Dallas Cowboys 2024 opponent preview: 2 Saints to keep an eye on

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There are a couple of Saints players who present greater challenges than others.

2023 Overview

The New Orleans Saints were a middling team in 2023. Finishing just over .500 and missing the playoffs, they showed shades of good, but not quite good enough. With internal drama centered around Michael Thomas, and up and down play of Derek Carr, the Saints look to turn the page this season and be more consistent.

Saints File

2023 Record: 9-8 (2nd in NFC South)

Last Meeting: 12/02/21 27-17 Cowboys victory. (Dallas leads all-time series 18-13)

Head Coach: Dennis Allen (25-46 as head coach)

Key Additions: EDGE Chase Young, OT Olisaemeka Udoh, LB Khaleke Hudson

Key Departures: QB Jameis Winston, WR Michael Thomas, CB Issac Yiadom

Player to watch… Alvin Kamara

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It doesn’t matter how old he is, or how many injuries he’s fought through during his career—anytime Alvin Kamara is on a football field he is someone to watch out for.

After a Week 1 performance that produced 85 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries, Kamara is looking to attack a Cowboys rush defense that is still looking to prove they are formidable in 2024.

Beyond just handing the ball off to him, Kamara is still a dangerous weapon in the passing game and it will be up to the linebackers and safeties of the Cowboys to ensure he doesn’t take the game over in a multitude of ways.

Dallas will need to ensure Kamara is corralled early on, not letting him get going and it becoming a bit of a snowball effect. With other options that present challenges, Kamara still may be the biggest one to worry about in Week 2.

Don’t forget about... Rashid Shaheed

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Dallas would have every right to get lost in trying to control Kamara and pass-catching weapon Chris Olave. However, while doing so they can’t afford to let Rashid Shaheed be a forgotten man.

Shaheed is coming off of a three-reception, 73-yard day with one touchdown to boot. He reminded the league how much of an explosive threat he is and the Cowboys secondary will need to be ready for the Saints to try big shots all afternoon.

Dallas appears to have a strong secondary and a pass rush that is relentless in nature, boding well for them to be able to keep the Saints at bay. However, if they aren’t on their A-game, Shaheed and Co. could very well hand them their first loss of the season.