The Dallas Cowboys have painted a portrait of unpredictability in the early weeks of their 2024 NFL season. With a 2-2 record, the season has already seen highs, lows, and a litany of dramatic moments. While their offense has struggled to find consistent rhythm, standout performances and key plays have kept the team in contention.
Early Struggles at Home
The Cowboys started the season on a difficult note, suffering two back-to-back home defeats. First, the Cowboys fell to the New Orleans Saints in an overwhelming 44-19 loss. They followed this with a nail-biting 28-25 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, marking a challenging first three weeks.
However, the team managed to turn the tide on "Thursday Night Football" against the New York Giants, securing a gritty 20-15 victory. This win was anchored by Dak Prescott, who extended his extraordinary record against the Giants to 13 consecutive wins, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Inspirational Play from Prescott and Key Players
Prescott showcased his leadership and precision, completing 22 of his 21 passes for 221 yards. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivered a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott's efficiency and ability to deliver under pressure were crucial in the team's victory.
On special teams, Brandon Aubrey added to the scoreboard with field goals from 60 and 40 yards, though his 51-yard attempt ended his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Nevertheless, Aubrey's 16 of 17 record from long distances and the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history exemplify his reliability and skill.
Defensive Resurgence
Defensively, the Cowboys exhibited stark contrasts. While they allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, they rebounded significantly against the Giants, giving up only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was instrumental in stifling the Giants’ run game, demonstrating the potential of the Cowboys' defense when clicking on all cylinders.
Yet, this victory was marred by injuries to key defensive players. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both sustained injuries in the second half against the Giants. Lawrence was sidelined after the third quarter due to a foot injury, while Parsons' X-ray results came back negative, allowing him to project optimism: "I'll be good," he assured. Lawrence provided a stark motivational reminder, emphasizing accountability and unity, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play. Get out of playing little league football."
Areas of Concern
Despite bright spots, the Cowboys' offense has faced significant challenges, particularly in the rushing department. Averaging just 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 in the league, and their longest rush of the season—a mere 12 yards by CeeDee Lamb—underlines the need for improvement.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys' next matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions will be critical junctures. As they prepare, the message from leaders like Parsons remains clear: “We don’t need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it’s just not in unison.”
Injuries also plague the roster, with linebacker DaRon Bland suffering from a stress fracture in his foot and Caelen Carson dealing with a shoulder injury. Defensive coordination and offensive progression will be essential as the Cowboys look to stabilize their season and build towards a playoff push.
The 2024 season for the Cowboys is still early, but the narrative so far underscores the unpredictability and tenacity of professional football. With dedicated effort and strategic adjustments, the Cowboys can hope to transform their roller-coaster start into a journey of triumph.