In a defining moment for the Dallas Cowboys during their Week 2 home opener against the New Orleans Saints, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott found themselves grappling with miscommunications that highlighted the challenges of pre-season preparation and in-sync execution on the field.
High Expectations and Early Missteps
The Cowboys, under the ownership and management of Jerry Jones, entered the 2023 season with high hopes, especially after signing First-Team wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension prior to training camp. Lamb, who led the NFL in receptions with 135 in 2023, teamed up with Dak Prescott, the league's leader in passing touchdowns (36) that same year. The duo was anticipated to be a force to be reckoned with, but early missteps have cast shadows over these expectations.
Trailing 14-3 in the second quarter against the Saints with 14:29 left before halftime, Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone on a slot fade route. However, Lamb’s decision to stay inside when Prescott expected him to run toward the back corner led to an incomplete pass. This misalignment forced the Cowboys to settle for a 38-yard field goal by All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey, leaving the Saints' lead intact at 14-6. The Cowboys would ultimately lose the game 44-19.
Communication Breakdowns
Lamb has since admitted that the mistake was due to missed practice time with Prescott during training camp. "It's all about getting on the same page as your quarterback being a receiver," Lamb acknowledged. "For me, it's just making sure that I'm available for him. Whatever I got to do to be open, I'm going to do that." The sentiments were echoed by Prescott, emphasizing the importance of continuous communication to iron out such mistakes. "Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice. Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again," Prescott explained.
Training Camp Woes
The Cowboys' training camp preparation appears to have left some gaps, something head coach Mike McCarthy is acutely aware of. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy noted. Yet, despite these efforts, the early games have revealed that more work is needed. This is particularly critical as Lamb's and Prescott’s synergy is crucial for the Cowboys' offensive strategy, especially in high-stakes moments.
Run Game and Defensive Challenges
Compounding the Cowboys' troubles is an underwhelming run game, averaging a mere 85 yards per game (25th in the NFL) and 3.7 yards per attempt (26th in the NFL). The team relies on the likes of undrafted veteran Rico Dowdle, a veteran Ezekiel Elliott, and 2023 sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn. Against this backdrop, the Cowboys are also grappling with defensive lapses, as evidenced by Prescott's interception thrown to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu and his failure to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb last week.
Looking for Redemption
Despite these setbacks, both Lamb and Prescott are optimistic about their ability to rectify their on-field connection. "That's just only the beginning. Everything that I've trained for in the offseason is going to come to life. I have no doubt about it," Lamb declared. The upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens presents an opportunity for redemption. The Ravens have been vulnerable in the slot, allowing the most passing yards per game (257.0) and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot—an area where Lamb has excelled, leading the NFL in slot receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023.
Prescott and Lamb's history of success on vertical routes last season, where they connected for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards, offers a glimpse of their potential. "We can hold some windows longer. I can anticipate a little bit better. I think once you get that going a little bit more, I think that’s just where the red zone will take off," Prescott remarked. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem." As the Cowboys gear up for their next match, the team's focus is clear: refine their strategy, enhance communication, and, crucially, convert opportunities into touchdowns.