In Week 2 of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys faced a major challenge during their home opener against the New Orleans Saints. Despite high expectations, the team's performance was marred by crucial miscommunications, particularly between quarterback Dak Prescott and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This resulted in a disappointing 44-19 loss.
The miscommunication between Prescott and Lamb was particularly evident during a key play in the second quarter. Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone on a slot fade route, but a misalignment forced the Cowboys to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, bringing the score to 14-6. Reflecting on the play, Lamb admitted that his missed practice time with Prescott during training camp contributed to the error.
"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 echoed Lamb's sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing 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," said Prescott. "Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again."
This game's outcome was particularly disappointing given the strong individual performances both players delivered in the previous season. Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions in 2023 and topped slot receiving yards for the second consecutive year. Prescott, on the other hand, led the league in passing touchdowns with 36. Their synergy had been a highlight, with 26 completions and 628 receiving yards on vertical routes in 2022 alone.
Despite these accomplishments, the miscommunications in critical moments were palpable. Prescott failed to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb, and an interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu compounded the frustration. Prescott candidly admitted that while they were able to move the ball effectively, scoring touchdowns remained a significant challenge. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem," he said.
The setbacks in the run game added to the Cowboys' woes. The team’s run game averages a mere 85 yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL, and their 3.7 yards per attempt places them 26th. Even with talented running backs like Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, the Cowboys have struggled to establish a dominant ground attack.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set to face the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has its own vulnerabilities, particularly in pass defense. The Ravens allow the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and have a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot. This could present an opportunity for Prescott and Lamb to rediscover their connection.
Head coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic, citing the off-field efforts by his players. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy stated, hopeful that this extra time will pay dividends on the field.
Lamb, confident in his offseason preparations, is determined to make an 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 stated. Prescott also added, "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."
Undoubtedly, the Cowboys have the talent and potential to turn their season around. The challenge lies in translating their offseason work and established chemistry into on-field success. For now, Dallas fans will be watching closely, hopeful that Prescott and Lamb can iron out their miscommunications and lead the team to the success they are capable of achieving.