The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise synonymous with storied success, currently find themselves navigating the 2024 NFL season with a modest 3-3 record. This start comes on the heels of back-to-back 12-win seasons from 2021 to 2023, marking a notable adjustment period for a team under transformation.
The transformation is partly due to significant roster changes, with key departures reshaping the Cowboys' landscape. Offensive tackle Tyron Smith has signed with the New York Jets, while center Tyler Biadasz has moved to the Washington Commanders. The departure of dynamic running back Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans further compounds the shift. These changes have necessitated a fresh focus for the Cowboys, particularly as they work to integrate emerging talents such as Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe.
Challenges in the Running Game
The Cowboys' struggles are most apparent in their running game, with the team ranking last in rushing yards per game at 77.2 for the season. This statistic underscores the challenges posed by Pollard's absence and highlights the need for new strategies to establish ground dominance. Rico Dowdle, an undrafted veteran running back, is expected to shoulder a significant part of the rushing load as the team seeks to invigorate their offense.
Dak Prescott: Striving for Excellence
At the helm of the Cowboys' offense is quarterback Dak Prescott, who has candidly assessed his performance as "average." After leading the league last season with 36 passing touchdowns, Prescott knows more than anyone the weight of maintaining high standards, acknowledging, "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."
His drive to improve is evident in his calls for team cohesion and opportunity-making on the field, stating, "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." Prescott's honest reflections reveal a leader deeply committed to his craft and to uplifting the collective performance of his squad.
CeeDee Lamb: A Pivotal Asset
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains a crucial figure for the Cowboys, having led the league last season with 135 receptions. Despite the early season hurdles, Lamb retains an optimistic outlook, particularly valuing the downtime offered by the bye week to regroup and refine strategies. "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 shared.
The San Francisco 49ers: A Persistent Rival
Adding to the Cowboys' early-season narrative is their recurring struggle against the San Francisco 49ers, a team they have now lost to in three consecutive matchups, including crucial postseason encounters in 2021 and 2022. Last season's Week 5 clash ended in a sobering 42-10 setback. Yet, confronting and overcoming such formidable opponents remains a focal point for the Cowboys as they seek to re-establish their competitive edge.
As the lineup evolves and new players step into roles previously held by departed veterans, the Cowboys are poised at a pivotal juncture. Their ability to embrace change, address weaknesses, and capitalize on strengths will determine how the remainder of the 2024 season unfolds. With leaders like Prescott and Lamb at the forefront, the Cowboys have the potential to chart a course back to the top, renewing faith in their storied legacy.