In Week 2, the Dallas Cowboys' much-anticipated home opener against the New Orleans Saints ended in a disappointing 44-19 loss, underscoring some evident communication problems between quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys' owner and manager, Jerry Jones, likely expected more from two of his star players, especially given Lamb's notable $136 million extension signed before the 2023 training camp.
Throughout the game, Prescott and Lamb struggled to find their rhythm. Specifically, during the second quarter, Prescott aimed for Lamb in the end zone with a slot fade route. Instead of celebrating a touchdown, the Cowboys had to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey, narrowly making the score 14-6. Lamb later admitted missing practice time with Prescott during training camp was a primary reason for the on-field misalignment.
"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."
In total, Prescott failed to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb, adding to the frustration of the evening. Moreover, the wide receiver led the league in slot receiving yards in 2022 and 2023. Despite this, their connection on the field has recently seen turbulence, raising questions about their offseason preparation.
The Cowboys' misfortunes didn't end there. Along the way, Prescott threw an interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, further complicating their efforts to make a comeback. Prescott, who impressively led the league with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, knows the importance of timing and communication with his receivers.
"Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice. Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don’t happen again," Prescott stated. "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem."
Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasizes the importance of chemistry and preparation during the offseason, citing the time spent together away from the field as crucial for building relationships.
"Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy noted.
The Cowboys' woes also stem from a lackluster run game. Averaging a mere 85 yards per game, ranking 25th in the NFL, and just 3.7 yards per attempt, ranking 26th, there is a pressing need for improved ground performance. With running backs like Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn in their roster, the team has potential but is yet to synchronize effectively.
Despite these setbacks, Lamb remains optimistic about his future performances. "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 said, instilling some hope in Cowboys fans.
As the Cowboys gear up to face the Baltimore Ravens next, they confront a defense that has struggled against passing attacks, allowing the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a success rate of 68.4% on targets to the slot. This presents a crucial opportunity for Prescott and Lamb to rekindle their cherished on-field connection, which last season produced 26 completions and 628 receiving yards on vertical routes.
Prescott is aware that refining their approach in the red zone is vital for future success. "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," he reflected.
The stakes are high, and the Dallas Cowboys need to bridge the gaps quickly. As they continue to iron out kinks and re-establish a strong link between Prescott and Lamb, the upcoming match against the Ravens could be a turning point. With keen anticipation, the NFL world watches to see if the Cowboys can capitalize on their strengths and overcome their recent adversities.