ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys' home opener was a stark reminder of the work still to be done, as they endured a 44-19 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.
The tone for the game was set early, with the Cowboys' defense struggling to contain the Saints, who scored on their first six drives. By halftime, the Saints had established a commanding 35-16 lead, leaving the Cowboys with a monumental task in the second half.
CeeDee Lamb provided a glimmer of hope for Dallas fans with a spectacular 65-yard touchdown catch that narrowed the deficit to 21-13. Lamb's chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott showed potential, as they connected on nine of Lamb's 17 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. Despite this promising connection, the Cowboys' overall performance revealed significant areas needing improvement.
An unfortunate slip by Jalen Brooks on a slant route resulted in Prescott's first of two interceptions. This mishap further compounded the struggles of a team already fighting an uphill battle. "It was hard to say that we were pressing," Prescott reflected. "You're trying to play complementary football, and if your defense is struggling to stop a group, you want to do your part and score. We weren't able to score touchdowns, but were able to move the ball. I can't say that we were pressing necessarily."
By halftime, the Cowboys found themselves trailing significantly. Despite converting six of their 13 third-down attempts, they failed to capitalize on three crucial red-zone opportunities. This lack of efficiency underscored a larger issue in their offensive execution.
The Cowboys' ground game also faced hurdles, managing an average of just 85 rushing yards per game through the first two weeks. The absence of Tony Pollard loomed large, with Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn struggling to fill the void. As the team seeks to establish a balanced offensive attack, these rushing woes serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
Prescott's assessment of his performance was candid. "I just didn't convert in the red zone. They didn't throw anything we weren't ready for. It’s on me," he noted. The veteran quarterback acknowledged the need for better communication and adjustments. "Maybe those misses, maybe what he saw, what he thought versus what I did and then, honestly, just finding a solution. We have to have those communications to substitute for the time missed."
Prescott's passer rating through two games stood at 81.4, a statistic he’s determined to improve. "My expectations are crazy high. I’m seeing it well, putting the ball where I want to. That one interception is going to get at me. Outside of that, there may be a few throws that I want to get back," he admitted. Despite the challenges, Prescott remains focused on honing his performance and driving the team forward.
The outing against the Saints also highlighted the Cowboys' lack of explosive plays. Last season, they recorded 76 plays of 20 or more yards. This season, they have managed only four, a stark contrast indicating a need for more big-play potential in their offensive strategy.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face another tough opponent in their next game against the Baltimore Ravens. As Prescott emphasized, the focus will be on every player executing their role to perfection. "I don't want to say you have to be perfect, but everybody's got to do their job and trust their job. Part of it for me is going back to using my feet more, whether it's scrambling, extending the plays to look to throw the ball down the field or maybe just going and getting a couple yards and getting down."
The road ahead may be challenging, but with resolute leadership and a commitment to improvement, the Cowboys have the potential to address their shortcomings and make the necessary strides. The season is still young, and there remains ample opportunity for Dallas to turn their fortunes around.