Finding clean, reliable numbers for this matchup often feels like a chore. Box scores are scattered across different sites, and the raw data rarely tells you the full story of how the game actually unfolded. This guide solves that problem. We put every relevant New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats line in one place, organized by phase of the game. You get the numbers, the context, and the analytical takeaways that matter.
A Quick Look at the Rivalry
The Cowboys and Saints have met 32 times in the regular season since New Orleans joined the NFL in 1967. Dallas holds an 18-14 edge in the all-time series, though the Saints have had the upper hand in recent memory. The two franchises have never met in the postseason, making this a pure regular-season rivalry built on proximity and pride.
Historically, Dallas dominated the early years, winning 13 of the first 16 meetings. But New Orleans flipped the script in the late 2000s and 2010s, winning nine of 13 games between 1998 and 2021. The series has been remarkably balanced in the modern era, with the home team often holding serve.
The Most Recent Matchup: August 29, 2026
The latest chapter in this rivalry took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Saints walked away with a 27-24 victory over the Cowboys in front of 81,295 fans. This was a preseason finale, but the intensity on the field felt like a regular-season game.
The stakes were simple: both teams wanted to finish the preseason on a high note and settle their backup quarterback situations. New Orleans jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first quarter and never trailed, though Dallas made a late push in the fourth quarter to make the final score look closer than the game felt for most of the afternoon.
Team Totals and Efficiency Comparison
The raw team totals reveal a game defined by contrasting offensive approaches. New Orleans leaned on a punishing ground game, while Dallas moved the ball efficiently through the air.
| Team Stat | Saints (NO) | Cowboys (DAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 326 | 328 |
| Passing Yards | 157 | 237 |
| Rushing Yards | 169 | 91 |
| Yards Per Play | 5.8 | 5.4 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 30:17 | 29:43 |
Source: Fox Sports Game Stats
The Saints averaged a full 5.3 yards per carry, gashing the Dallas defense on the ground. The Cowboys, meanwhile, averaged 7.2 yards per pass attempt but managed only 3.5 yards per rush. This was a classic “styles make fights” matchup, and the Saints’ ability to control the clock and finish drives proved decisive.
Complete Quarterback Matchup and Passing Stats
The quarterback play in this game offered a glimpse into the future for both franchises. New Orleans started Spencer Rattler, while Dallas turned to Sam Howell for the majority of the snaps.
| Quarterback (Team) | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Rattler (NO) | 8/10 (80.0%) | 79 | 0 | 0 | 99.6 |
| Zach Wilson (NO) | 9/12 (75.0%) | 93 | 0 | 0 | 96.9 |
| Sam Howell (DAL) | 12/18 (66.7%) | 155 | 2 | 0 | 130.6 |
| Joe Milton III (DAL) | 8/15 (53.3%) | 92 | 0 | 0 | 72.1 |
Source: FantasyData Box Score
Rattler was efficient and turnover-free, leading three scoring drives in the first half. He also added an 8-yard rushing touchdown. Howell was the standout for Dallas, throwing for two scores and a near-perfect passer rating. However, his day was marred by two sacks and a lack of support from the running game.
These New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats highlight a clear difference in efficiency: Howell produced explosive plays, but Rattler and Wilson protected the ball and kept the chains moving.
Rushing Leaders and Ground Game Performance
The Saints won this game on the ground. Their 169 rushing yards came on 32 attempts, and they scored three of their four touchdowns on the ground.
| Player (Team) | Carries | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audric Estimé (NO) | 4 | 46 | 11.5 | 0 | 33 |
| Kendre Miller (NO) | 9 | 42 | 4.7 | 0 | 13 |
| C. Donaldson (NO) | 9 | 33 | 3.7 | 0 | 10 |
| Zamir White (NO) | 4 | 23 | 5.8 | 1 | 11 |
| P. Mafah (DAL) | 12 | 46 | 3.8 | 0 | 10 |
Source: Fox Sports Box Score
Estimé provided the explosive spark with a 33-yard run, while White and Barion Brown punched in short touchdowns. Dallas never found a rhythm on the ground. Their leading rusher, Mafah, averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, and the entire Cowboys backfield combined for 91 yards on 26 attempts.
When you analyze the New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats, this rushing disparity is the clearest indicator of which team controlled the line of scrimmage.
Receiving Production and Target Breakdown
Dallas dominated the air yards, largely thanks to one standout performance from a depth receiver. New Orleans spread the ball around but lacked a true downfield threat.
| Player (Team) | Rec | Targets | Yards | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Hudson (DAL) | 4 | — | 97 | 24.3 | 1 |
| Ronnie Bell (NO) | 6 | 7 | 65 | 10.8 | 0 |
| M. Valdes-Scantling (DAL) | 2 | — | 31 | 15.5 | 0 |
| B. Lance (NO) | 2 | 4 | 28 | 14.0 | 0 |
| C. Donaldson (NO) | 2 | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 |
Sources: Fox Sports, New Orleans Saints Official Box Score
Hudson was the game’s most explosive pass-catcher, turning four receptions into 97 yards and a score. For the Saints, Bell was the reliable chain-mover with six catches on seven targets, but no New Orleans receiver averaged more than 15 yards per reception.
The New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats in the receiving department show a Dallas passing game that was more vertical and explosive, even without its starters.
Defensive Plays, Turnovers, and Sacks
Neither team turned the ball over, which makes the defensive numbers even more interesting. The game was clean, but it was not without pressure.
| Defensive Leader (Team) | Tackles | Sacks | TFL | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. Stalbird (NO) | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| K. Boyd (NO) | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| J. Price (NO) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| G. Nelson (NO) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sam Howell (DAL) | — | 2 (sacked) | — | — |
Source: Fox Sports Box Score
Stalbird was the defensive standout for New Orleans, recording a sack and a tackle for loss to go with his eight total stops. The Saints’ defense generated consistent pressure, sacking Howell twice and Milton once.
Dallas’ defense, on the other hand, failed to generate a single takeaway or sack that significantly altered the game’s momentum. The New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats on defense tell a story of a Saints unit that bent but never broke, while the Cowboys’ defense couldn’t get off the field on third down.
Step-by-Step Game-Changing Moments
The game swung on a handful of plays that turned scoring opportunities into points.
- First Quarter (11:52): D. Carlson drilled a 38-yard field goal to cap the Saints’ opening drive and set the tone.
- First Quarter (7:58): Brandon Aubrey answered with a 49-yard kick for Dallas.
- Second Quarter: Rattler capped a methodical drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 17-3.
- Third Quarter: Zamir White’s 11-yard touchdown run pushed the Saints’ lead to 24-9, effectively putting the game out of reach.
- Fourth Quarter: Dallas scored 15 points, including a Hudson touchdown catch, but the comeback fell short.
These New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats moments show that the Saints consistently answered when Dallas threatened, never allowing the Cowboys to take the lead.
What the Numbers Tell Us About Each Team
For New Orleans, this game confirmed that their path to success runs through the ground game and quarterback efficiency. Rattler and Wilson combined for zero turnovers and a 98.4 passer rating, while the rushing attack averaged over five yards per carry. That formula—protect the ball, run hard, and finish drives—is sustainable.
For Dallas, the New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats reveal a team with explosive passing potential but a concerning lack of balance. Howell’s 130.6 passer rating is encouraging, but the 3.5 yards per rush is a red flag. If the Cowboys cannot run the ball, opposing defenses will pin their ears back and attack the quarterback.
Looking Back: How the Rivalry Has Unfolded Over Time
The all-time New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats are filled with legendary performances. In 2024, Alvin Kamara delivered one of the most dominant games in series history, rushing for 115 yards and three touchdowns while adding 65 receiving yards and another score in a 44-19 Saints blowout.
Dak Prescott has had his moments, too. In four career games against New Orleans, he has thrown for 1,003 yards with a 86.1 passer rating, though he has more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) against the Saints. These individual battles have defined the rivalry’s modern era, even without a playoff chapter.
Why Player Stats Matter in This Matchup
The New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats are more than just numbers for fantasy football. They reveal coaching philosophies, roster depth, and the health of each franchise. For the Saints, the efficiency of the backup quarterbacks and the depth of the running back room suggest a team built to weather adversity. For Dallas, the reliance on Howell’s arm and the struggles in the run game point to a team still searching for its identity.
Final Thoughts and Fan Community Takeaways
This game gave fans plenty to talk about. The Saints’ ground game looks ready for the regular season, and their quarterbacks protected the ball. The Cowboys showed explosive flashes through the air, but their inability to run the ball is a lingering question mark.
What stood out to you in these New Orleans Saints vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats? Did Rattler do enough to earn a bigger role? Can Dallas fix its rushing attack before the games start counting? The conversation is just beginning.
Explore More: For official league data, visit NFL.com. For deep historical stats, check Pro Football Reference. For real-time scores and analysis, head to ESPN.
