Cowboys Struggle in Early Season: Key Issues After 3 Games
- The Cowboys are averaging only 4.3 points in the first quarter this season, despite moving the ball well.
- They rank last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game and have allowed the most rushing touchdowns.
- These combined struggles have led to a disappointing start, raising concerns about the team's performance.
The Cowboys have faced significant challenges in their early season, particularly in their offensive and defensive performances. They have struggled to score in the first quarter, averaging only 4.3 points, despite ranking fourth in yardage. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb has underperformed, and the team has not had a single run over 10 yards, highlighting their struggles in the running game. The longest rush this season is a mere 12-yard run by Lamb, making them the only team without a quarterback or running back achieving a double-digit run. Defensively, the Cowboys have been unable to stop opposing offenses, allowing an average passer rating of 134.8 in their last two games against Derek Carr and Lamar Jackson. Their run defense has been particularly poor, ranking last in the league for rushing yards allowed per game and per attempt. They have given up eight rushing touchdowns, the most in the NFL, and opponents convert 35% of their rush attempts into first downs. The issues on both sides of the ball have compounded, leading to a disappointing start to the season. The lack of offensive production and defensive breakdowns have left the Cowboys struggling to find their rhythm. The team’s inability to finish drives and stop the run has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. As the Cowboys look to improve, they must address these key issues to turn their season around. The return of players like Jake Ferguson may help, but the team needs a collective effort to regain their competitive edge and avoid further setbacks in the upcoming games.