Cowboys Start 2024 Season with a Rocky Record amidst Player Changes
The Dallas Cowboys have entered their 2024 NFL campaign with a modest 3-3 record, a stark contrast to their past performances, which included back-to-back 12-win seasons from 2021 to 2023. Transition is the current theme in Dallas as key departures and player integration define their season's trajectory.
Notably, offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, along with running back Tony Pollard, have left the Cowboys. Smith is now sporting the New York Jets green, Biadasz has joined divisional rivals the Washington Commanders, and Pollard has taken his talents to the Tennessee Titans. Their departures have paved the way for new talent, including promising athletes like Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, to step into the spotlight.
Despite these changes, the Cowboys offense has struggled to find consistency, ranking last in the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging a mere 77.2 yards. This challenge comes in stark contrast to last season’s passing triumphs when Dak Prescott led the league with 36 passing touchdowns, and CeeDee Lamb topped reception charts with 135 catches.
Prescott has acknowledged his own average performance, expressing a commitment to elevate his play. "I'd say I've played average, and average isn't good enough right now. It's never been good enough for me. I can't say that I've been happy or excited after any of these games that I've played. I can play better. For sure. And I expect to," he admitted candidly. This introspection mirrors Prescott's understanding that for the Cowboys to succeed, improvement must come from within, including the quarterback position.
However, it's not just the quarterback who needs to ascend; Prescott emphasized, "Other guys got to win. They've got to seek that opportunity to go make those plays and give obviously myself with them and this whole offense more confidence." It is a call to arms for the Cowboys' new-look roster to integrate effectively and seize opportunities when they arise.
The Cowboys' struggles have also been attributed to disrupted preparations. Prescott noted, "Obviously you have to look at camp, and you can call it an excuse or whatever, but it just goes into right, as I said, being consistent. When you haven't had that time in camp, you've got to be able to communicate through things." Finding consistency in the face of these hurdles has become paramount for December’s postseason aspirations.
Adding to their woes, the Cowboys continue to be haunted by the San Francisco 49ers. This season adds another chapter to their series of defeats, with the third consecutive loss against the 49ers last year including a playoff ousting in both 2021 and 2022, and a brutal 42-10 beating in Week 5 last season.
Despite these setbacks, the team has faith in veteran running back Rico Dowdle, an undrafted player expected to fill the void left by Pollard in the run game. His contributions may prove integral as the Cowboys aim to support Prescott's offense and balance their aerial prowess with a ground game resurgence.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who already boasts a standout career, highlighted the benefits of using the strategic bye week to refine teamwork. "We love a bye week, we take advantage of it. Anything we feel like we missed out on together as a unit, as a duo, we hopped on it, just got right to work," Lamb expressed, an indication of the team’s resolve to recalibrate and return with renewed vigor.
The Cowboys' current position in the NFL standings is unfamiliar territory for a franchise with such a storied past. Yet, with veteran leadership, emerging talents, and a steadfast desire to improve, the Cowboys are poised to redefine their path as the season progresses. The story of their 2024 campaign is still being written, and every player will play a part in determining its final chapter.