The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL season has been a rollercoaster of adversity, resilience, and glimpses of hope as the team grapples with a host of challenges, notably injuries to key players. Entering Week 12 with a disappointing 3-7 record and a daunting five-game losing streak, the Cowboys have had to rely heavily on depth and determination.
The Injury Toll
The Cowboys have had a rough ride this season with injury blows hitting across their roster. Franchise quarterback Dak Prescott's season-ending hamstring injury was a particularly hard pill to swallow, a sentiment echoed throughout the team and its fanbase. Yet, his spirit remains unbroken as he remarked, "If we were able to steal those two games against the Bengals and Buccaneers, you're looking at a whole different picture with the Dallas Cowboys in the playoff picture. So I'm pushing for it and doing everything I can to help make that possible."
Beyond Prescott, the Cowboys have had to contend with injuries to essential players including the No. 2 receiver, their top inside linebacker, numerous edge rushers, cornerbacks, as well as their left tackle and guards. Head coach Mike McCarthy encapsulated the challenge succinctly, saying, "As a staff, this is very challenging, but we'll be better coaches because of this experience. It's not about players getting injured. It's really when and who. If you're going to coach in this league, you have to be able to coach through these times."
A Flicker of Hope
Despite this relentless assault of misfortune, the Cowboys found a glimmer of success in Week 12 with a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants. This win, coming when the season felt nearly lost, signals the team's undeterred fighting spirit led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Rush has admirably filled Prescott's cleats, achieving a personal best completion percentage of 75% and a 117.6 passer rating in a previous game against Washington.
In the match against the Giants, Rush demonstrated poise under pressure, throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown. Complementing Rush's performance, running back Rico Dowdle contributed significantly with 112 yards and a touchdown, bolstering the team's offensive drive. The game also marked the impactful return of Brandin Cooks, who came back from injured reserve to score a crucial touchdown.
Against the Odds
The path forward for the Cowboys may be steep. Their remaining five opponents collectively possess a .508 win percentage, suggesting a challenging road lies ahead. However, the SportsLine simulation model provides a cautiously optimistic view with a 1.8% chance for the Cowboys to reach the postseason and a 0.9% probability of winning out. Yet, Cowboys players like Jourdan Lewis maintain a resilient outlook, stating, "We know what we're doing, and guys are playing hard. We definitely have that confidence in each other that we can go out there and finish games. We all can play good ball and win out."
Turning Point
The historical context is not entirely against them; since 1990, seven NFL teams have clawed back from a 4-7 start to make the playoffs, including the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who finished with a 9-8 record. The Cowboys cling to such narratives, understanding the slim margins that can redefine a season. As it stands, DaRon Bland's return in the game against Washington has emboldened the defense, while there is an optimistic expectation for the return of key players DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, and Trevon Diggs in the weeks to come.
Injuries may have dictated a substantial narrative for the Cowboys' 2024 season thus far, yet the resolve of those on the field and off it remains steadfast. As the closing stretch of the season looms, the Cowboys aim to rewrite the script and defy the odds, underlining a journey marked by both challenges and the pursuit of the improbable.