The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a tumultuous journey early in their 2024 NFL season, characterized by significant victories and painful defeats.
Early Struggles and Redemption
The Cowboys' season opener was far from ideal, as they faced consecutive home defeats. The New Orleans Saints handed them a crushing 44-19 loss in Week 1, while the Baltimore Ravens followed up with a close 28-25 win in Week 2. Despite the initial setbacks, the Cowboys found their footing in Week 3, securing a much-needed victory against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," with a scoreline of 20-15. The win evened their record to 2-2.
Prescott's Milestone and Performance
Dak Prescott's consistent dominance over the Giants continued unabated. This victory marked his 13th consecutive win against the division rivals, tying him for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950. Prescott was highly efficient, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 of 21 passes. He showcased his accuracy and decision-making skills, connecting with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivering a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Kicker's Brilliance and Setback
Kicker Brandon Aubrey's performance was a mix of brilliance and a rare miss. Aubrey executed successful field goals from 60 and 40 yards, demonstrating his reliability in long-distance situations. However, his perfect streak from beyond 50 yards came to an end with a missed 51-yard attempt. Aubrey is now 16 of 17 from 50-plus yards and holds the record for the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Highs and Lows
The Cowboys' defense has been inconsistent, with stark contrasts between games. In Week 3 against the Ravens, they allowed a whopping 274 rushing yards. Yet, they bounced back dramatically against the Giants, stifling their run game and giving up only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in this defensive resurgence, clogging running lanes and applying pressure.
Injuries and Their Impact
Despite the victory over the Giants, the Cowboys were not unscathed. Key defensive players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustained injuries during the second half. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons' X-ray results came back negative, providing some relief. Demonstrating resilience, Parsons reassured fans with a simple, "I'll be good."
The defensive backfield also faced setbacks, with Amani Oruwariye securing a crucial interception to seal the victory, but dealing with injuries nonetheless. DaRon Bland is battling a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson is coping with a shoulder injury.
Offensive Struggles on the Ground
The Cowboys' ground game remains a glaring concern. Averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, they find themselves ranked third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst, underscoring the challenges faced by the rushing attack. Surprisingly, CeeDee Lamb holds the team's longest rush of the season at a mere 12 yards.
Looking Ahead
The road doesn't get any easier for the Cowboys as they prepare for upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. The team needs to address its offensive inconsistencies and maintain the defensive strength demonstrated against the Giants.
The message from within the squad is clear. DeMarcus Lawrence voiced the need for accountability and focus: "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play." His sentiments were echoed by Micah Parsons, who emphasized the importance of team cohesion over individual heroics: "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 heed these words if they hope to navigate the challenges ahead and turn their season around.