In Week 2 of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys experienced notable miscommunications between wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott during their home opener against the New Orleans Saints. Despite high expectations, these inconsistencies, combined with other factors, led to a disappointing 44-19 loss.
The critical moment unfolded in the second quarter when Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone on a slot fade route, only for the play to fail due to a misalignment. This misstep forced the Cowboys to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, bringing the score to 14-6. Miscommunications like these illustrate the broader issues facing the Cowboys' offense.
A Season Marked by Achievements and Errors
Lamb's performance has been a bright spot in many ways. He led the NFL with 135 receptions in 2023, while Prescott topped the league in passing touchdowns with a total of 36. Despite these achievements, the shadows of misfires loom large, particularly in their recent game against the Saints where they failed to connect on any of their three vertical route attempts.
Lamb, who signed an impressive four-year, $136 million contract extension before the 2023 training camp, attributed the issues to a lack of practice time with Prescott. “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 gotta do to be open, I’m going to do that.”
Challenges in the Run Game
The Cowboys' struggles aren't confined to passing; their running game has been underwhelming as well. Averaging just 85 yards per game, the team ranks 25th in the NFL, while their meager 3.7 yards per attempt rank 26th. The running backs, including Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, have all struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
Interceptions and Missed Opportunities
Prescott’s issues were compounded by an interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu in their last game, highlighting lapses in accuracy and judgment. Reflecting on these difficulties, Prescott stated, “We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem.” It’s a telling admission for a quarterback who has demonstrated immense potential but has faced challenges in the execution phase.
Looking Forward to the Ravens
Next on the Cowboys’ schedule is a formidable Baltimore Ravens team. Despite their defensive struggles, allowing the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot, the Ravens will not be an easy opponent. However, Lamb and Prescott's past success with vertical routes—where they connected for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards last season—may offer a glimmer of hope.
Prescott emphasized the importance of communication and practice in overcoming these hurdles. “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 said.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has confidence in his squad despite the recent setbacks. “Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together,” McCarthy remarked, underscoring the effort put in by the team to build chemistry and rapport.
Path to Improvement
As the season progresses, the focus for the Cowboys remains on not just fixing the miscommunications but also tapping into their full potential. “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,” Prescott noted, pointing toward targeted areas for improvement.
Lamb, brimming with confidence, said, “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.” His positive outlook and determination could be the catalyst needed for the Cowboys to turn their fortunes around.
Despite a rocky start, the Dallas Cowboys have the talent and the drive to overcome their early-season setbacks. The journey to harmony and efficiency between Prescott and Lamb, as well as the need to revitalize their run game, will be crucial as they prepare to face the challenges of the coming weeks.