The Dallas Cowboys have seen a tumultuous beginning to their 2024 NFL season. Their journey so far has been marked by significant victories and painful losses, showcasing a team that is still searching for consistent form.
A Rocky Start
Opening the season with three consecutive home losses, the Cowboys fell to the New Orleans Saints with a heavy 44-19 defeat, followed by a closer contest against the Baltimore Ravens, ending at 28-25. However, they managed to rally for a crucial win against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," triumphing with a score of 20-15, which brought their record to an even 2-2.
Prescott’s Performance
Quarterback Dak Prescott extended his personal winning streak against the Giants to 13 games, a feat that ties the second-longest such streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950. In the latest matchup, Prescott showcased his poise and efficiency, completing 22 of 21 passes for 221 yards—a testament to his leadership on the field. His notable connections included a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Rico Dowdle and a 55-yard touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Special Teams and Defensive Stand
Kicker Brandon Aubrey had mixed results during the game, successfully making field goals from 60 and 40 yards but missing a 51-yard attempt. This miss ended his perfect streak from distances over 50 yards; he is now 16 of 17 from such ranges, holding the longest consecutive streak of 50-plus yard field goals in NFL history.
The Cowboys’ defense, which allowed an alarming 274 rushing yards to the Ravens in Week 3, significantly tightened up against the Giants, permitting only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in stifling the Giants' running game. Late in the game, Amani Oruwariye's interception sealed the victory for Dallas, showcasing a critical defensive stand when it mattered most. However, the victory came at a cost.
Injuries Take a Toll
The second half saw key defensive players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence leave the field with injuries. Parsons received reassuring news with negative X-ray results, making a optimistic statement, "I'll be good." In contrast, Lawrence suffered a foot injury that sidelined him after the third quarter. The injury report also notes DaRon Bland with a stress fracture in his foot and Caelen Carson with a shoulder injury, adding to the team’s list of concerns.
Offensive Struggles
While Prescott and key receivers have shown sparks of brilliance, the Cowboys’ overall offensive performance, particularly in the running game, has been underwhelming. Averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst. Alarmingly, CeeDee Lamb holds the longest rush of the season for Dallas at a mere 12 yards. DeMarcus Lawrence’s words resonate, urging the team to "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and to "Get out of playing little league football."
Looking for Unity
As the team prepares for upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the message from leadership remains clear. Micah Parsons emphasized the need for unity: "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison." The Cowboys will need to harness collective effort and consistency if they hope to turn their season around and emerge as playoff contenders.
The Dallas Cowboys face crucial challenges ahead, both in terms of strategy and health. How they respond will determine the trajectory of their season.