:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22794007/20131103_mse_se2_121.0.jpg)
New Orleans Saints want to run, but maybe not this week - ESPN
While folks in Dallas want to call in a congressional investigation committee every time the Cowboys run the ball less than 20 times, the Saints seem to be much more relaxed about their run/pass balance.
"We’re never going to force the run game. (If the passing game is working), we’re gonna stick with it, trust me," Saints guard Jahri Evans said. "Listen, there’s no secret. We’re gonna throw the ball. That’s what we do."
With no run game, balance is just an act for Dallas Cowboys' offense - Rainer Sabin, DMN
Call in a congressional investigation committee immediately!
More on this topic at 10:00 am ET here on Blogging The Boys as Tom Ryle wonders whether the perceived absence of a Dallas running game - which seems of late to be a candidate for a missing poster - is a real issue, or just another distraction.
Are Fresh Big Guys A New Trend? - Kevin Turner, CBS DFW
The Cowboys organization has taken a lot of heat for their inability to stabilize their defensive front. But maybe, just maybe, they are on to something.
New Linemen Take Notice Of Plug & Play Mentality - Rowan Kavner, DallasCowboys.com
Rod Marinnelli has received a lot of credit for getting the most out of a defensive line that could see it's 17th player take snaps on Sunday. But perhaps it's time to reflect on the role veteran players like Jason Hatcher play in making the new guys fit in.
"They’ve been coming in and responding right away," Hatcher said." It starts with me on the D-line, I’m one of the leaders with D-Ware, so I’ve just got to do a good job of bringing them in, corralling around them, making them feel comfortable so they can go out there and play."
"As soon as they get there, they’ve got to learn the scheme," said Jason Hatcher. "Everette Brown got here a couple days ago and played Sunday. It shows you how fast these guys have got to be ready to play. It starts with me just trying to make them feel comfortable as a big brother, whatever I am to them, just to make them feel comfortable."
Bruce Carter projected to start - Calvin Watkins, ESPN Dallas
Carter has gotten the bulk of the snaps with the first-team defense at weakside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and is expected to start Sunday night's game at the New Orleans Saints.
All together now: Per Cowboys brass, there are no long-term concerns about Dez Bryant's back - Clarence Hill, Star-Telegram
The Cowboys have a spotty track record when it comes to accurately assessing and communicating injuries, so the more they deny something is wrong with Bryant, the more we're likely to believe the opposite.
With back feeling ‘good,’ Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant says, ‘I am playing on Sunday’ - Rainer Sabin, DMN
Bryant will be available, back problems and all.
"I feel good. My back feels good. And I am playing on Sunday," Bryant declared.
Cowboys WR Bryant has attention of Saints defense - wwltv.com New Orleans
Officially, Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant stands 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. Unofficially, his presence is much, much bigger.
NBC thankful for November Sunday night matchups like Cowboys-Saints - Barry Horn, DMN
Horn takes a look at behind the scenes of the SNF programming, and reflects on the Cowoys' appeal:
The Cowboys are to NBC’s SNF what the Mona Lisa is to a blank canvas. NBC staffers have told me the network would take the Cowboys 16 weeks a season. Hyperbole? Probably. But you get the point.
Official Injury Report (via the NFL Media department) from Friday's practice:
| Cowboys | |
| Probable | Dez Bryant (back), Barry Church (hamstring), Dwayne Harris (hip), Nick Hayden (ribs), Danny McCray (hip/toe), DeMarco Murray (knee), George Selvie (shoulder), DeMarcus Ware (thigh), |
| Questionable | Miles Austin (hamstring), Jason Hatcher (neck) |
| Out | Morris Claiborne (hamstring), Devonte Holloman (neck), J.J. Wilcox (knee) |
| Saints | |
| Probable |
TE Josh Hill, RB Darren Sproles, S Kenny Vaccaro |
| Questionable |
WR Marques Colston, G Jahri Evans, TE Jimmy Graham, S Roman Harper, LB David Hawthorne, S Malcolm Jenkins, DE Tom Johnson, DE Cam Jordan, LB Curtis Lofton, DE Tyrunn Waker |
| Out |
- - |
Cowboys Injury Report: Jason Hatcher, Nick Hayden Practice On Friday - Blogging The Boys
Cowboys Nation will have to wait until late on Sunday to know if Hatcher is a go. Nick Hayden, who has practiced on a limited basis this week, did return to the field today and could play.
New Orleans Saints' offense looks healthy, defense dinged up - ESPN
Both of the Saints’ starting inside linebackers, Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne, could potentially miss the game.
More from Blogging The Boys:
- Cowboys Offense: Is Balance The Key?
- Are Dez Bryant's Back Issues More Severe Than We Know? Cowboys Say No
- Are The Cowboys Overreacting To Romo's 19 Interceptions In 2012 Or Are They Onto Something?
- Cowboys Injury Report: Jason Hatcher, Nick Hayden Practice On Friday
- Cowboys @ Saints Expert Picks: Can The Cowboys Pull Off The Upset?