The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a tumultuous journey through the start of their 2024 season, a campaign characterized by a blend of exhilarating victories and disheartening losses.
Early Season Struggles
The Cowboys' season began with a string of disappointing home defeats. They fell to the New Orleans Saints 44-19, and the Baltimore Ravens edged them out 28-25. These losses exposed vulnerabilities in the team’s defense, raising questions about their overall resilience and capability to compete at the highest level.
However, the Cowboys began to find their footing in Week 4. On "Thursday Night Football," they secured a hard-fought victory against the New York Giants, triumphing 20-15. This win improved the Cowboys' record to 2-2, a much-needed morale booster for the team and their fans.
Prescott's Dominance Over the Giants
Dak Prescott continued his dominance over the New York Giants, marking his 13th consecutive win against this familiar foe. This streak is tied for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950, underscoring Prescott's proficiency and consistency.
In this game, Prescott threw for 221 yards, completing an impressive 22 of his 21 passes. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and later delivered a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who showcased his speed and agility.
Kicker's Performance and Defensive Adjustments
Kicker Brandon Aubrey also played a pivotal role. He successfully made field goals from 60 and 40 yards but missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Despite this miss, Aubrey remains an impressive 16 of 17 from such distances and holds the NFL record for the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards.
The Cowboys' defense, which had allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, showed remarkable improvement against the Giants. They limited New York to just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries, thanks largely to the efforts of defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who was instrumental in stifling the Giants' run game.
Defensive leaders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both suffered injuries during the second half of the game. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons' X-ray results were fortunately negative. Assuaging concerns about his condition, Parsons stated, "I'll be good." The Cowboys Face Timely Injuries
In the waning moments of the game against the Giants, cornerback Amani Oruwariye intercepted a pass with just 15 seconds left, sealing the Cowboys' victory. However, the team’s injury woes continued, as DaRon Bland is now dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson has sustained a shoulder injury.
Offensive Struggles in the Ground Game
The Cowboys' offense, while capable in the passing game, has struggled significantly on the ground. Averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst in the league, highlighting a critical area in need of improvement. Reflecting the difficulties in the running game, CeeDee Lamb holds the team's longest rush of the season at a mere 12 yards.
Leadership and Accountability
The leadership on the team is cognizant of these struggles and has voiced a firm stance on the necessary adjustments. DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and urging his teammates to "Get out of playing little league football." Micah Parsons highlighted the importance of unity, saying, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the team recognizes the need to address their defensive vulnerabilities, improve their rushing attack, and maintain the fortitude shown against the Giants.
While the season’s start has been a roller-coaster, the Cowboys have demonstrated resilience and flashes of brilliance. With critical games on the horizon, the team's ability to adapt and overcome their challenges will define their trajectory in the 2024 NFL season.