In Week 2, the Dallas Cowboys faced early season turbulence with a disappointing home opener against the New Orleans Saints. Key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott experienced notable miscommunications, impacting the team's performance.
During the game, Lamb and Prescott struggled to connect effectively. One critical moment unfolded in the second quarter when Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone on a slot fade route, only for their timing to falter due to misalignment. The Cowboys had to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, trailing 14-6. This incident encapsulated a broader issue in their offensive execution.
The game ended in a heavy defeat for the Cowboys as the Saints triumphed with a 44-19 victory. Reflecting on the missed opportunities, CeeDee Lamb admitted that missing practice time with Prescott during training camp was a significant factor. "It's all about getting on the same page as your quarterback being a receiver," Lamb acknowledged. "For me, it's just making sure that I'm available for him. Whatever I got to do to be open, I'm going to do that."
Prescott echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication to prevent future mishaps. "Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice. Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again," he said.
Despite these setbacks, there are hopes for improvement. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted the efforts made by the players during the offseason. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy shared, indicating a belief that the team's chemistry will strengthen as the season progresses.
The Cowboys face statistical challenges as well. Their run game currently averages 85 yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL, and they only average 3.7 yards per attempt, positioned at 26th in the league. This performance deficiency has left the team struggling to maintain offensive balance.
Running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn have yet to find a consistent rhythm, which further highlights the team's reliance on Prescott and Lamb to elevate their aerial attack. Last season, Prescott and Lamb linked up for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards on vertical routes, showcasing their potential when in sync.
The Cowboys' need for a potent connection between Prescott and Lamb becomes even more apparent when considering that the Baltimore Ravens, their next opponents, allow the most passing yards per game at 257.0. Moreover, the Ravens have a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot, an area where Lamb has excelled, leading the NFL in slot receiving yards in 2022 and 2023.
Despite Prescott's interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu and his failure to connect on any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb in their last game, there remains a sense of optimism. "That's just only the beginning. Everything that I've trained for in the offseason is going to come to life. I have no doubt about it," Lamb confidently stated. This resilience is pivotal as the Cowboys aim to rectify their red zone inefficiencies. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem," Prescott noted, underscoring the necessity to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Additionally, Prescott identified anticipatory passes and holding windows longer as areas for improvement. "We can hold some windows longer. I can anticipate a little bit better. I think once you get that going a little bit more, I think that’s just where the red zone will take off," he suggested.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Ravens, the focus will undoubtedly be on refining their offensive chemistry and maximizing their scoring potential. Lamb's dedication to ensuring his availability for Prescott and the duo's commitment to constant communication are positive indicators for the Cowboys' prospects moving forward.
Whether they can convert this potential into tangible results on the field, however, remains to be seen. The upcoming clash against the Ravens will be a crucial test of their resolve and ability to adapt.