The Dallas Cowboys have had an inconsistent start to their 2024 season, punctuated by pivotal victories and disheartening defeats. Despite initial setbacks, the team appears to be finding its footing.
Early Challenges
In the first three weeks, the Cowboys faced consecutive home losses against the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens, with scores of 44-19 and 28-25, respectively. These early defeats set a concerning tone for the season, raising questions about the team's resilience and tactical choices.
However, amid these struggles, the Cowboys managed to secure a crucial win. On "Thursday Night Football," they triumphed over the New York Giants, clinching a 20-15 victory and evening their record to 2-2. This win was particularly significant for quarterback Dak Prescott, who notched his 13th consecutive victory against the Giants. This impressive streak ties the second-longest winning run by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott's Performance
Prescott displayed commendable performance, completing 22 of 21 passes for 221 yards. His accuracy and strategic playmaking were evident as he connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivered a remarkable 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Kicker Brandon Aubrey also made significant contributions, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey is now 16 of 17 from these ranges, holding the record for the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Dynamics
On the defensive front, the Cowboys have displayed mixed results. In their Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, their defense allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards. Nevertheless, they made a notable turnaround against the Giants, limiting them to just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a vital role in stifling the Giants' run game.
Injuries have plagued the Cowboys' defense, with key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustaining injuries during the second half against the Giants. Lawrence was sidelined with a foot injury after the third quarter, while X-ray results for Parsons were fortunately negative. Despite these setbacks, Parsons remains optimistic, stating, "I'll be good."
Further adding to the defensive concerns, defensive back Amani Oruwariye intercepted a pass with just 15 seconds left, ensuring the Cowboys' victory. The unit also faces challenges with DaRon Bland dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and Caelen Carson suffering from a shoulder injury.
Offensive Struggles
Offensively, the Cowboys have yet to find consistent success in their rushing game. Averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, they currently rank as the third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst in the league, with CeeDee Lamb holding the Cowboys' longest rush of the season at a mere 12 yards.
Leadership among the team's defensive stalwarts also came to the forefront through candid remarks. DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized accountability, urging his teammates to "be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and to "get out of playing little league football." Parsons echoed the need for collective effort, 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
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions in their upcoming matchups. With their current record standing at 2-2, these games will be pivotal in determining whether the team can build on their recent successes and address their early-season challenges. For the Cowboys, consistency, team unity, and overcoming injury setbacks will be crucial as they navigate the rest of the season.