Umm ... football To the Dallas Cowboys, I really believe that Jason Garrett's secured about 75 percent of his job. I think he needs two of any the four wins: this week against New Orleans, at Indy, at Philly or against Philadelphia.
He gets two of those in addition to the Washington and Arizona games, that gives him six wins and the Cowboys a 7-9 record without their starting quarterback, an offensive line in shambles, zero running game and a secondary with more holes than Swiss cheese.
That'll get you a real job.
Five things:
Drew Brees
The Saints don't have a run game and Reggie Bush's availability is inconsequential in this regards. The Saints throw the ball, throw it a lot and throw it well. Thanks to Drew Brees. He's torched better teams (completed 77 percent of his passes against Pittsburgh), but he's also throwing more interceptions and the Saints offense isn't nearly as scary as it was a year ago. Still, I don't know if Brees is going to second-guess a throw staring down Alan Ball in the secondary.
Gold Defense
The Saints won a Super Bowl thanks to an opportunistic defense and an explosive offense. The offense is there, kind of, and the defense ... is still there. They're first in points allowed, fourth in yards allowed and second in pass defense. However, they've managed just six interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries. It could be a tough road for the Cowboys defense.
Thanksgiving
The Cowboys are 27-14-1 on Thanksgiving. They've won the last four. Of course, they typically play Special Olympics teams, not the New Orleans Saints.
Dez Bryant
Every week until he bores us. He had like two catches last week and all I could think about was the one where he came back from the ball, ducked under a tackle and muscled for five extra yards. It's Thanksgiving. At home. National spotlight. The stars shine when hte spotlight's on them.
Belief
There are many willing to lay big money on the Minnesota Vikings this week because everyone's convinced they wanted Brad Childress out so badly that that weight lifted will make them a legit threat every week. Kind of getting the same feeling about Wade Phillips and the Cowboys. Winning percentage or no, they wanted him out and the change has flipped some kind of switch. It's not making them playoff contenders, but might make them legit threates every week.
Prediction
Cowboys 27, Saints 26
I like the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. I think the Saints have a lot more winning to do, but losses will come. Garrett's got some mojo working somehow.
