The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a tumultuous journey at the outset of their 2024 NFL season, marked by significant ups and downs. Following two crushing home defeats in the initial weeks, the Cowboys managed to stabilize with a resilient win against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football."
Early Struggles and Key Victories
The first three weeks were particularly challenging for the Cowboys, as they faced back-to-back losses at home against the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens. The Saints dominated with a 44-19 victory, followed by a close 28-25 defeat to the Ravens, putting Dallas on the back foot early in the season.
However, the Cowboys bounced back with crucial victories, including a noteworthy 20-15 win over their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants. This win brought the Cowboys' season record to 2-2 and maintained quarterback Dak Prescott’s impressive streak of 13 consecutive wins against the Giants. This streak ties him for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single team since at least 1950.
Prescott’s Stellar Play
Prescott’s performance against the Giants was instrumental. He completed 22 of his 21 passes for 221 yards, demonstrating precision and poise. Prescott connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and followed up with a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This dynamic display highlighted his versatility and command on the field.
Special Teams and Defensive Prowess
Kicker Brandon Aubrey contributed significantly, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. Aubrey, however, missed a 51-yard attempt, which ended his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Despite this miss, he remains impressive with a record of 16 out of 17 from such distances, holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
The defense showcased a contrasting performance from their game against the Ravens to their win over the Giants. In Week 3, the Cowboys’ defense allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards against Baltimore. However, they rebounded remarkably, conceding only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries against the Giants. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a crucial role in stifling the Giants' run game, underscoring the unit's potential when operating at peak performance.
Injuries and Player Performances
The victory over the Giants wasn’t without its costs. Key defensive players, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, sustained injuries during the second half. Lawrence’s foot injury forced him out after the third quarter, while Parsons, who reassured fans with "I'll be good," had negative X-ray results, offering a sigh of relief for Cowboys supporters.
Meanwhile, other crucial players are dealing with injuries. DaRon Bland is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson is managing a shoulder injury. The depth and resilience of this squad will be tested as they navigate these hurdles.
A highlight of the game was Amani Oruwariye's interception with just 15 seconds remaining, sealing the Cowboys' triumph. It was a defining moment that demonstrated the defense's resolve and ability to make game-winning plays under pressure.
Offensive Challenges
Despite the win, the Cowboys’ offense continues to grapple with significant challenges, particularly in the rushing department. Averaging only 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst, underscoring the struggles on the ground. Notably, CeeDee Lamb holds the team's longest rush of the season at a mere 12 yards, reflecting the need for more effective rushing strategies.
DeMarcus Lawrence didn't mince words regarding the team's performance, stating, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play. Get out of playing little league football." His comments resonate with a call to maturity and cohesion within the squad. Similarly, Micah Parsons emphasized teamwork, saying, "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 address these issues swiftly as they prepare for upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. These games will be crucial in determining whether the Cowboys can find consistency and make a significant impact in the remainder of the season.