The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season has been a tumultuous journey so far, characterized by significant victories and painful losses. This roller-coaster start saw the Cowboys grappling with consecutive home defeats in the initial weeks, succumbing to the New Orleans Saints with a harsh 44-19 loss and narrowly falling to the Baltimore Ravens 28-25. However, optimism was revived when the Cowboys clinched a crucial win against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," edging them out 20-15.
Currently standing at 2-2, the Cowboys owe much of their recent success to the steady hands of quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott extended his dominance over the Giants, notching his 13th consecutive victory against the team. This remarkable streak ties the second-longest winning run by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950. In this latest victory, Prescott demonstrated his reliability, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 of his 21 passes. His accuracy and tactical execution were pivotal, connecting with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and orchestrating a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Special teams contributed significantly as well, with kicker Brandon Aubrey drilling field goals from both 60 and 40 yards. Though Aubrey missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from beyond 50 yards, he continues to be a force for the Cowboys. Aubrey has successfully made 16 out of 17 attempts from 50-plus yards, maintaining the longest consecutive streak of field goals of that distance in NFL history.
Defensively, the Cowboys displayed stark contrasts in their performance over the recent weeks. Week 3 saw the unit conceding a staggering 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens, which was a low point for the team. However, they rebounded spectacularly against the Giants, restricting them to a mere 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a key role in suppressing the Giants' ground game, anchoring a revitalized defensive line.
Injuries, however, cast a shadow over the game. Star defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both sustained injuries during the second half. Lawrence's foot injury forced him out after the third quarter, leaving a noticeable void. Parsons, despite an injury scare, received a favorable X-ray result, quelling immediate concerns. Reflecting on his situation, an optimistic Parsons stated, "I'll be good." In the final moments of the game, Amani Oruwariye's crucial interception with just 15 seconds left ensured the Cowboys could close out the victory, exemplifying the defense's resilience and tenacity.
Other health concerns within the team include DaRon Bland, who is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson, sidelined with a shoulder injury. These absences have undoubtedly posed challenges for the Cowboys, yet they persist in striving for better outcomes.
Offensive struggles, particularly in the run game, persist as a significant issue for the Cowboys. The team is averaging a paltry 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL so far this season. This inadequacy is highlighted further by their 3.5 yards per carry average, placing them fourth-worst in the league. CeeDee Lamb's 12-yard rush stands as the longest of the season, underlining a glaring lack of explosive plays on the ground.
Looking into the dynamics of their gameplay, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence had some pointed words, emphasizing the need for consistency and maturity within the team. "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," Lawrence asserted. He further elaborated, saying, "Get out of playing little league football." His sentiment was echoed by Parsons, albeit with a more collective focus. "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison," Parsons remarked, urging his teammates to find harmony and cohesion.
As they prepare for their upcoming matches against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the Cowboys are at a critical juncture. Their path forward demands not only the quelling of injury concerns but also a resurgence in their offensive strategies, particularly in the running game. Only through synergy and sustained high-level performances can the Cowboys navigate the rest of their season successfully.