DALLAS — The Cowboys still searching for a foothold in a season that is slipping away quickly.
The bye-week reboot didn't work, and now the Cowboys head to Atlanta to face the Kirk Cousins-led Falcons.
Here are 5 Things to Watch in their noon showdown at Mercedes Benz Stadium:
1. Pressure on Prescott
Dak Prescott is under siege on many different levels. On the field, the pressure is relentless. And with turnovers mounting and production lacking, critics are calling for the league's highest paid player to do more to reverse the Cowboys problems, as opposed to adding to them. Prescott's third quarter interception against the Niners was a killer, the kind of play he can't make, especially with the way this roster is constructed.
Prescott has thrown eight interceptions so far this season, just one short of his total for the entire year last year, and on pace to set a new single-season career high. The ninth-year signal caller is always quick to take responsibility, but he needs to make amends. So, I'll have a close eye on Dak's risk/reward decisions Sunday. His receivers not named CeeDee Lamb aren't getting much separation, and how Prescott handles tight-window throws will go a long way in deciding this one.
Prescott and Lamb got going when the Niners went to a soft zone coverage with a big lead in the fourth quarter. Lamb finished with 13 catches for 146 yards, and while much of that production was hollow, Cowboy fans have to hope it can jump-start the two most important players on the roster.
2. Cowboys need to turn over the turnover ratio
There's no bigger metric in terms of winning and losing in the NFL than the turnover ratio. The Cowboys have gone from league leaders to pathetic. This season they're a minus-eight in turnover ratio. They've had 13 total turnovers and just four takeaways. The Cowboys rank 30th in the league in the category - worse than the pitiful Panthers, and only better than the Titans and Raiders. Ooooof!
The contrast from the last two seasons is mind-blowing. The Cowboys averaged forcing 27.5 turnovers per season the last two. They've only got four in seven games so far this season. A lack of pressure is the issue. With the team's top four defensive ends out of the lineup, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's squad can't generate enough pressure. And when he sends extra rushers, the back end is vulnerable – tough equation.
One reason for optimism – you don't have to worry much about Cousins running, unlike Brock Purdy, who punished the Cowboys several times on the ground. Cousins will throw you the ball if you tighten down the vice in the pocket. I'm just not sure if the Cowboys are capable. Cowboys’ fans have to hope Zimmer's familiarity with Cousins, spending four years together in Minnesota, can provide an advantage.
3. Put the brakes on Bijan
University of Texas fans know just how lethal running back Bijan Robinson can be, and Cowboys fans have to hope they don't get a big reminder of it. Robinson is ranked fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (784) and fourth in receiving yards (238) among running backs.
As much of an all-purpose threat as he's turning out to be, I'll be focused on what Robinson can do against a Cowboys run defense that ranks next-to-last in the NFL. With all the injuries that have plagued this defense, Zimmer can't come up with enough band-aids to cover all the holes. And if Robinson runs wild, this could get ugly.
4. Don't let Pitts be Kittle
Kyle Pitts hasn't been anywhere near the revolutionary tight end many touted him to be when Atlanta snagged him with the fourth overall pick in 2021, making him the highest drafted tight end in the common era. But he's coming off his first career multi-touchdown receiving game, grabbing four catches for 91 yards and pair of receiving touchdowns against Tampa Bay.
49ers tight end George Kittle victimized the Cowboys defense to the tune of 128 receiving yard and a touchdown. Falcons have that film and will certainly be able to do the same kind of thing with Pitts.
5. Man up in the red zone
We've covered the Cowboys defensive struggles throughout the year in this space and the cumulative effect is apparent. There is no one worst in the NFL in the red zone than Zimmer's crew at giving up touchdowns inside the 20,doing so at an alarming rate of 74%!!!
Given that eye-popping number it's no surprise the Cowboys are next-to-last in total scoring, allowing 28.3 points per game. That could prove lethal against a Falcons team that has hit its stride scoring at least 30 points in three of the last four games.
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