The Dallas Cowboys have surely experienced their fair share of highs and lows in the early part of the 2024 NFL season. Their first few games have been marked by commanding victories and frustrating losses, leaving fans with a mix of optimism and concern as they head into the heart of the season.
Early Season Struggles
The Cowboys began their campaign with consecutive home defeats that saw them outmatched both in terms of scoreline and gameplay. New Orleans Saints handed them a stinging 44-19 loss, followed by a narrow 28-25 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. These back-to-back setbacks at AT&T Stadium set a worrying tone for a team with high expectations.
However, the Cowboys found some solace in a triumphant 20-15 victory over the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." This game was particularly notable for quarterback Dak Prescott, who achieved his 13th consecutive win over the Giants, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott’s Performance
Dak Prescott's performance against the Giants was solid if not spectacular. He completed 22 of his 21 passes for a total of 221 yards. Prescott connected efficiently with his receivers, including a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Rico Dowdle and a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Special Teams and Defensive Highlights
Kicker Brandon Aubrey made significant contributions by successfully converting field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his otherwise perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Despite this minor blip, Aubrey remains remarkable, having made 16 of 17 attempts from 50-plus yards and holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
In Week 3, the Cowboys' defense had a dreadful showing against the Baltimore Ravens, giving up a staggering 274 rushing yards. Yet, they turned things around significantly against the Giants, allowing merely 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a crucial role in nullifying the Giants' run game, which was a welcome sight for the Cowboys faithful.
Injuries and Resilience
The victory over the Giants was marred by injuries to key defensive players. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were both hurt in the second half. Lawrence’s foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while X-ray results for Parsons were fortunately negative. Despite his optimism, saying, "I'll be good," Parsons' injury is still a point of concern for the Cowboys moving forward.
Adding to their defensive woes, DaRon Bland is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson is dealing with a shoulder injury. The defensive depth will be tested in the upcoming matches, especially after the instrumental play of Amani Oruwariye, who intercepted a crucial pass with just 15 seconds left to seal the victory against the Giants.
Offensive Struggles
While the defense had its ups and downs, the Cowboys’ offense continues to struggle with the ground game. They are averaging a dismal 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL, and their 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst figure in the league. Alarmingly, CeeDee Lamb holds the Cowboys' longest rush of the season at just 12 yards, showcasing their desperate need for improvement in this area.
Words from the Players
The sentiments in the locker room reflect the team’s understanding of their current situation. DeMarcus Lawrence articulated his frustration and demanded accountability, saying, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and "Get out of playing little league football." Micah Parsons echoed this call for unity and performance, stating, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Challenges Ahead
As the Cowboys look to build on their 2-2 record, they face formidable opponents in the coming weeks. Upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions will provide a litmus test for their ambitions this season. The team must address both their defensive injuries and their underwhelming offensive production to stand a chance against these strong rivals.
Overall, the start to the 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys has been anything but straightforward. The team has shown flashes of brilliance intertwined with worrying signs of inconsistency. With significant games on the horizon, the Cowboys will need to harness the positive aspects of their performances while swiftly addressing their vulnerabilities.