In Week 2 of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys faced a disappointing setback in their home opener against the New Orleans Saints, suffering a 44-19 loss. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott were at the center of attention due to noticeable miscommunications that drew scrutiny.
The game highlighted the chemistry issues between Lamb and Prescott, most notably during a crucial play in the second quarter. Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone on a slot fade route, but a misalignment led to the Cowboys settling for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, making the score 14-6 at that point.
The miscommunications were further compounded when Prescott threw an interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu. Additionally, Prescott failed to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb, who had led the NFL in slot receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023. These issues were a significant factor in the loss, as Prescott acknowledged, "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem."
Reflecting on the game, Lamb admitted that missed practice time with Prescott during training camp might have contributed to the missteps. "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."
Prescott also emphasized the importance of ongoing communication to rectify these issues. "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 explained.
CeeDee Lamb’s Performance and Recent Contract
Despite the setback, it's essential to remember Lamb's impressive performance last season, where he led the league with 135 receptions. His recent four-year, $136 million extension signed before training camp in 2023 reflects the franchise’s belief in his abilities and potential.
Head coach Mike McCarthy highlighted Lamb’s dedication, pointing out that the players had put in extensive effort away from the team facilities. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy said, emphasizing the value of their offseason work.
Challenges in the Run Game
The Cowboys' struggles aren't limited to the passing game. Their run game has been underwhelming, averaging just 85 yards per game, ranking them 25th in the NFL. With an average of 3.7 yards per attempt, they find themselves ranked 26th in this category. The running back committee, comprising Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, has yet to find a rhythm that can alleviate the pressure on Prescott and the passing game.
Upcoming Matchup Against the Ravens
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens next, they will need to address these foundational issues. The Ravens, notorious for allowing the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot, present a considerable challenge. Lamb's proven record, especially on vertical routes, where he and Prescott connected for 26 completions and 628 receiving yards last season, could play a pivotal role.
Looking Ahead
Lamb remains confident in his preparation and potential impact. "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 expressed optimistically. Prescott shares a similar sentiment, focusing on small improvements that could make a significant difference. "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."
With the pressure mounting, the Cowboys' ability to synchronize their star players' efforts and refine their strategies will be critical in the weeks ahead. The road to recovery will require both tactical adjustments and renewed confidence in their potential as a cohesive unit.