It's been a tumultuous start for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL season, marked by both pivotal victories and heart-wrenching losses, leading to a balanced yet frustrating 2-2 record. The team, renowned for its storied past and passionate fanbase, has shown flashes of brilliance and moments of vulnerability.
Home Ground Blues
The Cowboys faced back-to-back home defeats in the early weeks of the season. The New Orleans Saints handed them a crushing 44-19 loss, and the Baltimore Ravens followed that up with a nail-biting 28-25 victory. These consecutive setbacks at AT&T Stadium highlighted significant issues, notably in their defense and rushing strategies.
Turning the Tide with the Giants
However, the Cowboys gained some redemption with a hard-fought victory against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," edging them out with a 20-15 scoreline. This win was especially significant for quarterback Dak Prescott, who notched his 13th consecutive win against the Giants, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since 1950.
Prescott was efficient and precise, completing 22 of 21 passes for 221 yards. He connected seamlessly with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivered an electrifying 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Reflecting on the game's critical plays, one remarkable performance came from kicker Brandon Aubrey, who nailed field goals from 60 and 40 yards, though he missed a 51-yard attempt, breaking his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey now holds the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history, with a record standing at 16 of 17.
Defensive Setbacks and Resilience
The defensive line showcased mixed performances through the matches. In Week 3, the Cowboys' defense was shredded by the Baltimore Ravens, allowing an alarming 274 rushing yards. Yet, they rebounded impressively against the Giants, conceding only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in choking the Giants' run game.
Injuries also plagued the team, with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both sustaining injuries during the clash with the Giants. Lawrence's foot injury forced him out of the game after the third quarter, while Parsons' X-ray results turned out negative, giving the team a sigh of relief. Parsons, confident in his ability to bounce back, simply stated, "I'll be good."
Amani Oruwariye ensured victory with a crucial interception with merely 15 seconds left on the clock. The defensive challenges extended to other players too, with DaRon Bland suffering from a stress fracture in his foot and Caelen Carson dealing with a shoulder injury.
Offensive Struggles
The Cowboys' rushing offense has been underwhelming, averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, placing them third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry ranks as the fourth-worst in the league. Despite possessing some powerful offensive weapons, the team has struggled to consistently gain ground on rush plays, with CeeDee Lamb holding the season's longest rush at just 12 yards. DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized accountability and unity when he said, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and urged his teammates to, "Get out of playing little league football."
Looking Ahead
With impending matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys will need to tighten their defensive strategies and find a more consistent ground game to build on their win against the Giants. Micah Parsons highlighted the need for 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."
As the season progresses, the Cowboys have the potential to turn their roller-coaster start into a consistent run of victories. Understanding their strengths and addressing their weaknesses will be crucial. For now, both the team and their fans can take solace in the promising signs displayed against the Giants, coupled with the hope that the injured key players will return to fortify their lineup.