The Dallas Cowboys have had a tumultuous start to their 2024 season, punctuated by both high-stakes triumphs and disheartening losses. As they navigate this early phase, key players are emerging, and formidable challenges are being faced head-on.
A Rocky Beginning
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate with back-to-back home losses, first against the New Orleans Saints in a lopsided 44-19 contest and then by a narrow margin to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-25. These early defeats were a reality check, exposing weaknesses that needed urgent attention.
Turning the Tide
However, the tides turned when Dallas secured a hard-fought victory against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," edging out their NFC East rivals 20-15. This marked a significant milestone for quarterback Dak Prescott, who clinched his 13th consecutive win against the Giants. This streak ties him for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since 1950.
Prescott was pivotal in this victory, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 out of 21 passes, a near-flawless performance. He showcased his chemistry with teammates, connecting with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and hitting wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Special teams also played a crucial role. Kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled field goals from 60 and 40 yards, although he did miss a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect run from 50-plus yards. Aubrey remains an asset, converting 16 out of 17 attempts from those distances and holding the record for the longest consecutive streak of field goals from 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Resurgence
The defense, which had allowed 274 rushing yards against the Ravens, showed remarkable improvement against the Giants, limiting them to a mere 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was instrumental in curbing the Giants' ground game.
However, the victory came at a cost. Defensive stalwarts Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustained injuries in the second half. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons, after an X-ray revealed no serious damage, reassured fans by saying, "I'll be good." The game also saw a timely interception by Amani Oruwariye with just 15 seconds remaining, securing the win for Dallas.
The win was bittersweet as other defensive players like DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson dealt with injuries. Bland is nursing a stress fracture in his foot, and Carson has a shoulder injury, adding to the team's growing list of wounded warriors.
Offensive Woes
Despite the recent victory, the Cowboys' offense has not been firing on all cylinders. Averaging only 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL. Their 3.5 yards per carry also places them fourth-worst in the league, with CeeDee Lamb holding the team's longest rush of the season at just 12 yards. As DeMarcus Lawrence put it, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Looking Ahead
Dallas’ upcoming matches against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions present opportunities to stabilize their season. As the team grapples with consistency, leadership voices are becoming increasingly urgent. Lawrence's call for accountability is resonating throughout the locker room: "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play." It’s clear the Cowboys need more cohesion and effort if they are to overcome their initial stumbles and make a serious playoff push.
A Season on the Brink
This season's early trials have tested the resolve of the Dallas Cowboys. Their ability to adapt and overcome not just their opponents but their internal struggles and injuries will define their 2024 campaign. Micah Parsons summed up the collective mindset needed moving forward: "Get out of playing little league football."
The foundation is there, but the Cowboys must harness their potential, make necessary adjustments, and come together as a unified force if they hope to ride this roller coaster season to success.