The Falcons pulled off a thrilling victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers yesterday, extending the one-game lead in the highly competitive NFC South. Although the Buccaneers lost a tough-fought game against the Ravens, the Saints maintain only a one-game lead. With only give games remaining in the regular season, it is tough to tell which teams will make the final cut on the trip to Dallas.

At the beginning of the season, hopes were high for the Cowboys, Vikings and 49ers. After 11 weeks, those teams are 4-7, 3-8 and 3-7, respectively. Needless to say, the season is now wide-open. Are the Falcons going to end the Saints’ dominance of the NFC South? Can the newly-anointed comeback king Matty Ice overcome the Saints’ late-game defensive heroics? How will the Saints’ run defense stack up against running back Michael Turner? Saints fans, what do you think?

The Saints pulled out a thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys, 30-27. After jumping out to a quick 17-0 lead, the Saints suffered a stereotypical tryptophan-induced three quarters, eventually falling behind 27-23. The Saints showed signs of returning to last year’s form, with the passing game accounting for 352 yards, and a late-game turnover forced by the defense.

The Saints did an excellent job in the first half controlling the tempo of the game with Chris Ivory running for two touchdowns. The Saints tried to run the ball later in the third quarter, but by then momentum had swung the other way. Although it was a victory, the Saints have a few areas in need of improvement.

Reincorporating Reggie Bush

Reggie Bush showed signs of rust, dropping a pass that could have sealed the victory and fumbling, which gave the Cowboys a chance to get back into the game. Bush finished the game with one carry for one yard, and one reception for 12 yards. If the Saints plan on using Bush, he needs to get more involved quickly, as in the past he has done well when getting more involved right after a few mistakes.

Pass Rush

The Saints only sacked Jon Kitna once. Kitna was able to pass for 313 yards, and get Dallas back in the game. Especially with upcoming tough games against the Ravens and Falcons, the Saints will need to pressure the quarterback.

Defending the Big Play

The Saints’ aggressive blitz packages expose its defense to the big play. The Cowboys were able to get two big plays: the Miles Austin reverse to open the second half, and Roy Williams big catch up the middle of the field that almost put the game out of reach. If the Saints are to go deep into the playoffs, it cannot afford to rely on late game heroics and forced turnovers.

The Saints next play at the Cincinnati Bengals, who have lost eight games in a row. This should be an easy game for the Saints, although they did lose to the AFC North Cleveland Browns.

Happy Thanksgiving! Today the New Orleans Saints visit the Dallas Cowboys in a rematch of the game that handed the Saints the first loss of the 2009 season. The Saints are coming off a 34-19 home victory over the Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys, 2-0 in the Jason Garrett era, are coming off a 35-19 win over the Detroit Lions. Here are some of the key matchups to watch in between tryptophan-induced naps on the couch.

Saints passing game vs. Cowboys passing defense

Quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints’ receivers have regained the rhythm and timing that lead to last year’s Super Bowl victory. The Saints rank third in the NFL in passing yards per game (286.8 yards per game), while the Cowboys rank 21st in the NFL in passing defense, allowing 235.1 yards per game.

The Saints running game

Over the last two games, the Saints’ running game has passed the 100 yard mark, something that been lacking this year. Chris Ivory and Julius Jones have brought a change of pace to the running game, which traditionally has relied on Pierre Thomas’ strong inside running and Reggie Bush’s perimeter speed. The Cowboys allow 117.3 yards per game, 22nd in the NFL. Look for the Saints to establish the running game early to force the Cowboys to put eight in the box, freeing up the Saints’ high-powered passing attack.

The return of Reggie Bush
The Saints have missed Bush’s game-breaking speed and big-play ability since he broke his leg against the San Francisco 49ers. Although Bush is listed as questionable, Sean Payton will make every effort to get him on the field. Look for the Saints to use Bush to establish the outside running game, and in screen or flare passes out of the backfield to exploit the matchup between him and the Cowboys’ linebackers.

The Cowboys pass rush
The Cowboys best chance for victory lies with its pass rush. Last year Demarcus Ware exploited the matchup with Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod. Look for the Cowboys to take an aggressive approach by blitzing early to throw Drew Brees off his rhythm. However, cornerbacks Terence Newman and Michael Jenkins have to shut down Marques Colston and Lance Moore, the Saints’ top two leading receivers who both have big-play ability.

Although the Cowboys are riding high off of two big wins under Jason Garrett, the Saints offense is too powerful for the Cowboys defense, and the Cowboys’ offense is too one-dimensional to keep pace with the Saints’ attack. Although Kim Kardashian may be conflicted between former beaus Miles Austin and Reggie Bush, I am not. My prediction: 35-14 Saints.