The New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats in a game that turned into a showcase of dominant performance and statistical fireworks. With a final score of 44-19, the Saints delivered an emphatic victory, ended the Cowboys’ 16-game regular-season home winning streak, and provided a wealth of individual statistics worth examining. In this article, we delve into the player stats and key performers from both teams, dissect how they influenced the game, and provide insights into what these numbers reveal about team performance and strategies. Whether you’re a stat enthusiast or just a fan wanting to understand how the game unfolded, this article provides the detailed breakdown you’re looking for.
Game Overview & Context
The Saints’ victory was built on a foundation of consistent offensive execution and opportunistic defensive plays. According to the box score, New Orleans tallied 432 total net yards compared to Dallas’ 353. Their rushing attack produced 190 yards at 4.9 yards per carry versus Dallas’ 68 yards at just 3.2 per carry. They converted six straight drives into touchdowns early in the game, setting the tone. Meanwhile, Dallas struggled to find momentum, reliant on field goals while attempting to keep pace with New Orleans’ offensive barrage. The defense of the Cowboys was exposed in several phases. Understanding this context gives meaning to the individual player stats that follow — the numbers didn’t occur in a vacuum; they were part of a tightly controlled game by the Saints.
Key Player Stats – New Orleans Saints
Offense
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Alvin Kamara: He was the engine of the Saints’ offense, rushing for 115 yards and catching passes for 65 yards, totaling 180 yards from scrimmage and scoring 4 touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving). His ability to dominate both on the ground and through the air turned several drives into long gains and touchdowns and kept the Cowboys off balance.
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Derek Carr: The quarterback completed 27 of 39 passes for 293 yards, one passing TD, and an additional one rushing TD. Despite being sacked 3 times for 14 yards lost, Carr showed efficiency in key moments and connection with his receivers.
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Rashid Shaheed: He made a significant big-play contribution with 4 receptions for 96 yards including a 70-yard touchdown from Carr. Those explosive plays helped shift momentum and opened up the field for the Saints’ offense.
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Receiving Corps & Others: Chris Olave added 81 yards on 4 receptions, averaging 20.3 yards per catch. Taysom Hill, while limited, also contributed.
Defense & Miscellaneous
The Saints’ defense showed up in opportunistic fashion with two interceptions of Dak Prescott and held the Cowboys to only one offensive touchdown. The ability to force turnovers and limit big plays was key in maintaining control of the game.
Key Player Stats – Dallas Cowboys
Offense
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Dak Prescott: He passed for 293 yards and one touchdown but threw 2 interceptions and was sacked multiple times. While his yardage was respectable, the turnovers and inability to convert drives into touchdowns hampered the Cowboys’ effort.
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CeeDee Lamb: His standout play included 4 receptions for 90 yards and a 65-yard touchdown catch, showing flashes of explosive playmaking. But the rest of the offense struggled to complement that explosion.
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Rushing Attack: Dallas mustered only 68 rushing yards on 21 carries, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. That lack of rushing momentum allowed New Orleans to load up against the pass and force mistakes.
Defense
Dallas’ defense allowed the Saints to convert every goal-to-go situation and was repeatedly exposed on both long plays and balanced offense. Limiting big plays and creating pressure were areas the Cowboys failed to execute, and the stats reflect that breakdown.
What the Stats Really Tell Us
Numbers alone are helpful, but interpreting them is where the real insight lies. For the Saints, the 190-yard rushing total shows their ability to establish and maintain the ground game, which opens up the passing attack. Kamara’s dual-threat performance illustrates how versatile offensive weapons can shift a game’s dynamic. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ 68 rushing yards show how their offensive balance was tilted and why their drives stalled.
Defensively, allowing nearly 300 passing yards and big-play receptions exposes a unit unable to adjust or contain key threats. The Saints’ ability to score early and often (six straight drives into touchdowns) shows how statistical dominance often correlates with psychological momentum.
For the Cowboys, even though they had yardage from Prescott and Lamb, the turnovers and lack of red-zone conversion turned those yards into missed opportunities. Their stats show a team that could move the ball but failed to execute when it counted.
Conclusion
The “New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats” matchup on September 15, 2024, will be remembered not just for the 44-19 scoreline, but for the sheer dominance reflected in player statistics. From Alvin Kamara’s multi-touchdown performance to Rashid Shaheed’s explosive big play, the Saints’ numbers paint a picture of a cohesive, high-functioning offense paired with opportunistic defense. On the flip side, the Cowboys’ stats reveal missed chances, turnovers, and an inability to match the Saints’ tempo and playmaking. For analysts, fans, and players alike, this game underscores how statistical excellence often parallels victory. Understanding these numbers gives us deeper insight into not just what happened, but why it happened.
FAQs
Q1: Who had the most rushing yards in the Saints vs Cowboys game?
Alvin Kamara led the rushing effort with 115 yards from scrimmage (rushing + receiving), and specifically 115 rushing yards.
Q2: How many passing yards did Dak Prescott have in the game?
Dak Prescott threw for 293 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
Q3: What was the final score of the game, and did the Saints break the Cowboys’ home streak?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 44, Dallas Cowboys 19, and yes, the Saints ended the Cowboys’ 16-game regular-season home winning streak.
Q4: Which player made the longest touchdown reception in the game?
Rashid Shaheed caught a 70-yard touchdown from Derek Carr, marking the longest TD reception in the game.
Q5: What does the stat line of 190 rushing yards for the Saints indicate about their offense?
It indicates that the Saints were able to consistently run the ball effectively (4.9 yards per carry), control the game’s flow, open up play-action passing, and keep the Cowboys’ defense off balance.
