As the Dallas Cowboys embark on their 2024 NFL season, they've encountered a bit of turbulence with a middling 3-3 record. The Cowboys faithful, who have grown accustomed to success after back-to-back 12-win seasons from 2021 to 2023, are eagerly anticipating when the team will hit its stride.
A New Era Dawns in Dallas
This season marks a significant transition for the Cowboys, who have seen key players depart. Among the notable exits are Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, and Tony Pollard. Smith, a stalwart on the offensive line, now dons the colors of the New York Jets. Biadasz has joined the Washington Commanders, while Pollard is carrying the ball for the Tennessee Titans. Their business across the league leaves the Cowboys with big shoes to fill, and the team is turning to fresh faces, including newcomers Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, to make their mark.
Despite these changes, the Cowboys face an uphill battle in the ground game. The team ranks last in rushing yards per game this season with a meager 77.2 yards. This statistic underscores the challenges of integrating a new roster and finding the right chemistry.
A Focus on Passing and Perseverance
Dallas remains a threat through the air thanks to quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott, who led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 last season, is still adjusting to the new dynamics of the team. His leadership and reflection are evident. "I'd say I've played average, and average isn't good enough right now. It's never been good enough for me...I can play better. For sure. And I expect to," Prescott admits candidly, indicating his determination to improve.
Similarly, CeeDee Lamb, who led the league with 135 receptions last year, is working to ensure his synergy with Prescott remains strong. "We love a bye week, we take advantage of it. Anything we feel like we missed out on together as a unit, as a duo, we hopped on it, just got right to work," Lamb shares, highlighting the duo's commitment to refining their game.
Addressing Consistency and Cohesion
For Prescott, the path to a cohesive offense is not without its share of obstacles. He acknowledges the importance of consistency and communication, especially in light of changes to the team lineup. "Obviously you have to look at camp, and you can call it an excuse or whatever, but it just goes into right, as I said, being consistent. When you haven't had that time in camp, you've got to be able to communicate through things," Prescott elaborates, spotlighting the necessity of building a rapport among the players amid the evolving roster.
The Cowboys are aware that the burdens and opportunities now rest with others on the team. Prescott recognizes this as well, saying, "Other guys got to win. They've got to seek that opportunity to go make those plays and give obviously myself with them and this whole offense more confidence." This acknowledgment indicates a collective pursuit of excellence, with each player shouldering the responsibility to impact the game meaningfully.
A Rival Remains Unconquered
A thorn in the Cowboys' side remains their arduous encounters with the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys have faced consecutive losses to the 49ers, including a substantial 42-10 defeat in Week 5 of the previous year and back-to-back postseason setbacks in 2021 and 2022. Overcoming this rival will be essential for restoring confidence and gaining momentum for the rest of the season.
Amidst these challenges, there are promising talents like Rico Dowdle, an undrafted veteran running back, who is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing the Cowboys' run game. His involvement gains increasing importance as Dallas seeks to balance its offensive strategies.
As the Cowboys work to find their footing this season, the weight of expectations and the promise of potential greatness continue to drive their journey forward. With veteran leadership and new talent coming together, the team aims to blend the old and the new, build on past successes, and redefine their future in the competitive landscape of the NFL. This period of transition isn't merely a challenge for the Cowboys; it's an opportunity to pave the way for the next era of football in Dallas.