In the midst of the 2024 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves navigating a challenging terrain, marked by injuries and a disappointing record. This campaign has been a rigorous test of the Cowboys' depth and resilience, particularly after losing star quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending hamstring injury.
Injuries Plaguing the Cowboys
The Cowboys' season narrative is one dominated by injuries that have impacted every corner of their roster. The team has been ravaged with setbacks affecting their key players, including their No. 2 receiver, top inside linebacker, multiple edge rushers, cornerbacks, left tackle, and guards. Despite these challenges, the team has shown flashes of potential, culminating in a crucial victory against the New York Giants in Week 12, where they secured a 27-20 win.
Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke candidly about the hurdles the team faces, stating, "As a staff, this is very challenging, but we'll be better coaches because of this experience. It's not about players getting injured. It's really when and who. If you're going to coach in this league, you have to be able to coach through these times."
Backup Quarterback Stepping Up
With Prescott sidelined, Cooper Rush has taken the reins as the Cowboys' starting quarterback. In his recent performances, Rush has demonstrated composure and efficiency, delivering impressive statistics including a career-high 75% completion rate and a passer rating of 117.6 against Washington. Against the Giants, he contributed 195 yards and a touchdown, keeping the Cowboys' hopes alive.
Running back Rico Dowdle also played a pivotal role in the game against the Giants, amassing 112 yards and scoring a touchdown. The return of Brandin Cooks from injured reserve added further firepower, as he secured a touchdown in a game where every point mattered.
Glimmer of Hope in Uncertain Times
Despite their current standing with a 3-7 record and a five-game losing streak before the Week 12 victory, there's a semblance of optimism within the Cowboys camp. Jourdan Lewis expressed this sentiment, saying, "We know what we're doing, and guys are playing hard. We definitely have that confidence in each other that we can go out there and finish games. We all can play good ball and win out."
The Cowboys’ remaining schedule presents its own set of challenges. The win percentages of their upcoming opponents collectively stand at .508, giving Dallas a narrow path to progress. According to the SportsLine simulation model, the team has a slim 1.8% chance of reaching the postseason and an even tighter 0.9% chance of winning all remaining games. However, as history has shown, particularly with the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers making the playoffs after a similar start, nothing is off the table.
Road to Recovery
Looking to turn the tide, the Cowboys are eyeing the return of pivotal players such as first-team All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, who recently made his comeback against Washington. The squad is also hopeful for the return of DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin, and Trevon Diggs. Their presence could significantly bolster the team’s defensive and offensive capabilities as they seek to overcome their arduous stretch.
Dak Prescott, reflecting on the pivotal games that slipped away, remarked, "If we were able to steal those two [games against the Bengals and Buccaneers], you're looking at a whole different picture with the Dallas Cowboys in the playoff picture. So I'm pushing for it and doing everything I can to help make that possible."
As the Cowboys forge ahead, grappling with adversity yet showing a steadfast determination to defy the odds, they hold a potent mix of seasoned experience and youthful potential. With strategic adjustments and the potential return of key players, Dallas remains a team to watch in the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.