‘Kill Shot!’ Zack Martin Reveals Cowboys Plan vs. Saints

Through the first 30 minutes of the Dallas Cowboys Week 1 contest at the Cleveland Browns and what would be a 33-17 win, the visitors clearly demonstrated their separation from their opponent.
Into the second half, more of the same continued. The Cowboys offense did not take the field until the midpoint of the third quarter, holding a 27-10 lead.
Dallas, both offensively and defensively had done its job in putting the game out of reach. But the offense admittedly contributed little as the team put is finishing touches on a season-opening win.
For veterans like Zack Martin, there comes an understanding that closing games in such a fashion cannot provide the formula of success for an elite offense.
“When that kill shot is, in our view, we need to jump on it,” he said. “We talked a lot about the second half,” he said this week. “We kind of stalled out, had a lot of three and outs, and we’ve got to do a better job of putting our foot on their throat and ending the game earlier.”
This Cowboys offense has professional experience, but also experience playing together. It remains no surprise that they should hold themselves to a higher standard.
Of the Cowboys losses last season, none truly resulted as a case of letting a team hang around and costing themselves late in such a fashion. That leaves no reason to start now.
Dallas welcomes the New Orleans Saints to AT&T Stadium on Sunday at noon. Given how these teams are projected to matchup, the Cowboys could capitalize on several advantages on both sides of the ball.

If they take control early, they will need to maintain that grip. Based on the Week 1 tape, the Saints could employ pressure and blitz packages, gambling early to try and force a play.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense will need to protect the ball and value possessions, converting on opportunities presented to them.
If they accomplish that goal and secure a lead early, the game becomes a matter of ending things fast, or as Martin eloquently describes it “putting our foot on their throat.” … for that much-desired “kill shot.”