In Week 2 of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys faced a rocky home opener against the New Orleans Saints, marked by crucial miscommunications and missed opportunities. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott found themselves out of sync, which ultimately contributed to their 44-19 defeat.
Jerry Jones, the manager and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has overseen numerous ups and downs for the franchise, but the latest game highlights some underlying issues that need addressing. Despite Lamb's four-year, $136 million extension signed before training camp in 2023 and leading the NFL with 135 receptions last year, the chemistry between him and Prescott has been lacking.
During the second quarter of the game, Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone on a slot fade route. However, a misalignment resulted in the Cowboys settling for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, adjusting the score to 14-6. That was just one instance of miscommunication that plagued their performance. Prescott admitted, "It's all about getting on the same page as your quarterback being a receiver," Lamb acknowledged. "For me, it's just making sure that I'm available for him. Whatever I got to do to be open, I'm going to do that."
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 in 2023, reflected on the importance of continuous communication. "Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice. Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again," he stated. Their missteps against the Saints emphasize the need for improved synergy, particularly in high-stakes moments.
Struggles in the Run Game
Adding to the team's woes is the underwhelming performance of the run game. The Cowboys rank 25th in the NFL, averaging just 85 yards per game and 3.7 yards per attempt, placing them 26th in efficiency. Running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn have struggled to provide the needed support to balance the offense. The heavy reliance on Prescott and the passing game makes these run game deficiencies stand out even more.
In the game’s closing moments, Prescott's pass was intercepted by Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, capping off what was a challenging outing for the quarterback. Prescott also failed to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb, signaling that their connection needs more than just post-game reflections.
Ravens up Next
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens next, they will encounter a defense that allows the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and has a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot. This statistic could bode well for Lamb, who led the NFL in slot receiving yards in 2022 and 2023.
Looking to replicate last season's success, Prescott and Lamb previously connected for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards on vertical routes. But recent struggles have cast doubt on their ability to achieve similar results. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem," admitted Prescott. He recognizes that both anticipation and communication need to improve. "We can hold some windows longer. I can anticipate a little bit better. I think once you get that going a little bit more, I think that’s just where the red zone will take off."
Head coach Mike McCarthy remains confident in the team's potential for growth. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together."
Adjustments and Expectations
The road ahead is not easy for the Cowboys, but both Prescott and Lamb are determined to turn things around. Lamb is particularly optimistic, asserting, "That's just only the beginning. Everything that I've trained for in the offseason is going to come to life. I have no doubt about it." Their offseason efforts and renewed focus on communication might just be the elements needed to correct course and tap into the potential that unlocked their stellar stats from previous seasons.
As the Cowboys prepare for their next challenge against the Ravens, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The collaboration between Prescott and Lamb will be pivotal, and all eyes will be on whether this dynamic duo can align their efforts and lead the team to a more successful outcome.