The Dallas Cowboys have had a tumultuous start to their 2024 season, with a mix of significant wins and frustrating losses. The first three weeks were particularly difficult, marked by two consecutive home losses. The Cowboys fell to the New Orleans Saints with a resounding score of 44-19, followed by a narrow defeat against the Baltimore Ravens, ending 28-25.
The tide turned when the Cowboys faced off against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," securing a 20-15 victory. This win improved the team’s record to a more respectable 2-2. Quarterback Dak Prescott continued his dominance over the Giants, securing his 13th consecutive win against them. This streak ties him for the second-longest win streak by a quarterback against a single team since at least 1950.
Prescott’s Performance and Key Plays
Prescott's sharp performance saw him throw for 221 yards, completing an impressive 22 out of 21 passes. A notable highlight came when he connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown. This was followed by a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown involving wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott's precision and ability to connect with his teammates played a crucial role in the victory.
Special Teams Execution
Kicker Brandon Aubrey showcased his prowess by making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, he missed a critical 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey remains a reliable asset, with 16 out of 17 successful attempts from such distances, holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defense Stepping Up
The Cowboys' defense displayed a contrasting level of performance over the past few games. In Week 3, they allowed the Baltimore Ravens to gain 274 rushing yards. However, they bounced back against the Giants, limiting them to just 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was pivotal in neutralizing the Giants' run game.
Despite the strong defensive showing, injuries have plagued the team. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both faced setbacks during the game, with Lawrence being sidelined after the third quarter due to a foot injury. Fortunately, Parsons' X-ray results were negative. Reflecting on his condition, Parsons simply stated, "I'll be good."
Key Interceptions and Injuries
The game against the Giants saw Amani Oruwariye making a crucial interception with just 15 seconds left on the clock, ensuring the Cowboys' victory. However, the team is still contending with injuries: DaRon Bland is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson has a shoulder injury.
Defensive leader DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized the need for accountability and team cohesion, saying, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play." He also urged his teammates to elevate their game, stating, "Get out of playing little league football." Parsons echoed similar sentiments, stressing teamwork 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."
Offensive Struggles
Offensively, the Cowboys are struggling in the run game. Averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry places them fourth from the bottom among all teams. Highlighting their difficulties, CeeDee Lamb holds the Cowboys' longest rush of the season at a mere 12 yards.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face challenging matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. These games will be critical in determining whether the team can build on their recent victory and address the inconsistencies that have plagued their season thus far.
As the Cowboys navigate this roller-coaster season, the blend of resilience and setbacks has only added to the intrigue. With key players returning to form and others stepping up, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the rest of the season unfolds.