The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a tumultuous journey through the opening weeks of their 2024 season. The early games have been characterized by pivotal victories tempered with disheartening losses, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as the team strives to find consistency.
In their first three weeks, the Cowboys grappled with consecutive home losses to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens. The Saints dominated with a resounding 44-19 victory, while the Ravens edged out the Cowboys 28-25 in a closely contested battle. These defeats raised questions about the team's home-ground advantage and overall tactical approach.
However, the narrative took a positive turn during their clash with the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." The Cowboys secured a hard-fought 20-15 victory, driven by the stellar performance of quarterback Dak Prescott. This win not only leveled their record to 2-2 but also extended Prescott's remarkable streak to 13 consecutive wins against the Giants. This feat ties him for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950, highlighting Prescott's dominance over the Giants.
Prescott's performance was noteworthy as he threw for 221 yards, completing 22 of his 21 passes. He showcased his connection with running back Rico Dowdle on a crucial 15-yard touchdown pass and later delivered a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, underscoring his ability to make pivotal plays when required.
Special teams also had their moment in the spotlight as kicker Brandon Aubrey made a statement with field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, Aubrey's streak of perfection from 50-plus yards came to an end following a missed 51-yard attempt. Despite this, he maintains an impressive record, having converted 16 of 17 field goals from such distances, and continues to hold the longest consecutive streak of 50-plus yard field goals in NFL history.
The Cowboys' defensive performance has been a mixed bag. In Week 3, the unit allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards to the Baltimore Ravens, a concerning statistic for any defense. Contrastingly, they showcased resilience against the Giants, restricting them to just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in stifling the Giants' run game, exemplifying the defense's potential when operating effectively.
Injuries have also marred the Cowboys' season. Notably, during the second half against the Giants, both Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustained injuries. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons, though shaken, received negative X-ray results, providing some relief for the team. Despite the setbacks, Parsons remains optimistic, stating, "I'll be good."
Defensive struggles are further compounded with cornerback Amani Oruwariye, who ensured the victory with a late-game interception, and the team now facing additional injury concerns. DaRon Bland is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson has a shoulder injury, adding to the defensive lineup's challenges.
Offensively, the Cowboys have grappled with their running game, averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game - ranking third-worst in the NFL. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry positions them fourth-worst in the league, indicating issues in the ground game that need urgent addressing. Notably, CeeDee Lamb holds the longest rush for the team this season at a mere 12 yards, underscoring the inefficacies in their rushing attack.
Veteran linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence has been vocal about the team’s need for cohesion. "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison," he emphasized, pointing out the imperative for synchronized team play. His sentiments were echoed in his pointed directive to "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and his urging to "Get out of playing little league football," reflecting on the need for professional discipline and execution at the highest level.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are gearing up for their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. Both games will undoubtedly test their resolve and ability to rebound from early-season adversity. With a balanced combination of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, the Cowboys will aim to steer their season back on course and assert their presence in the highly competitive NFL landscape.