The Dallas Cowboys find themselves amidst a mixed start to their 2024 NFL season, characterized by critical victories and disheartening losses. Following consecutive home defeats to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, the Cowboys turned their fortunes around on "Thursday Night Football" with a hard-fought victory over the New York Giants. This win marks a pivotal moment in their campaign, setting their record at an even 2-2.
A Rocky Start
The Cowboy's season opener saw them falter against the New Orleans Saints with a lopsided 44-19 loss, followed by a narrow 28-25 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. These early setbacks threatened to set a bleak tone for the season as the team struggled to find its rhythm. A particularly glaring issue was their defense, which allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards in the game against Baltimore.
A Resilient Comeback
However, the team showed resilience as they regrouped for their matchup against the New York Giants. Quarterback Dak Prescott continued his dominance over the Giants, securing his 13th consecutive win against the New York franchise. This impressive streak ties the second-longest winning stretch by a quarterback against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott's performance was pivotal; he threw for 221 yards, completing 22 of his 21 passes. His precise throws included a 15-yard touchdown pass to running back Rico Dowdle and a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott's leadership and accuracy under pressure were instrumental in ensuring the Cowboy's victory.
Special Teams Shine
Another standout in the victory against the Giants was kicker Brandon Aubrey. Aubrey's exceptional leg strength was on full display as he nailed field goals from 60 and 40 yards. Although he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards, Aubrey remains a reliable asset. He is now 16 of 17 from long distances and holds the record for the longest consecutive streak of 50-plus yard field goals in NFL history.
Defensive Improvements
The Cowboys' defense also showed significant improvement in their showdown with the Giants. After the debacle against Baltimore, where they conceded 274 rushing yards, the defense tightened up remarkably, allowing only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries against the Giants. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played a crucial role in stifling the Giants' run game, showcasing his ability to disrupt the opposition's offensive rhythm.
However, the game was not without its setbacks. Linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence both sustained injuries during the second half. Lawrence was sidelined with a foot injury after the third quarter, while X-ray results for Parsons' injury came back negative. Despite the injury scare, Parsons remains optimistic, assuring fans, "I'll be good."
Offensive Struggles
Notably, the Cowboys continue to struggle with their rushing offense. Averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry positions them as the fourth-worst in the league. The team's longest rush of the season is a mere 12 yards by CeeDee Lamb, underscoring the running game's lack of explosiveness.
Critical Quotes
DeMarcus Lawrence's frustration with the team’s performance was evident. "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," he asserted, reflecting the urgent need for consistent effort and reliability. He also emphasized the importance of maturity on the field, advising his teammates to "Get out of playing little league football."
Micah Parsons echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for collective effort over individual heroics. "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison," he remarked, suggesting that unity and synergy are essential for the team's success moving forward.
Injury Report
The injury list for the Cowboys doesn't end with Parsons and Lawrence. Defensive players DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson are also facing setbacks. Bland is coping with a stress fracture in his foot, while Carson has a shoulder injury, further complicating the team's defensive lineup.
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, it is clear that the season will continue to test their resilience and adaptability. While the early part of the season has been a mixed bag, the victories and setbacks serve as a foundation for growth and an opportunity to refine their strategies.