The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a tumultuous journey in the opening weeks of their 2024 NFL season. Despite the challenges, the team has showcased moments of resilience and brilliance that could define their campaign.
Early Setbacks at Home
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate with three consecutive home losses. The season opener against the New Orleans Saints ended in a lopsided 44-19 defeat. The following week, the Baltimore Ravens edged out a tighter contest with a 28-25 win. Both games revealed vulnerabilities in the Cowboys' defense and inconsistent offensive execution.
A Turnaround on Prime Time
The narrative shifted during their "Thursday Night Football" clash against the New York Giants. In a must-win scenario, the Cowboys emerged victorious with a 20-15 scoreline, evening their season record to 2-2. Quarterback Dak Prescott delivered a solid performance, continuing his impressive run against the Giants, which now stands at 13 consecutive wins. This streak ties him for the second-longest winning run by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott and Key Offensive Plays
Prescott completed 22 of his 21 passes for 221 yards, a feat that illustrated his precision and poise under pressure. His key connections included a 15-yard touchdown to running back Rico Dowdle and a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. These pivotal plays highlighted the synergy between Prescott and his offensive weapons.
Aubrey’s Historic Kicking Streak
Kicker Brandon Aubrey contributed significantly, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. Although he missed a 51-yard attempt, breaking his perfect streak from distances over 50 yards, Aubrey's record stands at 16 out of 17 in such scenarios. He continues to hold the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Highs and Lows
Defensively, the Cowboys showed stark contrasts. In a Week 3 debacle against the Ravens, the defense allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards. However, they turned the tide against the Giants, conceding only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a crucial role in stifling the Giants' run game, asserting the Cowboys' defensive strength when firing on all cylinders.
Injuries Plague Key Players
Injuries, however, have begun to cast a shadow. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a foot injury that sidelined him after the third quarter against the Giants. Meanwhile, linebacker Micah Parsons, who provided an optimistic "I'll be good" following a negative X-ray, and cornerback DaRon Bland, suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, add to the growing list of concerns. Additionally, cornerback Amani Oruwariye's timely interception with 15 seconds left sealed the victory against the Giants but highlighted the necessity for a healthy defensive roster going forward.
Rushing Attack Struggles
The Cowboys' ground game remains a significant area for improvement. Averaging a mere 75.3 rushing yards per game, they are ranked third-worst in the NFL. Their 3.5 yards per carry mark places them fourth-worst in the league. CeeDee Lamb's 12-yard rush stands as the longest for the team this season, underlining the struggles in establishing a consistent and potent running attack.
Leadership Voices
Amidst these ups and downs, players have vocalized their thoughts on the team’s state. Lawrence emphasized the importance of accountability, remarking, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and challenged his teammates to "Get out of playing little league football." Parsons echoed this sentiment, stating, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cowboys prepare for their next matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the emphasis will likely be on reinforcing their strengths and addressing their vulnerabilities. The journey ahead promises more trials, requiring both strategic adjustments and a renewed focus on teamwork and resilience.