The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a roller-coaster ride as they opened their 2024 season, balancing crucial victories and stinging losses. With an initial shaky start marked by back-to-back home defeats, the team has been working through its growing pains.
In the first three weeks, the Cowboys succumbed to the New Orleans Saints 44-19 and then the Baltimore Ravens 28-25, both at home. However, a glimmer of hope arrived when the Cowboys clinched a victory against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football" with a score of 20-15, bringing their record to a more respectable 2-2.
Prescott's Dominance
Dak Prescott has showcased his dominance over the Giants, notching his 13th consecutive win against them. This victory ties him for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950. Prescott delivered a solid performance, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 of his 21 passes. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and found wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a thrilling 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Brandon Aubrey contributed significantly, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards, although he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey now stands at 16 of 17 from such distances and holds the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Struggles and Improvements
The Cowboys' defense has been a mixed bag this season. In Week 3, they allowed an eye-popping 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens. However, the defense showed resilience against the Giants, conceding only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in stifling the Giants' run game, underlining the defense's potential when firing on all cylinders.
Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence's injuries during the second half against the Giants are causes for concern. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, whereas Parsons' X-ray results were fortunately negative. Speaking on his condition, Parsons reassured fans, saying, "I'll be good." Lawrence, highlighting the need for accountability and intense focus, urged, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play."
Secondary Issues
The secondary has had its share of challenges, with Amani Oruwariye intercepting a crucial pass with just 15 seconds left to seal the victory against the Giants. Meanwhile, DaRon Bland is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson is nursing a shoulder injury, adding to the defensive woes.
Offensive Shortcomings
On the offensive front, the Cowboys' ground game has been less than ideal. The team is averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst in the league. Remarkably, CeeDee Lamb holds the Cowboys' longest rush of the season at just 12 yards, underscoring the challenges in the running game.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will face tough matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. As the team continues to navigate through injuries and inconsistent performances, players like Parsons emphasize unity over individual heroics. "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison," he remarked.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but this blend of resilience and introspection could be the key to steadying the ship for the Dallas Cowboys this season. As each game unfolds, the team's efforts to synchronize will determine their trajectory in this roller-coaster season.