1. Mutual Commitment To The Run Game:
Both teams have shown stronger commitments to the ground attack this season. In Week 3, Cowboys Running back DeMarco Murray put up 100 yards on 24 carries. The Saints are without first-round pick Mark Ingram, who's out with a broken hand, but they're still committed to the run: recording 108 yards on 32 attempts versus the Vikings, courtesy mostly of undrafted players Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson. Thomas continues to shoulder a huge load, accounting for the Saints first touchdown of the day against the Vikings Sunday. Robinson, who started in Ingram's place, is taking advantage of the extra minutes as well, showing an ability to grind and productively chew up the clock.
2. Secondary Issues: How Will Former LSU Star Cornerback Morris Claiborne Handle Cowboys Demotion? Will Patrick Robinson Make Up Any Ground With the Saints?
Last week the Saints demoted starting cornerback Patrick Robinson out of the starting lineup down to special teams. This week, the Cowboys bumped starter Mo Claiborne, the 6th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, out of LSU. The former Tiger didn't appreciate the decision and left the Cowboys facility early Tuesday, skipping several meetings. "We informed Mo his role was going to change,'' coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday. "He didn't take that news well. He did return to the building last night and is here this morning. ... He will play this week. ... We're going to allow him to compete.'' Right now, the Cowboys plan to start Orlando Scandrick in Claiborne's place. Last week the Saints replaced Robinson with Corey White.
3. Can the Saints Conquer Their Road Demons?
Much has been made about the Saints home performance versus their road performance. Under head coach Sean Paton, the Saints are actually one of the stronger road teams in the league: During Payton's tenure (since 2006 except 2012), New Orleans actually has the fifth-best road record in the NFL. But much of that is thanks to the Saints strength on the road before Payton's Bounty Gate suspension. Since 2012 (starting with the season Payton missed), the Saints are 6-12 on the road (24th in the NFL). The Saints are well aware of this recent phenomena, and it's been a point of emphasis.
4. Sean Payton Era (2006-11, 2013-14):
Saints at Home: Saints on the Road:
Wins vs Losses: 40-16 (.714) Wins vs Losses: 33-25 (.569)
Point Differential: +503 (1661-1158) Point Differential: +208 (1507-1299)
5. Saints Defense: Bend But Don't Break
Black and Gold fans would no doubt like to see the Saints defense hold the Cowboys offense to multiple three-and-out series. But Payton was pleased with their effort in the red zone Sunday, giving the Vikings 3 field goals, no touchdowns. "...Forcing them to settle for field goals, that's huge," Payton said after the game. The defense is focused on cleaning up communication issues, with position leaders like Cam Jordan and Jairus Byrd vowing to be more vocal and take responsibility for their respective groups.
6. Sunday Primetime Perfection:
The Saints are a 3-point favorite heading into this game, but their history in primetime is a much stronger statistic. Payton and his squad are a perfect 7-0 in Sunday Night Football games and 19-7 in all primetime matchups in the Payton era, excluding the 2012 season.
