Cowboys' 2 biggest weaknesses are what fans predicted all along

While it is still early in the season, the Dallas Cowboys have already showcased their two biggest weaknesses. Their struggles to run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense are what could hinder them as they go through the season.

The Cowboys' running back committee had a solid Week 1 collectively but was shut down last Sunday against the Saints, proving that their success as a unit will be matchup-based from here on out. The run defense has seen a similar cycle in the first two weeks.

Cowboys' 2 biggest weaknesses are what fans predicted all along

Dallas is coming off of an embarrassing loss at home to the New Orleans Saints, 44-19. The stars were out to see Mike McCarthy's group get off to a 2-0 start. Instead, they watched the Cowboys get run off the field by Saints running back Alvin Kamara.

Dallas has been known to struggle against top-tier running backs and Kamara reminded Cowboys fans of that very fact. Kamara rushed for 115 yards, scoring three touchdowns on 20 carries. He made every gain look too easy, especially his 57-yard touchdown reception in the first half. That was Kamara's biggest play from scrimmage since 2021.

What hurt the most was how easily the Saints' offensive line pushed the Cowboys' interior defense around. The All-22 clips that flooded social media showed Dallas' defensive tackles (Mazi Smith, Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips) get stonewalled in 1-v-1 matchups, which forced the linebackers to fill two gaps while shedding their own blockers. Entering Week 3, the Cowboys rank as the NFL's 13th-worst rushing defense.

The Cowboys rushing attack has been just as mediocre to star the season. Ezekiel Elliott is averaging a mere 3.5 yards per carry while Rico Dowdle is averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Interestingly enough, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has the team's longest running gain this year, which was his 12-yard carry against the Browns. That is not a good omen.

The struggles that Dallas has endured as of late only make this Sunday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens that much worrisome. The Ravens' league-best rushing attack could have a field day against the Cowboys. By the numbers, the Ravens have been the number-one team in rushing yards for most of Lamar Jackson's years in the league.

The agile Jackson has always been effective on the ground and the addition of All-Pro running back Derrick Henry makes the Ravens even more dangerous. The last thing Dallas needs is to fall into another early hole, as it would take Micah Parsons out of the game.

On the other side of the ball, is hard to trust that Elliott and Dowdle will have much success on the ground. Overall, It seems like the Ravens' strengths as a team directly mirror the Cowboys' weaknesses, setting the stage for a tough matchup.

To win on Sunday, Dak Prescott must play close to a flawless game through the air and put some points on the board. Even with the 0-2 record, the Ravens will give the Cowboys a hard go on Sunday thanks to their issues on both sides of the ball.

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