The Dallas Cowboys have had a roller-coaster start to their 2024 season, marked by crucial wins and tough losses. Despite consecutive home defeats in the first three weeks against the New Orleans Saints (44-19) and the Baltimore Ravens (28-25), the team bounced back with a crucial victory over the New York Giants on "Thursday Night Football," edging out a 20-15 win. Their record now stands at 2-2, reflecting a season still searching for its definitive narrative.
Prescott's Dominance Over Giants Continues
Dak Prescott continues to cement his legacy with his 13th consecutive win against the Giants, tying the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950. This feat places him alongside NFL legends such as Steve Young, who won 13 games in a row against the Rams, and Tom Brady, who accomplished the same against the Bills. Only Bob Griese boasts a longer streak, with 17 consecutive victories over the Bills.
In the latest face-off against the Giants, Prescott threw for 221 yards, completing 22 of his 21 passes. He connected with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and later delivered a stunning 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb had an impressive game, catching seven passes for 98 yards, including the game-changing touchdown.
Special Teams Shines, Aubrey's Record Streak Ends
Kicker Brandon Aubrey played a pivotal role, with field goals from 60 and 40 yards. However, his perfect streak from 50-plus yards was halted when he missed a 51-yard attempt. Aubrey is now 16 of 17 from such distances, still holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Standouts and Injury Woes
The Cowboys' defense showcased its duality over the past weeks. In Week 3, they struggled significantly, allowing 274 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens. Contrastingly, they showed remarkable resilience against the Giants, allowing only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries—the fewest in franchise history when facing 20 or more carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was instrumental in stifling the Giants' run game.
However, the victory came at a cost. Star players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were injured during the second half. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons’ X-ray results were negative, leading to an upcoming MRI. The team's resilience was evident, with Amani Oruwariye intercepting a pass with just 15 seconds left to ensure the Cowboys' victory.
In the absence of key defensive players like DaRon Bland, who is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson with a shoulder injury, the team’s ability to maintain this level of defensive performance is paramount. The quotes from the players reflect their determination and commitment to overcoming these challenges. "I'll be good," Micah Parsons reassured, while DeMarcus Lawrence emphasized accountability and unity: "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play."
Offensive Struggles and Future Challenges
Despite some standout individual performances, the Cowboys’ offense remains in flux. Averaging only 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL this season. Their average of 3.5 yards per carry is the fourth-worst, highlighting room for significant improvement. Notably, CeeDee Lamb holds the Cowboys' longest rush of the season at merely 12 yards, underscoring the pressing need for better ground game production.
Next on the Cowboys' schedule are matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. As they gear up for these critical games, the team must address both their offensive inconsistencies and their recent injuries. The words of DeMarcus Lawrence resonate as they prepare: "Get out of playing little league football." The road ahead is challenging, but the resolve within the Cowboys' camp is steadfast.
The shared sentiment from the players and coaching staff emphasizes cooperation and the importance of playing as a cohesive unit. "We don't need any Supermans at all. We just need 11 guys playing together. Right now, it's just not in unison," Parsons remarked.
In conclusion, while the Dallas Cowboys have encountered early-season turbulence, their recent victory against the Giants and the enduring commitment of their players offer a beacon of hope. As they navigate the upcoming hurdles, the blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance will be critical in shaping their fortunes in the 2024 season.