The 1-2 New Orleans Saints were favored by three points over the 2-1 Dallas Cowboys, but it's the Cowboys who hold a 24-0 lead at halftime. The first half was nearly perfect for Dallas. I don't think anyone saw Dallas jumping out to this big of a lead.
Here's what we saw so far:
The Cowboys defense has shut out the Saints. Wait what?
I'm completely shocked by this. If you had told me Dallas would hold a 24-0 lead at halftime, I probably would have had you checked into an insane asylum. The Cowboys defense has been great thus far.
Where is the Saints offense?
The Saints offense has been non-existent for much of the game. I was expecting the Cowboys to have to play catchup during the game, but it's Saints who are behind. I know their line is beat up, but I expected a lot more. The Saints have just 114 total yards of offense.
Romo looks healthy
Chris Collinsworth mentioned it several times during the NBC broadcast, but Romo looks much healthier this week. That's huge for Dallas. He had a perfect first quarter, completing all nine of his passes. A healthy Romo is a dangerous Romo.
The Cowboys are having their way with the Saints defense
It's not just Romo who is playing well. DeMarco Murray is already over 80 yards on the ground and Lance Dunbar has 36 yards receiving. Eight different Cowboys have catches, with no one catching more than four. The Saints have had too many missed tackles and Dallas is taking advantage.
Special Teams matter
Dan Bailey made his field goal for Dallas, but Shayne Graham missed his wide right for the Saints. That could come back to haunt New Orleans.
Cowboys First Half MVP: Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray
I can't choose just one. Romo and Murray are both having their way with the Saints defense. Murray has 14 carries for 87 yards and a TD. Romo has completed 17 of 22 for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
Saints First Half MVP: None
I can't give anyone MVP recognition. Nothing has gone right for the Saints. Sean Payton needs to make some major halftime adjustments.
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