With the Dallas Cowboys currently at a record of 3-4, their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons appears to be a must-win. The Cowboys are falling behind in the NFC East as the impressive Commanders and the highly efficient Eagles are performing significantly better. In terms of the conference as a whole, the Cowboys do not look like a playoff-caliber team.
Given all of this information, it's time for the Cowboys to identify the issues that are preventing them from winning games. While some problems have been evident, others have emerged over time. However, with some adjustments and a few confidence-boosting victories, the Cowboys can get back on track.
3 ways the Cowboys can save their season before it's too late
1. Improve the running game
The 2024 Cowboys rushing attack could potentially be one of the worst in the last 35 years. In previous seasons, such as 1989, 2004, and 2012, no Cowboys running back surpassed 700 yards rushing. This season may see a similar outcome as both Ezekiel Elliot and Rico Dowdle currently sit under 250 yards on the ground after eight games.
Elliott, Dowdle, and the combination of Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke have been underwhelming assets for the Cowboys this year. Veteran Dalvin Cook had a brief stint with the team in Week 8, contributing a series of two-yard gains. Overall, the running game has struggled to move the offense down the field.
Elliot's declining speed and Dowdle's lack of explosiveness do not create a successful running back committee, as neither can establish any consistency. Often, when either player has a few good runs, they are quickly substituted for the other, which prevents them from getting into a rhythm.
With half of the season completed, it is clear that the "committee" approach has not worked well for the Cowboys so far.
The only thing that might save them now is if Jerry Jones decides to acquire a mid-tier running back at the trade deadline, or if Prescott takes charge and handles some of the running duties himself. History indicates that when Prescott effectively runs the ball, the Cowboys have a better chance of winning games.
This approach may seem impossible as the 31-year-old has lost his escape ability and any agility he once had after his ankle injury. The Cowboys are vastly desperate to open up this running game, so an odd shift of this kind might help.
2. Start scoring in the red zone
When teams get close to the end zone, they should typically be able to score points, whether it's a touchdown or a field goal.
However, the Cowboys have struggled in this area, managing to score only 37% of the time during their trips inside the 20-yard line. That ranks as the seventh-worst in the NFL. Specifically, Prescott has been one of the poorest-performing QBs in the league, throwing three interceptions and fumbling twice in the red zone.
The two main factors are the lack of efficiency on the ground from in close and the lack of talent outside of CeeDee Lamb. Prescott and Lamb have been one of the most successful quarterback-wide receiver duos in the league over the past three seasons. At times this season, though, the two are not in sync as much as they hoped. In these instances, others must step up, which has not happened.
Jake Ferguson has demonstrated potential stardom and is recognized as an excellent blocker. However, he occasionally struggles to get open. The absence of Brandin Cooks has also negatively impacted the offense, as Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, and Jalen Brooks have not developed into reliable receiving options for Prescott.
3. Give better collective effort on defense
The Cowboys made it clear that they did not want to be big spenders during the offseason. This meant that whoever was brought in to improve the defense would need to work with rookies and the remaining players from the previous season.
When Mike Zimmer's name was mentioned as a possible replacement for Dan Quinn, many fans were excited. Zimmer's disciplinarian-coaching style seemed like it was just what this defense needed as "structure" lacked at times in favor of Quinn's' playful and urgency-less scheme. The defensive collapses were often viewed as self-inflicted setbacks, and Zimmer appeared to be the ideal candidate to address these issues.
The Cowboys' defense has faced significant challenges this season. While injuries to key players have certainly impacted performance, the overall lack of effort from the entire unit is concerning. Often trailing in games, the defense has shown a lack of positive morale at all levels and has frequently been overpowered, particularly by opposing running backs.
Opponents run the ball against the Cowboys 50.3% of the time and average140 yards per game. This statistic ranks as the sixth-worst rush defense in the NFL. Despite the coaching change, the defense has not improved, and the label of "self-inflicted" issues still lingers.
Zimmer has struggled to manage this unit effectively; however, with more time and a healthier roster that includes players like Parsons, Lawrence, and DaRon Bland, there is potential for improvement in the future.