The Dallas Cowboys' quest for consistency hit another snag in their Week 2 home opener against the New Orleans Saints. In a game that exposed both offensive miscommunications and defensive lapses, the Cowboys fell 44-19. A key subplot was the evident disconnect between star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, culminating in missed opportunities that could have shifted the game's momentum.
During the second quarter, Prescott aimed a slot fade route for Lamb in the end zone, but the two weren't on the same page, leading to a crucial misalignment. Instead of a touchdown, the Cowboys had to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey. The misfire was symptomatic of deeper issues as the Cowboys struggled to convert red-zone trips into touchdowns, a concern Prescott himself acknowledged. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem," Prescott said.
Lamb, who signed a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension before training camp in 2023, shouldered some of the blame for the miscues. "It's all about getting on the same page as your quarterback being a receiver," Lamb admitted. "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." He attributed the mistakes to missed practice time with Prescott during training camp.
Prescott and Lamb, meanwhile, are working intensely to rectify their on-field communication. "Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice," Prescott explained. "Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again."
The Cowboys' offense was a tale of two components, with passing and running games moving in opposite directions. While Prescott led the league with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, the ground game has lagged significantly. Averaging only 85 yards per game—a mere 3.7 yards per attempt—the Cowboys rank near the bottom in both metrics. This inefficiency has made it easier for defenses to anticipate passing plays, further magnifying any passing game issues.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has also noted the importance of offseason preparation, particularly the bond between Prescott and Lamb, who connected for 26 completions and 628 yards on vertical routes last season. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy said. This off-season chemistry hasn’t yet translated fully into game situations, particularly under the increased scrutiny and pressure of regular-season play.
Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions in 2023, showing his elite route-running capability, particularly from the slot. In fact, he topped the league in slot receiving yards in both 2022 and 2023. However, against the Saints, Prescott failed to connect on any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb, highlighting an area that requires urgent fixes. "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 opined, suggesting that enhanced anticipation and timing could solve their red-zone inefficiencies.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens next, they will encounter a defense that has not been stellar against the pass, allowing the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot. This offers a tantalizing opportunity for both Prescott and Lamb to regain their form and make the necessary adjustments. Lamb is optimistic: "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."
Yet challenges remain, especially in the run game. The trio of Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn has yet to find a rhythm, further placing the onus on Prescott and Lamb to drive the Cowboys' offense. As the duo puts in extra work to iron out their miscommunications, the hope is that these efforts will translate into better on-field performances and, ultimately, wins.
For a team managed and owned by Jerry Jones, expectations are perpetually sky-high. The Cowboys need Prescott and Lamb to be in sync if they are to transform potential into tangible success. Their communication and chemistry, built during the offseason, must now manifest in high-stakes game situations if the Cowboys hope to turn their season around.