ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys' home opener concluded on a sour note with a 44-19 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. Struggling to find their rhythm, the Cowboys' defense allowed the Saints to score on their first six drives, setting the tone for a challenging evening.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb provided a glimmer of hope with a spectacular 65-yard touchdown catch, narrowing the deficit to 21-13. However, turnovers proved costly as Jalen Brooks slipped on a slant route, leading to Dak Prescott's first of two interceptions. The Saints capitalized on these mistakes, adding two more touchdowns before halftime to lead 35-16.
Despite some progress, the Cowboys couldn't sustain their momentum. They converted six of their 13 third-down attempts, but their inefficiency in the red zone hindered their ability to close the gap. "I just didn't convert in the red zone. They didn't throw anything we weren't ready for. It’s on me," Prescott admitted, shouldering some of the responsibility for the offense's shortcomings.
The running game, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' strategy, has been underwhelming this season. Averaging just 85 rushing yards per game through two weeks, the trio of Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn has struggled to fill the void left by the absence of Tony Pollard. This lack of production on the ground has placed additional pressure on Prescott and the passing game, where the chemistry between Prescott and Lamb remains a work in progress.
Prescott connected with Lamb on nine of his 17 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown, reflecting some positive aspects of their partnership. Yet, inconsistencies linger—Prescott's passer rating stands at a modest 81.4 through two games. Last season, the Cowboys had 76 plays of 20 or more yards; this season, they have managed only four, underscoring their struggle to generate significant offensive plays.
In the post-game press conference, Prescott reflected on the team's performance. "It was hard to say that we were pressing. You're trying to play complementary football, and if your defense is struggling to stop a group, you want to do your part and score. We weren't able to score touchdowns, but were able to move the ball. I can't say that we were pressing necessarily," he asserted, emphasizing the balance required between offensive and defensive efforts.
Moreover, Prescott highlighted the need for improved communication and execution. "Simply just trying to communicate. Maybe those misses, maybe what he saw, what he thought versus what I did and then, honestly, just finding a solution. We have to have those communications to substitute for the time missed," he noted, pointing to the critical role of alignment and understanding between him and his receivers.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens in their next match, Prescott's high expectations drive his determination to refine his game. "My expectations are crazy high. I’m seeing it well, putting the ball where I want to. That one interception is going to get at me. Outside of that, there may be a few throws that I want to get back," he commented, revealing his commitment to continuous improvement.
Reflecting on the team's overall strategy, Prescott recognized the necessity for each player to fulfill their responsibilities meticulously. "I don't want to say you have to be perfect, but everybody's got to do their job and trust their job. Part of it for me is going back to using my feet more, whether it's scrambling, extending the plays to look to throw the ball down the field or maybe just going and getting a couple yards and getting down," he concluded, signaling a potential shift towards a more dynamic and adaptable approach.
The loss to the Saints serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for the Cowboys. Their ability to bounce back will hinge on addressing their weaknesses and capitalizing on their strengths, aiming for a more harmonious and effective performance in the upcoming games. The road ahead is steep, but with concerted effort and resilience, there remains a path to redemption for the team.