ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys' home opener against the New Orleans Saints ended in a disappointing 44-19 defeat, casting a shadow over what was a highly anticipated game at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys' defense struggled from the onset, allowing the Saints to score on their first six drives. This early onslaught set the tone for a game that quickly slipped out of Dallas' reach. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the Saints had already built a commanding 35-16 lead.
CeeDee Lamb Shines Amid Defeat
One of the few bright spots for the Cowboys was the performance of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb showcased his explosive ability with a spectacular 65-yard touchdown catch. This play briefly narrowed the deficit to 21-13 and provided a glimmer of hope for the home side. Lamb finished the night with nine receptions on 17 targets, amassing 151 yards and one touchdown.
Though the chemistry between quarterback Dak Prescott and Lamb is still evolving, it is clear that Lamb remains a critical asset for the Cowboys' aerial attack. "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," Prescott said, highlighting the ongoing efforts to sync up with Lamb.
Offensive Struggles Continue
Despite moving the ball effectively at times, the Cowboys failed to capitalize on critical opportunities. They converted six of their 13 third-down attempts but came up short in the red zone multiple times. "I just didn't convert in the red zone. They didn't throw anything we weren't ready for. It’s on me," admitted Prescott.
This inefficiency in crucial moments has been a recurring issue for the team. Last season, the Cowboys recorded 76 plays of 20 or more yards, a tally that has shrunk to just four so far this season. The running game also left much to be desired, with Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn struggling to fill the void left by an absent Tony Pollard. The team averaged only 85 rushing yards per game through the first two weeks, a statistic that underscores their struggles on the ground.
Turnovers and Defensive Woes
Quarterback Dak Prescott's performance was marred by two interceptions, one of which was influenced by Jalen Brooks slipping on a slant route. These turnovers added pressure to an already beleaguered Dallas defense. "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," Prescott reflected on his performance.
The Cowboys' defense, tasked with stopping a high-powered Saints offense, faltered significantly. They allowed New Orleans to convert five out of their eight third-down attempts, creating a dynamic where the defense could not get off the field when it mattered most. Dak Prescott summed it up: "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."
Looking for Answers
With a passer rating of 81.4 through two games, Prescott acknowledges there is still room for improvement. "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 noted.
The Cowboys now face the daunting task of preparing for their next game against the Baltimore Ravens. With several areas needing urgent attention—ranging from defensive kinks to offensive misfires—the team and its fans will be hoping for a sharper, more cohesive performance moving forward.