The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a turbulent beginning to their 2024 season, punctuated by significant victories and acerbic losses. The team's journey thus far has been characterized by its resilience and moments of brilliance, despite early setbacks.
Early Season Setbacks
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate with back-to-back home losses. They were overpowered by the New Orleans Saints in a 44-19 loss and edged out by the Baltimore Ravens with a closer 28-25 defeat. These early stumbles painted a grim picture for a team aiming for postseason success.
Redemption Against the Giants
However, Dallas managed to find its footing with a pivotal win against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." The 20-15 victory brought their season record to an even 2-2, suggesting a team still in search of its identity. This game also marked Dak Prescott’s 13th consecutive win over the Giants, a winning streak that ties for the second-longest by a quarterback against a single opponent since 1950.
Prescott's performance was solid, as he threw for 221 yards, completing 22 of his 21 passes—a feat of precision. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and later found wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Brandon Aubrey contributed with field goals from 60 and 40 yards, although he missed a 51-yard attempt, concluding his perfect run from 50-plus yard distances.
Defensive Struggles and Successes
Defense has been a double-edged sword for the Cowboys. In their Week 3 clash, the defense crumbled, conceding 274 rushing yards to the Baltimore Ravens. Yet, they showcased their potential by allowing a mere 26 rushing yards on 24 carries against the Giants, signaling a commendable turnaround. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a crucial role in halting the Giants’ run game, reflecting the utility of strong interior defense.
Despite these defensive efforts, injuries have taken a toll. Both Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustained injuries in the second half against the Giants. Lawrence’s foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons' X-rays returned negative. Showing determination, Parsons reassured, "I'll be good." The defense held firm with help from Amani Oruwariye's vital interception with just 15 seconds left, ensuring the victory against the Giants.
Offensive Shortcomings
However, it's clear the Cowboys' offense still has significant room for improvement. Averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL for the season. Their 3.5 yards per carry average stands as the fourth-worst, underscoring their struggles in the ground game. Even CeeDee Lamb’s 12-yard rush remains the longest for the Cowboys this season, highlighting their inability to generate explosive plays on the ground.
DeMarcus Lawrence had strong words about the team's overall performance, demanding higher standards. "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," he urged, adding, "Get out of playing little league football." Micah Parsons echoed a call for unity, noting, "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Injuries Continue to Hamper Team
Injuries continue to plague the roster, with DaRon Bland suffering from a stress fracture in his foot and Caelen Carson battling a shoulder injury. Such injuries have inevitably tested the depth and resilience of the squad.
Looking Forward
The Cowboys face an arduous road ahead with upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. These games will further test whether Dallas can consolidate its strong performances and address lingering vulnerabilities. Consistency will be key as they strive to keep pace in a competitive league.
The 2024 season remains young, and the Dallas Cowboys have shown both cracks in their armor and flashes of potential. With a 2-2 record, the narrative is far from set in stone. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether this team can turn moments of brilliance into sustained success.