On Deck will be here all season to provide you with everything you need to know (and a few things you don't) about every Cowboys game during the 2015 season.
The Opponent: The Saints are in a rare spot for them sitting at 0-3, meaning their playoff hopes are almost shot just three weeks into the year. Drew Brees missed last week's game, and Luke McCown almost got the job done but threw a late pick. Brees expects to be back Sunday night against the Cowboys, but he's not going to save the Saints by himself.
Past Meetings: The Cowboys hold a 16-11 lead in the all-time series between the teams. The Cowboys beat the Saints 38-17 a year ago in Arlington.
Who's Hot: Not much to speak of here. Joseph Randle was great on his first few carries of the game but then rushed for 2 yards on his last near-dozen carries. Lance Dunbar was the Cowboys' leading receiver with 10 catches for 100 yards on the nose — a shining example of the problem with the Cowboys' passing game on Sunday with Brandon Weeden under center.
Saints backup Luke McCown was efficient, and unlike Brandon Weeden was able to utilize all of his weapons while throwing for 310 yards, no touchdowns and the late interception that sealed the win for the Panthers. De facto No. 1 receiver Brandin Cooks had his best game this year with seven catches for 79 yards.
Who's Not: The Cowboys defense struggled to stop a backup running back on Sunday in the form Devonta Freeman, which isn't a good sign. Some of that was likely because they were just on the field too much in the second half, but it was still a bit concerning to see, much more so than Julio Jones going wild on the secondary.
The Saints' running game struggled, but it was against a stout run defense for the Panthers. Mark Ingram rushed for 50 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown, and the Rob Ryan-led Saints defense allowed the Panthers to roll up 431, including a 300-yard passing day to Cam Newton.
