In the realm of sports journalism, it can be particularly challenging to highlight positive aspects when a team is struggling, as is the case with the Dallas Cowboys. The team’s performance has been lackluster, especially in their last two games, with the Cowboys suffering three losses in their last four outings, all at home in AT&T Stadium.
This season, the Cowboys have not appeared to leverage their home field advantage. Rather than feeling like a fortress, AT&T Stadium seems to serve as a welcoming spot for visiting teams, akin to a tourist destination. Their most recent game against the Baltimore Ravens was particularly disheartening, as the Cowboys fell short once again in front of their home crowd.
The Ravens entered this matchup with an 0-2 record, displaying a sense of urgency. However, fans who watched the game could see that Baltimore didn’t rely on heightened intensity. Instead, they controlled the game from the get-go.
After winning the coin toss, the Cowboys opted to receive, likely anticipating difficulties in stopping Lamar Jackson and trying to get an early advantage. However, this strategy backfired, and despite a final score of 28-25 that seemed close, the Cowboys were actually down 28-6 at one point, making the game feel out of reach long before the final whistle.
Rather than seeking out positives in the loss, it’s crucial to analyze what went wrong as the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming Thursday Night Football game in New York.
Discipline on the Field Lacking
It’s important to note that the issues stemmed not from refereeing but from the Cowboys’ lack of discipline. The first penalty occurred right from the game’s outset, setting a troubling tone. On the opening kickoff, KaVontae Turpin was flagged for holding, pushing the team back to the 15-yard line after Juanyeh Thomas’s solid return.
Crucial moments continued to be marked by mistakes; on a key 3rd & 1 situation, rookie tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford flinched prior to the snap during what should have been a straightforward quarterback sneak. Although Dak Prescott managed to convert a later attempt, the team faced another setback on a following drive when tight end Jake Ferguson jumped too early, resulting in a challenging 3rd & 15.
Overall, the Cowboys incurred six penalties for 44 yards, while the Ravens committed 13 for 105 yards. However, the timing of Dallas’s penalties ultimately hampered their performance more than the Ravens’ infractions.
Struggles in the Ground Game
The Cowboys’ inability to establish a robust running game also contributed to their loss. With just 51 yards gained on 16 attempts yielding a 3.2 yards per carry average, it was evident that they struggled to maintain a balanced offensive attack.
Rico Dowdle led the team with a modest total of 32 yards on eight carries. After him, the team’s rushing stats were unimpressive: Prescott managed only seven yards on two runs, Ezekiel Elliott managed six yards on three carries, and Deuce Vaughn accounted for five yards on two carries. Even Turpin’s single carry only netted one yard.
This stagnation leaves the Cowboys overly reliant on Prescott and the passing game, which is not a sustainable approach going forward.
Defensive Breakdowns
A major concern for the Cowboys has been the defense, which promised to play disciplined football under Mike Zimmer but has faltered against agile offenses. After a decent performance against the Browns, the defense has regressed, particularly illustrated by their struggle against the Ravens, who managed significant yardage with ease.
Lamar Jackson’s minimal passing attempts yielded substantial gains and crucial plays that led to touchdowns. Noteworthy were Nelson Agholor’s 56-yard catch and Charlie Kolar’s 30-yard reception. The Ravens consistently moved the chains with a combination of effective running and passing, exposing the Cowboys’ defensive weaknesses.
With a brief turnaround to prepare for a game against the Giants, the Cowboys face pressing questions regarding their tactics and execution. A matchup with New York may offer an opportunity for redemption, but the team could also continue to face challenges ahead.