Gone are the days of anticipation for the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive explosion, particularly evident in their commanding 49-17 triumph over the New York Giants this past Sunday. This victory marks the latest showcase of their offensive prowess in the last four games, where they boast a 3-1 record, narrowly missing a 4-0 streak, courtesy of a close defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The dynamic duo of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, previously the stars in a noteworthy contest against the Eagles, is now joined by Brandin Cooks in the arsenal of lethal weapons under the guidance of head coach Mike McCarthy, the team’s play-caller in 2023.
McCarthy attributes the offensive dominance against the Giants to the stellar performance of the offensive line at AT&T Stadium in Week 10. He emphasizes the significance of protection, labeling it the catalyst for their success, stating, “Every game you come out, you fit the run to the pass… most importantly, it starts with protection. This was, by far, our best protection performance.”
This sentiment is not an overstatement. Over the past four games, Prescott has thrown 13 touchdowns with a mere two interceptions, while Lamb has accumulated an impressive 617 receiving yards. The recent game saw the Cowboys’ offense amass over 600 total yards.
The return of starting left tackle Tyron Smith for the second consecutive week, coupled with Terence Steele’s strong rebound on the blindside, contributed to the offensive success. The improved offensive line performance also sparked the rushing attack, with Rico Dowdle achieving a career-best day, a milestone he acknowledges as meaningful given his journey to this point.
McCarthy reflects on the team’s progress, noting, “We’re getting through the run schemes that are able to carry over into the actual pass game, and we’re doing a lot more third down.” He sees this as a significant stride for the team, especially in the face of considerable pressure.
While there are still areas to refine moving forward, the fact that the Cowboys have yet to play a flawless game should serve as a warning to the league. If this is the outcome of their play in great yet imperfect football, one can only imagine the potential when they play mistake-free. McCarthy and the Cowboys are determined to explore this territory and continue their quest for perfection.
