The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season has been a tale of highs and lows, showcasing moments of brilliance mixed with significant challenges. As the team moves past a crucial win against the New York Giants, their record stands at an even 2-2.
Early Season Struggles
The Cowboys stumbled out of the gate with back-to-back home defeats in the first three weeks. They succumbed to the New Orleans Saints in a blowout loss, 44-19, followed by a close encounter with the Baltimore Ravens, which ended 28-25. Despite these setbacks, the team showed resilience and fought their way back.
Victory on "Thursday Night Football"
In Week 4, the Cowboys faced off against their division rivals, the New York Giants, on "Thursday Night Football." The game was a grind, but Dallas emerged victorious with a 20-15 scoreline. This win was especially sweet for quarterback Dak Prescott, who marked his 13th consecutive victory against the Giants. This streak now ties the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950.
Prescott delivered a solid performance, throwing for 221 yards and completing 22 of his 21 passes. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and orchestrated a 55-yard catch-and-run score to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Prescott's consistency and ability to make critical plays have been pivotal for the Cowboys.
Standout Special Teams Play
Brandon Aubrey also played a significant role in the Cowboys' victory. He nailed field goals from 60 and 40 yards, continuing his impressive run. Although he missed a 51-yard attempt, ending his perfect streak from 50-plus yards, Aubrey remains a key asset, now holding a record of 16 out of 17 from those long distances.
Aubrey's achievement of the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history is a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.
Defensive Resurgence
The Cowboys' defense has shown signs of improvement, particularly in their recent game against the Giants. After allowing a staggering 274 rushing yards against the Ravens in Week 3, the defense tightened up considerably, giving up only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries against the Giants. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was a standout, playing a crucial role in stifling the Giants' run game.
However, the defensive unit took some hits, with key players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence suffering injuries during the second half. Lawrence was sidelined after the third quarter due to a foot injury, while Parsons' X-ray results were thankfully negative.
Despite these injuries, the defense held strong. Amani Oruwariye came up clutch with an interception in the final 15 seconds, sealing the victory for Dallas.
Offensive Challenges
While the team has had notable individual performances, the Cowboys' offense has faced challenges. 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 isn't much better, positioning them as fourth-worst in the league. CeeDee Lamb's 12-yard rush remains the longest of the season for Dallas, highlighting the need for a more effective ground game.
The offensive struggles have not gone unnoticed by the players. DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized accountability and team cohesion, urging his teammates to "be credible, f---ing accountable every single play" and to "get out of playing little league football." Micah Parsons echoed similar sentiments, stating, "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
Injuries are also a point of concern for the Cowboys. Defensive back DaRon Bland is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot, and defensive back Caelen Carson has a shoulder injury. The health of these players will be crucial as Dallas prepares for their upcoming matchups.
Next on the schedule for the Cowboys are games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. These matchups will be critical as the team looks to build on their recent victory and gain momentum in a competitive season.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising talent, the Cowboys continue to navigate the complexities of an NFL season. The road ahead will demand resilience, strategic adjustments, and a unified team effort to achieve lasting success.