The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season has been a tumultuous journey thus far, echoing a roller-coaster of critical wins and tough losses. The team stumbled out of the gates with consecutive home defeats in the opening three weeks—falling to the New Orleans Saints with a lopsided 44-19 score and narrowly losing to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-25.
However, the Cowboys managed to turn the tide with a crucial victory over the New York Giants in a "Thursday Night Football" showdown, triumphing 20-15. This victory, their second of the season, helped them level their record at 2-2.
Prescott's Dominance Against Giants
Quarterback Dak Prescott continued his remarkable dominance over the Giants, securing his 13th consecutive win against the New York team. This streak ties for the second-longest winning streak by a quarterback versus a single opponent since at least 1950. Prescott was efficient, throwing for 221 yards while completing an impressive 22 of 21 passes, highlighting his precision and control on the field.
Prescott showed excellent connection with his teammates, linking up with running back Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard touchdown and delivering a spectacular 55-yard catch-and-run touchdown to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The chemistry between Prescott and his offensive weapons was evident and crucial for their success.
Brandon Aubrey's Kicking Prowess
Kicker Brandon Aubrey also played an essential role in the win, making two significant field goals from 60 and 40 yards. Despite missing a 51-yard attempt—a miss that ended his previously perfect streak from 50-plus yards—Aubrey's contributions have been invaluable. He now stands at 16 of 17 from such distances, holding the longest consecutive streak of field goals of 50 or more yards in NFL history.
Defensive Adjustments
Defense had been a concern, particularly highlighted in their Week 3 loss to the Ravens when the Cowboys allowed 274 rushing yards. However, a stark contrast was observed against the Giants, as the defense tightened up and allowed only 26 rushing yards on 24 carries. Defensive tackle Mazi Smith was particularly instrumental in stifling the Giants' run game, showcasing the unit's potential when firing on all cylinders.
The defense did face some adversity, with key players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sustaining injuries during the second half against the Giants. Lawrence's foot injury sidelined him after the third quarter, while Parsons, though hurt, reassured fans with his comment, "I'll be good." Parsons' X-ray results were negative, providing some relief to a worried fanbase.
Critical Interceptions
The defining moment came late in the game when Amani Oruwariye intercepted a pass with just 15 seconds left on the clock, sealing the Cowboys' hard-fought victory over the Giants. Meanwhile, the team's defense continued to grapple with injuries, as DaRon Bland is suffering from a stress fracture in his foot, and Caelen Carson has a shoulder injury.
Offensive Struggles on the Ground
Despite the highs, the Cowboys' offense continues to face challenges, particularly in their ground game. Averaging 75.3 rushing yards per game, they rank third-worst in the NFL this season, with an average of just 3.5 yards per carry—fourth-worst in the league. The longest rush of the season for the Cowboys stands at just 12 yards, courtesy of CeeDee Lamb, underscoring the difficulties they've faced in establishing a consistent rushing attack.
Veteran DeMarcus Lawrence articulated the need for accountability and unity within the team, saying, "Be credible, f---ing accountable every single play," and emphasizing the importance of moving beyond "little league football." Echoing these sentiments, Parsons stressed the need for 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, the Cowboys brace for their upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. As the season progresses, the team will need to build on the positive aspects of their recent performance while addressing the evident areas of weakness, especially their struggling run game and injury concerns.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season is still in its early stages, yet it has already been marked by a series of ups and downs. Their ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on their potential will ultimately determine their path forward in what promises to be an unpredictable season.