The Dallas Cowboys have had a tumultuous start to their 2024 season, characterized by a mix of significant triumphs and disappointing setbacks. Their journey has already been quite the roller-coaster ride, reflected in their 2-2 record thus far.
Early Season Struggles
The Cowboys' season commenced on a challenging note with back-to-back home defeats. The New Orleans Saints handed them a lopsided 44-19 loss, followed by a tighter contest against the Baltimore Ravens, which ended 28-25. However, these early losses seemed to light a fire under the team.
Crucial Victory Over Giants
Finding their footing, the Cowboys clinched a vital 20-15 victory against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." This win marked quarterback Dak Prescott's 13th consecutive triumph over the Giants, tying the second-longest quarterback winning streak against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott's performance was solid, completing 22 of his 21 passes for 221 yards. Demonstrating his versatility and leadership, Prescott connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivered a dynamic 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Aubrey's Record and Challenges
Kicker Brandon Aubrey played a pivotal role in securing the win with field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, he did miss a 51-yard attempt, which ended his previously perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey remains impressive, converting 16 of 17 attempts from that range and holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Ups and Downs
The Cowboys' defense, however, has been inconsistent. Their lowest point came during Week 3, when they allowed 274 rushing yards against the Ravens. Yet, they turned it around significantly, conceding only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries against the Giants.
Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was instrumental in stifling the Giants' run game, showcasing the unit's defensive potential. Despite these efforts, the defense has had to grapple with injuries. Stars Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both suffered injuries in the second half against the Giants. While Lawrence's foot injury took him out after the third quarter, Parsons' X-ray results were thankfully negative.
Reflecting on his own situation, Parsons said, "I'll be good." His resilience mirrors the team's broader goals. Meanwhile, cornerback Amani Oruwariye secured a game-sealing interception with just 15 seconds left, ensuring the Cowboys' victory.
Offensive Line Under Scrutiny
However, the Cowboys’ offense faces scrutiny, particularly their rushing game. 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. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's 12-yard rush stands as the team's longest of the season, underscoring their struggles on the ground.
Injury Woes
The injury list doesn't end with Parsons and Lawrence. Defensive back DaRon Bland is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, while Caelen Carson contends with a shoulder injury. These setbacks highlight the physical toll the early season has taken on the squad.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Team dynamics have been a focus for the Cowboys, as expressed by key players. DeMarcus Lawrence, in his candid way, urged his teammates to "be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and to "get out of playing little league football." Complementing this, Micah Parsons emphasized the necessity for team unity, saying, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
As the Cowboys look ahead to their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, they must address these challenges and continue to build on their strengths. The road ahead will require not just individual brilliance but cohesive, united efforts on both sides of the ball.