The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a tumultuous beginning to their 2024 season, oscillating between hard-fought victories and demoralizing losses. A series of home game defeats early in the season against the New Orleans Saints, with a staggering scoreline of 44-19, and a closer battle against the Baltimore Ravens, ending at 28-25, painted a grim early picture.
However, the Cowboys managed to flip the script during "Thursday Night Football," crafting a critical win against the New York Giants with a final score of 20-15. This crucial victory elevated their season record to 2-2, injecting some much-needed momentum into their campaign.
Prescott's Dominance Over the Giants
Dak Prescott showcased his enduring mastery over the Giants, securing his 13th consecutive win against the team. This impressive streak ties him for the second-longest winning stretch by an NFL quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950. Prescott's performance was stellar, as he threw for 221 yards and completed 22 of his 21 passes, indicative of his poise and precision on the field.
Prescott's playmaking ability was on full display, connecting with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and later delivering a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who continues to be a potent weapon in the Cowboys' offensive arsenal.
Aubrey's Kicking Prowess and Streaks
Field goal kicker Brandon Aubrey further bolstered the Cowboys' efforts by successfully making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, his near-perfect streak from 50-plus yards came to an end when he missed a 51-yard attempt. Aubrey remains a reliable asset, as he is now 16 of 17 from such distances and holds the record for the longest consecutive streak of field goals of over 50 yards in NFL history.
Defensive Shifts and Struggles
Defensively, the Cowboys have shown significant variability. In their Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens, the defense allowed an alarming 274 rushing yards, exposing a vulnerability that needed addressing. Contrarily, their recent match against the Giants saw a vastly improved performance, conceding only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a pivotal role in this containment.
Despite these defensive improvements, the team faced setbacks with injuries to key players. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both sustained injuries during the second half of the game against the Giants, which could have further implications. Lawrence was sidelined with a foot injury after the third quarter, while an X-ray for Parsons returned negative, to which he responded optimistically, "I'll be good." His earlier remarks shed light on the mentality needed for the team's success: "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Lawrence echoed a sentiment of accountability and focus, emphasizing the need to raise the level of play with, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and encouraged a professional attitude with, "Get out of playing little league football."
Offensive Hurdles
The Cowboys' offense has grappled with its share of challenges, especially in the rushing department. The team averages a meager 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking them third-worst in the league. With an average of 3.5 yards per carry, they find themselves fourth-worst in this statistic. CeeDee Lamb holds the longest rush of the season at only 12 yards, an area that clearly needs enhancement.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set to face formidable opponents in their next matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. Given their current record and the injuries plaguing key players, the team will have to rely on strategic adjustments and depth of their roster.
As the season progresses, the resilience and adaptability of the Cowboys will be put to the test. With their star quarterbackâs remarkable streaks and the potential for defensive fortification, there remains a path forward. The question now is whether the Cowboys can seize it and stabilize their roller-coaster season.