Cowboys getting first real test in Saints on SNF

The Dallas Cowboys have been three patsies. Now they face a real opponent.

Sure, the New Orleans Saints are without their future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees. Without Brees, Teddy Bridgewater is getting his second consecutive start. The loss of Brees makes this game much easier for Dallas, but it doesn’t make it easy.

The Saints went into Seattle last week and thrashed the Seahawks, largely on the back of impressive defensive play and a virtuoso performance from star running back Alvin Kamara. This week, the Superdome will be roaring with Sunday Night Football shining its considerable spotlights on the Big Easy.

Dallas, meanwhile, comes into the affair at 3-0. In the estimation of some around the country — including yours truly — there’s a belief the Cowboys are the best team in the NFC. Dallas has run the ball effectively with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. It has thrown well throughout the month, with Dak Prescott showing accuracy and the ability to stretch the field. The weapons are better than they’ve been in. years, with the aforementioned running backs complimenting receivers Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper, tight end Jason Witten and a fantastic offensive line.

To this point, the Cowboys have been dominant. Of course, they’ve played the unstoppable trio of the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. Those three have a combined record of 1-8.

If Dallas goes into the Superdome and handles the Saints, even without Brees, it’s a statement. The Cowboys would remain two games ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East, and have a legitimate win under their belt. While Brees’ absence certainly deserves a large asterisk, it also can’t negate the fact New Orleans remains a quality team, and a very tough out at home.

The Cowboys haven’t been to the NFC Championship Game since 1995, coincidentally the last time they won the Super Bowl. It’s been a long road for owner/general manager Jerry Jones, but this team might just be his best since the glory days of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin in old Texas Stadium.

We’ll find out a little more information on Sunday night about this current crew, and whether it has simply been beating up on bad teams, or if it’s ready for primetime.