The 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, filled with a mix of thrilling victories and heart-wrenching defeats. With a current record standing at 2-2, the Cowboys have already experienced the ups and downs that come with competitive football.
Early Struggles
In the first three weeks of play, the Cowboys faced consecutive home defeats. The team suffered a resounding 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints and followed it up with a narrow 28-25 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. These early setbacks had fans and analysts alike questioning the team's potential for the rest of the season.
Bouncing Back
However, the Cowboys managed to turn things around during their "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the New York Giants. With a final score of 20-15, Dallas secured their second victory of the season. This win was particularly significant for quarterback Dak Prescott, who marked his 13th consecutive win against the Giants, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott's performance was commendable, as he threw for 221 yards and completed 22 out of 21 passes—a statistical anomaly that deserves recognition. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivered a 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Special Teams and Defensive Prowess
The special teams also had their moments of brilliance. Kicker Brandon Aubrey made impressive field goals from 60 and 40 yards, although he did miss a 51-yard attempt that ended his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey is now 16 of 17 from such distances and holds the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
On the defensive side, the Cowboys managed to tighten up significantly. After allowing a staggering 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, the defense restricted the Giants to only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Much of the credit goes to defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who played an instrumental role in stifling the Giants' run game.
Injuries and Team Dynamics
However, the victory against the Giants did not come without its setbacks. Key defensive players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were injured during the second half. While an X-ray for Parsons yielded negative results, Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter.
The team has also been dealing with other injuries. Amani Oruwariye made a critical interception with just 15 seconds left to ensure the Cowboys’ victory, despite a stress fracture in DaRon Bland's foot and a shoulder injury for Caelen Carson.
Offensive Challenges
Despite flashes of brilliance, the Cowboys' offense still faces significant challenges. The team is averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst in the league, with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb recording the longest rush of the season at just 12 yards.
The struggles have not gone unnoticed by the players. "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison," stated Micah Parsons, emphasizing the need for cohesive team play. DeMarcus Lawrence added, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and urged his teammates to “get out of playing little league football.” Such candid statements highlight the urgency and resolve within the locker room to improve.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Cowboys will face the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions in their upcoming matchups. These games will provide further opportunities for the team to prove their mettle and build on the lessons learned from their early-season experiences.
Overall, the 2024 season for the Dallas Cowboys is shaping up to be a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. While there are areas in need of improvement, the potential for a strong season remains palpable as the team continues to navigate the complexities of professional football.