ARLINGTON, Texas — In a disappointing home opener at AT&T Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys faced a crushing 44-19 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints, leaving fans and players alike searching for answers. The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily, allowing the Saints to score on their first six drives, setting the tone for a long evening in Arlington.
Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The defensive unit, heavily criticized in the aftermath, couldn't contain the Saints' offense, which reached the end zone repeatedly with ease. By halftime, the scoreboard read 35-16 in favor of New Orleans, an indication of the Cowboys' difficulties in stopping the Saints’ relentless attack.
Despite the bleak outcome, there were flashes of promise on the offensive side. CeeDee Lamb, a standout performer, caught a spectacular 65-yard touchdown pass that temporarily narrowed the deficit to 21-13. Lamb’s chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott remains a work in progress, but their connection showed potential, with Lamb catching nine of Prescott's 17 targets for a total of 151 yards and a touchdown.
Turnovers and Red-Zone Woes
Turnovers plagued the Cowboys, contributing to their struggles. Jalen Brooks’ slip on a slant route led to Prescott's first of two interceptions. The Saints capitalized on these errors, adding two more touchdowns before halftime. "I just didn't convert in the red zone. They didn't throw anything we weren't ready for. It’s on me," Prescott candidly admitted post-game.
Efficiency in the red zone was a significant issue for the Cowboys, who failed to capitalize on three red-zone opportunities. “It was hard to say that we were pressing. 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,” Prescott explained. “We weren't able to score touchdowns but were able to move the ball.”
Rushing Attack Falls Short
The rushing attack, a cornerstone of Dallas’ offensive strategy, hasn't been able to find its stride. Through two weeks, the team averaged a modest 85 rushing yards per game. The trio of Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn have struggled to fill the void left by Tony Pollard's absence. The lack of a consistent run game has placed additional pressure on Prescott and the passing offense.
Prescott’s Performance and Reflections
Prescott, under intense scrutiny, completed the game with a passer rating of 81.4 through the first two weeks of the season. While the statistics tell one story, Prescott’s remarks post-game revealed a leader grappling with missed opportunities and striving for perfection. “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,” Prescott reflected.
He emphasized the importance of communication with his receivers to enhance their efficiency. “Simply just trying to communicate. 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 noted.
Looking Ahead
As they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens in their next matchup, the Cowboys will need to address these glaring issues, particularly on defense and in the red zone. Focus and execution will be critical in turning their fortunes around this season. In Prescott's own words, “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 Cowboys' early-season struggles are evident, but with a roster full of talent and potential, the team and its fans are hopeful that adjustments and improvements will lead to better results in the near future.