As the 2024 NFL season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position, grappling with a slew of injuries that have significantly impacted their performance on the field. Starting at Week 12, the Cowboys were entrenched in a challenging five-game losing streak, with a dismal 3-7 record. The season's hardships were further compounded by franchise quarterback Dak Prescott's season-ending hamstring injury, a blow that has forced the team to regroup and reassess their strategies.
The Cowboys' woes transcended the quarterback position. Injuries have crippled key players across their roster — from the No. 2 receiver and top inside linebacker to the crucial defensive and offensive positions, including four edge rushers, multiple cornerbacks, their left tackle, and guards. Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys secured a morale-boosting 27-20 victory against the New York Giants in Week 12, a testament to their resilience and determination.
Cooper Rush Steps Up
In Prescott's absence, backup quarterback Cooper Rush has been called upon to fill some very large shoes. Rush delivered a commendable performance against the Giants, recording 195 yards and a touchdown. His ability to maintain composure under pressure has been vital, as he demonstrated earlier with a career-high completion percentage of 75% and a passer rating of 117.6 against Washington. These performances offer a glimmer of hope as the Cowboys aim to find their footing in a turbulent season.
Ground Game and Offensive Support
The Cowboys' ground game provided solid support, with running back Rico Dowdle accumulating 112 yards and scoring a touchdown against the Giants. Furthermore, the return of receiver Brandin Cooks from the injured reserve list brought an additional spark to the offense, as evidenced by his touchdown in the same game. These efforts are crucial for a team striving to turn around their season amidst challenging circumstances.
The Road Ahead
The remaining schedule presents a formidable task. The Cowboys' final five opponents possess a combined win percentage of .508, underscoring the difficult path ahead. The SportsLine simulation model currently assigns the Cowboys a 1.8% chance of reaching the postseason and a 0.9% chance of winning all remaining games. Yet, amidst these daunting odds, history provides a measure of hope. Since 1990, seven teams have clawed their way into the playoffs after starting a season at 4-7, including the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who finished 9-8.
Injury Returns and Adjustments
Positive developments include the return of first-team All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland against Washington and optimistic expectations for the return of key players such as DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, and Trevon Diggs. These returns could bolster their injury-ravaged roster, providing much-needed depth and experience as they strive to navigate the remainder of their schedule.
Reflecting on the challenges his team faces, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy remarked, "As a staff, this is very challenging, but we'll be better coaches because of this experience. It's not about players getting injured. It's really when and who. If you're going to coach in this league, you have to be able to coach through these times."
Team Spirit and Determination
The sentiment within the Cowboys' locker room remains one of determination and belief. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis highlighted the team's mindset saying, "We know what we're doing, and guys are playing hard. We definitely have that confidence in each other that we can go out there and finish games. We all can play good ball and win out."
Despite being sidelined, Dak Prescott is not backing down from his role as a leader and motivator. "If we were able to steal those two [games against the Bengals and Buccaneers], you're looking at a whole different picture with the Dallas Cowboys in the playoff picture. So I'm pushing for it and doing everything I can to help make that possible," Prescott asserted.
The Cowboys' journey through the remainder of the season may be fraught with challenges, but their recent victory against the Giants shows they still have fight left in them. It remains to be seen if this battered yet brave squad can defy the odds and recover sufficient momentum for a late-season rally towards playoff contention. As they await the return of key players, the Cowboys find themselves in a continued struggle to prove that their mettle and resolve can overcome the adversities they face.