In the Dallas Cowboys' Week 2 clash against the New Orleans Saints, a series of miscommunications between wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott set the tone for a disappointing performance, ultimately leading to a 44-19 loss. Lamb and Prescott, who had connected seamlessly in 2023 with Lamb leading the NFL with 135 receptions and Prescott topping the league with 36 passing touchdowns, struggled to find their rhythm.
During the home opener, Prescott targeted Lamb on a crucial slot fade route in the second quarter, aiming for a touchdown that could shift the game's momentum. However, a misalignment resulted in a missed opportunity, forcing the Cowboys to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, adjusting the score to 14-6. Reflecting on the miscue, Lamb admitted that missing practice time with Prescott during training camp led to the miscommunication.
"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."
Despite the early-season struggles, Prescott and Lamb's connection remains a pillar of the Cowboys' offensive strategy. Last season, the duo combined for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards on vertical routes, demonstrating their potential when in sync. Prescott, focusing on maintaining communication and consistency, emphasized the importance of continuous effort.
"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," Prescott noted.
Challenges in the Run Game
Adding to their woes, the Cowboys have faced challenges in their run game, averaging only 85 yards per game and ranking 25th in the NFL. With an average of 3.7 yards per rushing attempt, they stand at 26th in the league. The running back trio of Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn has yet to find a consistent rhythm, further straining the team’s offensive options.
Head coach Mike McCarthy recognized the efforts made by his players to build chemistry during the offseason but emphasized the need for continued improvement.
"Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy said, highlighting the commitment to teamwork.
Missed Opportunities
The Cowboys’ difficulties were evident in Prescott’s attempts to connect with Lamb on vertical routes. In the game against the Saints, Prescott failed to complete any of his three deep throws to Lamb. Furthermore, a costly interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu underscored the issues plaguing the offense.
The Cowboys’ red zone inefficiency also drew attention. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem," Prescott admitted, reflecting on the need for better execution when it matters most.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys now prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot. This matchup offers an opportunity for Lamb, who led the NFL in slot receiving yards in 2022 and 2023, to exploit a potentially vulnerable defense.
Lamb expressed confidence in his offseason preparation and his ability to translate that into in-game success. "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," he asserted.
As the Cowboys aim to rebound from their recent setbacks, Prescott underscored the importance of fine-tuning their approach, particularly in high-stakes situations. "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," he said.
With the season progressing, the onus is on the Cowboys to iron out their kinks and rediscover the chemistry that saw them shine in the previous year. The coming weeks will test their resilience and ability to adapt, as they strive to make a significant impact on the 2023 season.