The Dallas Cowboys have had an eventful start to their 2024 season, characterized by a mix of pivotal wins and disappointing losses. Under the spotlight, the team has demonstrated resilience and areas needing improvement as they currently hold a 2-2 record.
Early Setbacks and Triumphs
The journey began with a rocky start, enduring consecutive home losses to the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens. The Saints handed the Cowboys a staggering 44-19 defeat, while the Ravens followed suit with a narrower but still painful 28-25 loss. These initial defeats placed significant pressure on the Cowboys to recalibrate and refocus.
However, the tides turned in their favor on "Thursday Night Football" when they secured a 20-15 victory over the New York Giants. This victory was particularly notable as it marked quarterback Dak Prescott's 13th consecutive win against the Giants, tying him for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott’s Commanding Performance
Prescott’s performance was instrumental in this victory. He threw for 221 yards, showcasing remarkable accuracy by completing 22 of his 21 passes. Key plays included a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Rico Dowdle and a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
The Cowboys' special teams also played a crucial role. Kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed field goals from 60 and 40 yards, although he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey has been impressive, now holding a 16 of 17 record from 50-plus yard distances and maintaining the longest consecutive streak of 50-plus yard field goals in NFL history.
Defensive Ups and Downs
Defensively, the Cowboys' performance has been inconsistent. In Week 3, they allowed a daunting 274 rushing yards in their loss to the Ravens. Contrasting this, their defense was significantly tighter against the Giants, allowing only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was pivotal in stifling the Giants’ run game, highlighting the potential strength of the Cowboys' defensive line.
Unfortunately, the defense also faced setbacks with injuries to key players. Both Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustained injuries during the second half of the game against the Giants. Lawrence was sidelined with a foot injury after the third quarter, while Parsons' X-ray results came back negative, providing some relief. Despite these challenges, Amani Oruwariye secured the victory with a critical interception with just 15 seconds remaining on the clock.
Voices from the Field
The players’ determination and frustration have echoed in their statements. When asked about his condition, Parsons confidently responded, "I'll be good." In a more impassioned address, DeMarcus Lawrence urged his teammates to “be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and emphatically stated, "Get out of playing little league football." Parsons added perspective by emphasizing the importance of unity, saying, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Offensive Struggles on the Ground
Despite a solid aerial attack, the Cowboys' ground game is an area of concern. They are currently averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, placing them third-worst in the NFL. Their 3.5 yards per carry is also fourth-worst in the league, with the longest rush of the season being a mere 12 yards by CeeDee Lamb.
Looking Ahead
As they prepare for their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys have much to reflect upon and rectify. The blend of offensive brilliance led by Prescott and occasional defensive robustness needs to be complemented by a consistent and effective running game. Additionally, the team must navigate through injuries and rally around their leaders to play with cohesion and determination.
The season is still in its early days, and while challenges loom, the Cowboys have shown they can rise to the occasion. With key players like Prescott, Lamb, and Aubrey making impactful contributions, the road ahead, though daunting, holds promise for the resilient Dallas Cowboys.