The Dallas Cowboys have experienced an unpredictable start to their 2024 season, marked by both crucial victories and challenging losses. The inconsistency has left fans on edge as the team shows flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of struggle.
Early Season Struggles
The Cowboys' initial games at home resulted in back-to-back defeats. The New Orleans Saints delivered a crushing 44-19 loss, followed by the Baltimore Ravens edging out a victory with a score of 28-25. These early setbacks raised concerns about the team’s ability to capitalize on home-field advantage.
Bouncing Back Against the Giants
However, in a crucial matchup on "Thursday Night Football," the Cowboys managed to secure a win against the New York Giants, finishing with a scoreline of 20-15. This victory was not just another win but marked quarterback Dak Prescott's 13th consecutive triumph over the Giants. This impressive streak ties the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott showcased his leadership and precision, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 of his 21 passes. One of the game highlights included a pinpoint throw to running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown. Additionally, Prescott connected with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown, electrifying the crowd and showing signs of the team’s offensive potential.
Special Teams and Defensive Highlights
Kicker Brandon Aubrey delivered an extraordinary performance, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, Aubrey missed a critical 51-yard attempt, breaking his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Despite this miss, Aubrey remains one of the most reliable kickers from long distances, with an impressive record of 16 out of 17 from 50 or more yards. This achievement continues his hold on the longest consecutive streak of such field goals in NFL history.
On the defensive side, the Cowboys have shown moments of stark contrast. In Week 3, they allowed the Baltimore Ravens to rush for an astonishing 274 yards, raising significant concerns. Yet, against the Giants, the defense tightened remarkably, allowing just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was instrumental in this turnaround, effectively stifling the Giants' run game.
Injuries and Depth Concerns
Despite the win over the Giants, the Cowboys faced injury-related setbacks. Defensive stalwarts Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were injured during the second half. Lawrence’s foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, and while Parsons' X-ray results were negative, his status remains an area of concern. "I'll be good," Parsons remarked, offering some reassurance.
Moreover, cornerback Amani Oruwariye ensured the Cowboys' victory with a critical interception in the game's final 15 seconds. However, defensive backs DaRon Bland, suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson, with a shoulder injury, add to the team’s growing injury list.
Offensive Shortcomings
Despite the win, the Cowboys' offense has struggled to establish a consistent running game. They are currently averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is also among the league's lowest. Surprisingly, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb holds the Cowboys’ longest rush of the season, a modest 12 yards.
DeMarcus Lawrence's post-game comments highlighted the team's need for improvement. “Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," Lawrence stated, calling for heightened responsibility. He further stressed, "Get out of playing little league football," emphasizing the need for a more professional approach.
Micah Parsons also echoed similar sentiments, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison.” His remarks underscore the importance of team cohesion over individual heroics.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face crucial matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. With a current record of 2-2, the team is at a crossroads. Continued improvement and overcoming injuries will be key as they aim to build momentum and establish consistency in their bid for a successful season.