The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a tumultuous start to their 2024 NFL season, highlighted by a mix of inspiring victories and disheartening defeats.
Early Season Struggles
To begin the season, the Cowboys faced a series of challenges, with back-to-back losses at home against formidable opponents. The New Orleans Saints handed them a lopsided 44-19 defeat, and the Baltimore Ravens followed up with a tight 28-25 win, showcasing the inconsistency that has plagued Dallas in recent years. These initial setbacks were a stark reminder of the obstacles the Cowboys face if they are to contend for playoff relevancy.
Turning the Tide
However, the narrative shifted when the Cowboys squared off against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." Clinching a close 20-15 victory, the Cowboys not only improved their record to a balanced 2-2 but also highlighted some key performances. One such performance came from quarterback Dak Prescott, who secured his 13th consecutive win against the Giants. This win streak ties the second-longest by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Dak Prescott’s Precision
Prescott's efficiency was on full display as he threw for 221 yards, completing 22 of his 21 pass attempts, a remarkable feat by any standard. His connections with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb were pivotal moments that propelled the Cowboys to victory.
Special Teams and Defensive Prowess
Kicker Brandon Aubrey also made significant contributions, converting field goals from 60 and 40 yards. Despite missing a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards, Aubrey remains an impressive 16 of 17 from such distances, holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
The Cowboys’ defense, which allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards in their Week 3 clash against the Baltimore Ravens, showcased drastic improvement against the Giants. Limiting New York to a meager 26 rushing yards on 24 carries, the Cowboys' defensive line, led by defensive tackle Mazi Smith, stood resolute.
Injury Woes
Despite these performances, the Cowboys' injury list is growing. Defensive stalwarts Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both faced injuries during the second half against the Giants. Lawrence, who left the game with a foot injury, emphasized the need for accountability, saying, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and urged the team to "Get out of playing little league football." Fortunately, Parsons' X-ray results were negative. The linebacker remains optimistic, stating succinctly, "I'll be good."
Other key players like Amani Oruwariye were instrumental in securing the victory, intercepting a pass with merely 15 seconds left on the clock. However, some defensive players weren’t as fortunate, such as DaRon Bland, who is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson with a shoulder injury.
Offensive Struggles
Offensively, the Cowboys have room for improvement, particularly in the running game. Averaging a paltry 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry isn’t much better, as it is the fourth-worst in the league. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, interestingly, holds the team's longest rush of the season at a mere 12 yards—an indication of the ground game struggles.
Parsons perceives the root of the team’s inconsistency in their lack of cohesion: "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison." His words encapsulate the challenges that lie ahead for a Cowboys team striving for synchronization and stability.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cowboys prepare for their next games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the team will look to build on their recent wins while addressing their nagging issues. The fanbase and the team alike are keenly aware that for the Cowboys to transition from a roller-coaster start to a consistent, winning season, each player must step up and play a part in the collective effort.