The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a turbulent start to their 2024 season, experiencing both exhilarating victories and heartbreaking defeats. Currently standing at a 2-2 record, the Cowboys have demonstrated both resilience and vulnerability in equal measure, leaving fans with mixed emotions as the season progresses.
Early Struggles and Home Defeats
Opening the season with consecutive home losses, the Cowboys faced significant challenges against the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens. The Saints handed the Cowboys a crushing 44-19 defeat, showcasing the struggles Dallas had on both sides of the ball. A subsequent nail-biting loss to the Ravens (28-25) further dampened the spirits at AT&T Stadium, leading to questions about the team’s early-season form.
Bouncing Back Against the Giants
However, the Cowboys found solace in a much-needed victory against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." Dak Prescott led the charge, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 of his 21 passes — an impressive feat highlighting his accuracy and poise under pressure. This victory over the Giants marked Prescott’s 13th consecutive win against the team, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott's connection with his teammates was on full display, as he linked up 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. Brandon Aubrey also joined the spotlight, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards, though he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey remains an impressive 16 of 17 from these long distances, holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Resurgence
The Cowboys’ defense showed significant improvement against the Giants, allowing only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. This was a stark contrast to Week 3, where the defense faltered against the Ravens, giving up a staggering 274 rushing yards. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a crucial role in stifling the Giants' run game, demonstrating the potential of the defense when firing on all cylinders.
Despite these positive signs, injuries have marred the defensive lineup. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both suffered injuries in the second half against the Giants, with Lawrence being sidelined after the third quarter due to a foot injury. Fortunately, Parsons’ X-ray results were negative, providing some relief to the Cowboys' camp. Reflecting on the game, Parsons optimistically stated, "I'll be good."
The game’s closing moments were punctuated by a clutch interception from Amani Oruwariye with 15 seconds left on the clock, sealing the Cowboys' hard-fought victory. However, the team's injury list continues to grow, with DaRon Bland suffering from a stress fracture in his foot and Caelen Carson nursing a shoulder injury.
Offensive Challenges
Offensively, the Cowboys have faced significant challenges in their rushing attack, averaging a meager 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL this season. Moreover, their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst in the league. Highlighting the struggles, CeeDee Lamb holds the longest rush of the season for the Cowboys at just 12 yards, a statistic that underscores the urgency for improvement in the ground game.
As DeMarcus Lawrence candidly put it, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play." His frustration echoes the sentiments within the locker room, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and consistency. He further added, "Get out of playing little league football," urging his teammates to elevate their game.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face challenging matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. Micah Parsons encapsulated the team’s current predicament, saying, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison." His words resonate with the need for cohesion and teamwork as the Cowboys aim to navigate through their roller-coaster season with more stability and success.
As the Cowboys continue their journey through the 2024 season, fans will be watching closely, hoping for a turnaround and a path to consistent victories. With key players like Prescott, Aubrey, and Smith showcasing their talents, there’s optimism that the Cowboys can overcome their early setbacks and make a significant impact as the season unfolds.