The Cowboys are set to host the Saints in this week’s edition of Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys are fresh off a franchise-record comeback while the Saints will no doubt be looking for a repeat performance of last year’s game against Dallas to help boost a disappointing start to the season.
A great matchup awaits in the edge rush game on Sunday night. Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan have proved to be the best edge rush duo in the NFL this season. Look for them to push the pocket to make a less-than-100% Tony Romo move and add to their 20 combined hurries (11 and nine, respectively).
Two players will be standing (or more aptly, backpedalling) in their way. Tyron Smith is an elite left tackle with a sixth-placed Pass Block Efficiency of 97.4 while Doug Free seems to have regressed after a solid 2013 by posting a PBE of 93.8 that has him ranked 54th out of 63. It will be critical to the Cowboys chances that Free hold up his end of the bargain, even if it requires some chip blocks from running backs and tight ends.
New Orleans Saints
Zach Strief – Has the third-highest Pass Blocking Efficiency among tackles with his 98.2 score. He placed seventh last season with a 96.1.
Drew Brees – Brees completion percentage of 70.9 trails only Austin Davis (72.3). Although he has thrown 23 more passes than Davis.
Thomas Morstead – Morstead holds the fourth highest grade for punters (+6.7) and has given up only 14 return yards on his 11 punts in 2014.
Dallas Cowboys
Demarco Murray – Leads the league in rushing attempts (75) rushing yards (388), rushing touchdowns (three), missed tackles forced (21), and PFF run grade (+4.3).
Tyrone Crawford – Ranks second-place among qualifying 4-3 defensive ends with a Pass Rushing Productivity of 13.8. Trailing only Cameron Wake at 14.3.
Henry Melton – Has generated seven pressures on 63 pass rush snaps. Providing him the fifth-best PRP score for defensive tackles at 8.7.
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