3 things we have learned about the Cowboys during the first six games
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 season with a roster that wasn’t as strong as the year before due to not retaining several in-house pieces and, of course, their usual bargain basement approach to free agency. So, the season was going to be challenging enough, and they also have to deal with the injury bug to key players like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland and Brandin Cooks. It’s led to an average start for America’s Team at 3-3.
Neither side of the ball is playing well for the Cowboys. The offense looks pedestrian and lacks any creativity. Defensively, well, opponents are simply having their way with Mike Zimmer’s unit. There’s a lot that needs to be fixed for the Cowboys to have any chance of competing for a playoff spot in the NFC. Luckily, the team is on a bye, which they desperately need to get back healthy. Here’s three things we’ve learned about the Cowboys during their first six games.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb need to get on the same page
In 2023, the case can be made that there was no better quarterback-wide receiver duo than Prescott and Lamb as the former was the runner-up for MVP and the latter led the league in receptions and finished second in receiving yards. However, the effect of Lamb not being in training camp is showing as he and Prescott have struggled to find a constant rhythm. Going into the game against the Detroit Lions, Lamb had only caught four of his 16 targets in the second half, which isn’t the standard he’s set.
With the lack of a running game, the Cowboys have to rely heavily on the connection of Prescott and Lamb to carry them offensively. So, it’s crucial for them to get on the same page as soon as possible, or Dallas won’t have any shot of being a threat when they have the ball.
Both lines of scrimmage have to improve immediately
In football, it starts in the trenches. The Cowboys are failing miserably in both areas. Dallas is dead last in yards per game and yards per attempt when it comes to running the football. Everyone is having their struggles, especially when it comes to combo blocks and getting to the second level. The offensive line is having a hard time finding some semblance of continuity, and that needs to change before Prescott gets beaten to a pulp.
The defensive line is battered with injuries. However, they weren’t good even when they were healthy. Dallas is allowing 143.2 yards per game on the ground. That allows teams to control the clock and wear the Cowboys out defensively and keep the offense on the sidelines. Dallas has to find a way to get the trenches figured out.
Cowboys have to find a way to fix their penalty issues
Discipline is a huge part of football. When it comes to the Cowboys, they’re failing in that department. Currently, they have been called for 47 penalties, which is tied for the third-most in the NFL. This speaks directly to head coach Mike McCarthy as the leader of the franchise. Why is this such an issue? Why has it been this way during his entire era? Yes, the Cowboys have finished first, ninth, and second in penalties over the previous three seasons.
The Cowboys are already having a hard enough time on both sides of the ball. Penalties only complicate that issue as the defense ends up staying on the field longer, and the offense sees positive drives end in punts. McCarthy and his staff have to come up with a way to teach the fundamentals better, and the players have to simply be smarter and not male silly mistakes.