In the wake of their challenging home opener, the Dallas Cowboys are left grappling with critical communication issues between star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. These issues were glaring during their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, culminating in a misalignment that hindered their red zone efficiency.
Prescott aimed for Lamb on a slot fade route in the second quarter, but their disconnect forced the Cowboys to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, bringing the score to 14-6. Ultimately, the Cowboys fell 44-19 to the Saints.
Communication Breakdown
Lamb pinpointed the root of their miscommunication to missed practice time with Prescott during training camp. Reflecting on their efforts to correct course, he said, "It's all about getting on the same page as your quarterback being a receiver. For me, it's just making sure that I'm available for him. Whatever I got to do to be open, I'm going to do that."
Prescott echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue. "Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice. Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again." Despite their struggles, Prescott remains confident in their ability to improve down the stretch.
Offensive Woes
The Cowboys' struggles were not limited to quarterback-receiver chemistry. Their run game has been tepid at best, averaging just 85 yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL, and a mere 3.7 yards per attempt, placing them 26th in the league. Running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn have yet to find their rhythm, an area that head coach Mike McCarthy must address promptly.
Prescott's performance in the passing game has been a mixed bag. Although he led the league with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, the interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu and his failure to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb in the last game are troubling signs for Dallas. The communication breakdown between Prescott and Lamb in the end zone indicates deeper issues that require immediate resolution.
Optimism Amidst Challenges
Defense against the pass could provide the Cowboys with an opportunity for redemption. The Baltimore Ravens, their next opponents, allow the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot—factors that could play into the Cowboys' strengths. Lamb led the NFL in slot receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023, while he and Prescott connected for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards on vertical routes last season.
Lamb remains optimistic about his performance and future outcomes. "That's just only the beginning. Everything that I've trained for in the offseason is going to come to life. I have no doubt about it." His sentiment reverberates with Prescott, who believes that better anticipation and longer windows will be key factors in their eventual success. "We can hold some windows longer. I can anticipate a little bit better. I think once you get that going a little bit more, I think that's just where the red zone will take off." Prescott acknowledged, "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem."
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Ravens, they've shown resilience in addressing their shortcomings with candidness and commitment. The foundation laid during the offseason remains a cornerstone of their strategy, as head coach Mike McCarthy commended the team, "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together."
In summary, while the Cowboys' loss to the Saints laid bare several frailties, both Prescott and Lamb are poised to recalibrate. Their combined talent, aligned with dedicated practice and effective communication, could turn the tide for Dallas in the coming weeks. The showdown against the Ravens could serve as the perfect stage for the Cowboys to demonstrate their resolve and bounce back.