three touchdowns on the ground. Estimé led the group with 46 yards on only four carries, including his explosive 33-yard run. Kendre Miller produced 42 yards on nine attempts, Donaldson added 33 yards on nine carries and White finished with 23 yards and a touchdown on four attempts. Brown contributed another 19 rushing yards and a touchdown on two carries, while Rattler added the eight-yard score. The balanced production was especially encouraging considering the injuries that have struck the Saints’ backfield throughout training camp. New Orleans did not rely on one runner. Multiple backs showed vision, power and enough burst to create difficult decisions when the final roster is constructed. Ronnie Bell Strengthens His Roster Case Bell delivered the best receiving performance of the night, catching six passes for 65 yards. His ability to consistently get open and provide a reliable target for both quarterbacks could prove important with first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson sidelined by a hamstring injury. Bryce Lance added two receptions for 28 yards, Donaldson caught two passes for 25 yards and Estimé contributed three catches for 22 yards. Bell entered the finale needing a strong performance. He produced one at exactly the right time. Discover more Exploring Sports Gear Finding Basketball Hoops Booking College Tickets   Daniel Carlson Takes Control of the Kicker Battle The Saints recently added Carlson after Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown failed to create clear separation during training camp. Carlson may have just taken control of the competition. The veteran converted a 38-yard field goal on New Orleans’ opening possession before drilling the 53-yard game-winner from the left hash with 1:55 remaining. Smyth and Brown also handled extra points and kickoff duties, but Carlson received—and converted—the night’s two meaningful field-goal opportunities. When the Saints needed a clutch kick, Carlson delivered. That could be the deciding factor when the team selects its kicker for the regular season. Fourth-Quarter Defense Remains a Concern The victory should be celebrated, but the Saints did not finish cleanly. New Orleans entered the fourth quarter leading 24–9 before allowing quarterback Sam Howell to throw two touchdown passes. Howell also powered his way into the end zone on a two-point conversion to tie the game at 24. The Saints’ reserve defense eventually recovered, forcing four consecutive incompletions on Dallas’ final possession to preserve the win. Still, allowing a 15-point fourth-quarter comeback exposed problems with coverage, tackling and closing out games. Isaiah Stalbird led the defense with eight tackles and a sack, while Khristian Boyd recorded seven tackles. The Saints held Dallas to 91 rushing yards and registered two sacks, six passes defended and no takeaways. The run defense was solid. The late breakdowns through the air were not. A Much-Needed Finish Before Roster Cuts Preseason results do not count in the standings, but this performance mattered. The Saints played with greater physicality, avoided turnovers, committed only four penalties and showed considerable improvement after the disaster against Los Angeles. Rattler and Wilson kept the backup-quarterback competition close. The running backs showed depth. Bell strengthened his roster case. White scored in his debut. Brown displayed his speed and Carlson delivered under pressure. There are still concerns—especially the fourth-quarter defensive collapse—but New Orleans accomplished its primary objective: finishing the preseason with positive momentum. The evaluation period is over. Now Moore and the Saints must decide which players earned the right to remain when the roster is reduced to 53. The next time New Orleans takes the field, the result will count. Watch Big Q’s complete Saints–Cowboys postgame breakdown:https://youtube.com/live/4keTvfECxQU Who were your biggest winners and losers from the preseason finale? Join the discussion and stay connected with The Who Dat Daily for continuing Saints news, roster moves and analysis.