The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season has been a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows, marked by crucial victories and heart-wrenching losses. As the team navigates through this tumultuous beginning, their record stands at an even 2-2. Let's take a closer look at the key moments that have defined their season so far.
Challenging Start at Home
The Cowboys' season began on a sour note with consecutive home defeats. They faced a heavy loss against the New Orleans Saints, falling 44-19 in Week 1. The struggle continued into Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, where despite a more competitive showing, they narrowly lost 28-25. These early losses revealed significant vulnerabilities, particularly in the Cowboys' defense and rushing strategy.
Turning the Tide Against the Giants
However, the narrative took a positive turn during their Week 4 matchup against the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football." The Cowboys clinched a 20-15 victory, showcasing resilience and determination. Dak Prescott played a critical role, extending his impressive winning streak against the Giants to 13 consecutive games. This streak ties him for the second-longest quarterback winning streak against a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott's Performance and Key Plays
Prescott’s numbers were stellar, passing for 221 yards and completing 22 of his 21 attempts—a remarkable feat. 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. These plays illuminated Prescott’s deft passing ability and the offensive unit's potential, despite the season's struggles.
Special Teams and Defensive Highlights
Brandon Aubrey also stood out, making field goals from 60 and 40 yards. This performance reinforces his reputation as a reliable kicker, despite missing a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards. Aubrey remains incredibly consistent with a 16 of 17 record from 50 or more yards, holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
The Cowboys’ defense showed profound improvement in Week 4 compared to their Week 2 performance against the Ravens, where they allowed a staggering 274 rushing yards. Against the Giants, they limited their opponents to a mere 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith played an instrumental role in stifling the Giants' run game, showcasing the defensive unit's potential when firing on all cylinders.
Injuries and Setbacks
Despite the win, the Cowboys faced injury setbacks. Defensive stalwarts Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence both sustained injuries. Lawrence was sidelined after the third quarter due to a foot injury, and while Parsons had a scare, X-ray results came back negative. Remaining steadfastly optimistic, Parsons said, "I'll be good."
On the offensive front, the Cowboys are averaging just 75.3 rushing yards per game, ranking third-worst in the NFL this season, with an average of 3.5 yards per carry. This inefficiency in the ground game represents a significant area for improvement. Surprisingly, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb holds the Cowboys' longest rush of the season at 12 yards, underlining the team's struggles in establishing a consistent rushing attack.
Defensive Resolve and Team Cohesion
Despite the mixed results, the Cowboys' defensive resolve remains a focal point. DeMarcus Lawrence, in a candid moment, urged his teammates: "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and "Get out of playing little league football." These statements reflect a clear call for discipline and execution. Micah Parsons echoed this sentiment, emphasizing team cohesion: "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison."
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, the team aims to address their vulnerabilities and build on the strengths displayed in their recent victory. The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the Cowboys' blend of talent and resilience offers a glimmer of hope for their devoted fan base.