The Dallas Cowboys have embarked on a turbulent journey as they navigate the ups and downs of their 2024 season. With a record reflecting both resilience and vulnerability, the team has left fans oscillating between hope and frustration.
Early Setbacks
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate with two back-to-back home losses during the first three weeks. A devastating 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints was quickly followed by a nail-biting 28-25 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. These early matches underscored the team's fragile defense, particularly highlighted by the Ravens' staggering 274 rushing yards against the Cowboys.
Turnaround Against the Giants
In Week 4, the Cowboys locked horns with divisional rivals, the New York Giants, on "Thursday Night Football." The game marked a turning point as the Cowboys clinched a gritty 20-15 victory. Leading the charge was quarterback Dak Prescott, who extended his impressive streak to 13 consecutive victories against the Giants, tying for the second-longest against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott demonstrated clinical precision, completing 22 of 21 passes for 221 yards. His performance was punctuated by a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Rico Dowdle and an electrifying 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott's connection with Lamb underscored the team's potential for explosive plays.
Kicker's Record Streak
Brandon Aubrey, the Cowboys' reliable kicker, showcased his prowess with field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, his perfect streak from over 50 yards came to an end with a missed 51-yard attempt. Despite this, Aubrey's record stands at an impressive 16 of 17 from long distances, a testament to his consistency and calm under pressure. Notably, Aubrey holds the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defense Steps Up
The defense, which had been porous in the early weeks, found form against the Giants. The Cowboys allowed only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries, a staggering contrast to their previous performance against the Ravens. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in stifling the Giants' run game.
Unfortunately, the victory was marred by injuries to key defensive players. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were both sidelined in the second half, with Lawrence sustaining a foot injury that kept him out post-third quarter, while Parsons’ X-ray results offered a sliver of relief as they returned negative. Lawrence addressed the team's need for accountability: "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play." As for Parsons, he ended on a hopeful note, assuring fans, "I'll be good."
Secondary issues also linger, with Amani Oruwariye's late-game interception sealing the victory but the unit suffering injuries. DaRon Bland is grappling with a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson is dealing with a shoulder injury, further straining the Cowboys' defensive depth.
Offensive Struggles
Despite the win, the Cowboys' offense has grappled with inefficiencies, particularly in the running game. Averaging a meager 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL, with their average of 3.5 yards per carry placing them at fourth-worst. The longest rush of the season thus far was a mere 12 yards by CeeDee Lamb, underscoring the dire need for a more formidable ground attack.
The offense's inconsistency has drawn candid feedback from team leaders. "We don't need any Supermans at all," emphasized Micah Parsons. "We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison." DeMarcus Lawrence shared a similar sentiment, urging the team to elevate their collective performance: "Get out of playing little league football."
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming clashes against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, they face a critical juncture. The team must coalesce, addressing both their offensive woes and defensive lapses, to forge a path towards playoff contention.
With Prescott's steady hand at quarterback, Aubrey's reliable kicking, and a defense showing signs of revival, the Cowboys have the pieces in place for a turnaround. Nevertheless, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges, demanding resilience and unity from every player on the roster.