EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — We're less than a month into the season and Cowboys Nation is already on high alert.
The defense is coming off back-to-back inept performances causing team leaders to call out their teammates. And that's not the only issue.
Fortunately for Cowboys nation, your team steps down in class this week but has only had three days to prepare for the Giants. Things are getting far too interesting too early in this season.
So, without further adieu, here are 5 Things to Watch for Cowboys vs Giants on Thursday Night Football, with a special nod to what the reeling Cowboys need to create change.
What time do the Dallas Cowboys play?
- Time: Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7:15 p.m. (CST)
- Where: MetLife Stadium
- Opponent: New York Giants
5 things to watch for Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
1. Defense needs to make a stand
The Cowboys are dead last in the league as stopping the run. Opposing teams taking full advantage by running the ball an NFL-high 51% of the time against defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's crew. The effect especially harmful to a Cowboys bunch that's at it's best defensively when they're hunting down passers in the pocket. The opportunities to do so the last couple of weeks have been few and far between.
It's a bleak situation, but there's reason for optimism. The Giants lead back Devin Singletary is nowhere near the class of Dereck Henry and Alvin Kamara; both ripped the Cowboys to shreds. Singletary is certainly a step down, but he will have help from Giants QB who has proven against the Cowboys he can make an impact on the ground, once rushing for 79 yards back in 2022. This game will be another referendum on the talent level of the Cowboys interior defensive line. For the front seven to have success in Zimmer's defense, gaining at least a stalemate at the point of attack is vital, but it's been nowhere to be found early in the season.
Here's one issue that should cause concern for Cowboys fans. When asked about his defensive teammates doing a better job of paying attention to details and carrying out their assignments moving forward, all-everything defender Micah Parsons said, "It's hard to tell because everyone's nodding their head, but at the same time it's not equaling what's out there on the field." Ugh, not exactly a ringing endorsement as the Cowboys face this pivotal primetime matchup.
2. CeeDee Lamb needs to return to 2023
Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb's poor play and the frustration that stemmed from it forced the all-pro pass catcher to apologize. He vowed to make amends and says his relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott is actually stronger than ever. Their play -- a completely different matter.
It would be unfair to place ALL the blame on the Cowboys' best two offensive players. The job Prescott and Lamb have to do now is harder than ever. The Cowboys decision to go into the season with subpar talent in the running back room means teams can pay even more attention to Lamb on every snap. Part of the responsibility falls on McCarthy to scheme more ways to get Lamb the ball. And no, I'm not talking about end arounds and bubble screens; that's not enough.
With that being said, it all starts with Lamb. Adversity is baked into the DNA of every NFL season, and Lamb will face tough situations week-in and week-out. His immature response that included a sideline outburst in the Raven's game is not the way to go. Some players can feed off of things like that, but Lamb's poor play spiraled and included a couple of dropped passes. He'll have to show more mental toughness and persevere through the tough times that, I promise, will persist. The silver lining for Cowboys nation - this should be a relatively easy fix. Lamb led the NFL in receptions a year ago. He and Dak have a track record of excellence and so the improvement figures to happen. And this week could be the perfect scenario for it with the Giants missing two of their top defensive backs, Adoree Jackson (calf) and Dru Phillips (calf), who will be out with injury.
3. Dak in need of fast start
For the Cowboys to emerge from their current funk, their best players need to step up and that starts with the most important player on the field, quarterback Dak Prescott. With a rebuilt offensive line and no real juice from the run game, the Cowboys have made things as difficult as they could be for their signal-caller, but it's up to Dak to find a way. Dak needs to cook early and often against that depleted Giants secondary to set up his team for success. The Cowboys are a different team on both sides of the ball when they play in front, so a quick start is vital.
More optimism here for Cowboys fans - historically Prescott owns the Giants. The Cowboys have won 13-of-the-last-14 against the G-men. Prescott has a 12-game win streak going against the Giants and in 14 games total against New York, he's thrown for 3,694 yards with 27 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions. The Cowboys need more of that Thursday night.
Against the Ravens, Prescott missed a couple of throws he'd love to have back, but he'll need to be on target from the opening gun. The fact remains, the league's highest paid player will have to be near perfect for this team as constructed to thrive.
4. Running back room needs to find some juice
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that he doesn't expect running back Dalvin Cook to suit up against the Giants. Cook hasn't shown up on the injury report. So, I'm not sure what they're waiting for. Mike McCarthy's offense can't be that complicated that a veteran like Cook couldn't pick it up in the month he's been on the practice squad. It sure feels like there's more to it, but apparently, we wait.
In the meantime, the Cowboys struggle on the ground fielding the league's 27th ranked rushing attack. McCarthy blames a lack of attempts for the paltry production the last two weeks, but it's deeper than that. With defenses being sure to keep an eye on receiver CeeDee Lamb, there should be room to operate on the ground. But so far this season no Cowboys running back has ripped off a run of more than 10 yards; not one. The Cowboys' young offensive line is trying to pick things up and may have a hand in that as well. However, the lack of juice and home-run-hitting ability among Cowboys rushers is a big reason why defenses are able to clamp down on Prescott and the passing game.
Here's the big issue: I'm not sure if there's a fix here other than hoping Cook gets on the field soon and the offensive line grows up in a hurry. Good luck against the Giants' stout defensive line.
5. Aubrey needs a shot at the record
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is the lone star. He's as automatic as death and taxes. And he's extended his NFL record streak to 15 straight 50+-yard kicks to begin his career. He made a 65-yarder with room to spare against Baltimore.
Aubrey needs a shot to break Justin Tucker's NFL record of a 66-yard field goal. That would mean the line of scrimmage would be the opponent's 49, so it would have to be the right situation, but Aubrey has earned the right to etch his name in the NFL record books yet again.