The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a turbulent start to their 2024 season, facing both triumphant victories and disheartening defeats. With a current record of 2-2, the team's journey has been anything but predictable.
Early Setbacks and a Key Victory
After enduring back-to-back home losses in the first three weeks, the Cowboys found themselves in a difficult position early in the season. They were defeated by the New Orleans Saints with a crushing score of 44-19, followed by a tight and competitive game against the Baltimore Ravens, which ended 28-25.
The tide began to turn during "Thursday Night Football," where the Cowboys claimed a significant victory against the New York Giants, finishing the game at 20-15. This win not only stabilized their record at 2-2 but also marked a personal milestone for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Prescott’s Consistency Against the Giants
Prescott has now secured his 13th consecutive win against the Giants, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950. In this notable game, Prescott completed 22 of his 21 passes, amassing 221 yards. His performance included a crucial 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Rico Dowdle and a thrilling 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Kicking Game Highlights and Lows
Kicker Brandon Aubrey showcased his incredible talent with field goals from 60 and 40 yards during the Giants game. However, he missed a 51-yard attempt, thus ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Nevertheless, Aubrey remains impressive, converting 16 of 17 attempts from those long distances and holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Breakthroughs and Challenges
The Cowboys' defense, which struggled in Week 3 by allowing 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens, redeemed itself against the Giants, conceding just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was pivotal in quelling the Giants' run game, providing a significant boost to a unit that has faced its share of challenges.
Injuries have also taken a toll on the Cowboys’ defense. Both Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were injured during the second half of the game against the Giants. Lawrence’s foot injury forced him out after the third quarter, and although Parsons' X-ray results were negative, the setback was a cause for concern. Parsons, remaining optimistic, assured fans, "I'll be good."
Adding to the defensive woes, DaRon Bland is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson has sustained a shoulder injury. Nonetheless, the defense managed a critical play late in the game against the Giants, with Amani Oruwariye intercepting a pass with just 15 seconds remaining to secure the Cowboys’ victory.
Offensive Struggles on the Ground
Despite the resilience and key plays, the Cowboys' offense has faced difficulties, particularly in the running game. Averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL. Moreover, their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst in the league. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb holds the season's longest rush for the team at a mere 12 yards.
Leadership and Accountability
The team's challenges have been met with strong and reflective leadership. DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play." His blunt message is clear: the Cowboys must elevate their level of play.
Micah Parsons echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of teamwork and synergy: "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison." This call for unity underscores the necessity for the Cowboys to operate cohesively as they prepare for their upcoming contests.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys gear up for their next matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the team is keenly aware of both their potential and the areas needing improvement. The season remains young, and with the leadership of seasoned players like Prescott, Parsons, and Lawrence, the Cowboys aim to transform their roller-coaster start into a journey of success and consistency.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the team navigates the highs and lows of the season, hopeful that the Cowboys can indeed find their stride and play in unison.