Nothing that happened on Sunday Night Football should have been surprising. Aside from a late comeback, things went about as expected for Dallas in Week 8. So, when the game clock struck zero and the scoreboard read 30-24 in San Francisco’s favor, the Cowboys showed they are who many of us thought they were: an unserious contender.
A fourth quarter surge fueled by a relaxed San Francisco defense allowed the Cowboys to fight back and narrow the lead, but it was too much to overcome. A KaVontae Turpin drop down the sideline ended the comeback attempt and handed Dallas a 3-4 record heading into Week 9.
With Rico Dowdle out, Ezekiel Elliott was given the start. The veteran running back flashed early but couldn’t sustain it. He ended the day with 34 yards on the ground with a touchdown and 3.4 yards/carry average.
The Cowboys were, once again, one dimensional and Dak Prescott had to, once again, do the heavy lifting. Finishing with 243 yards through the air, two touchdowns and two interceptions, it wasn’t enough.
The defense was improved but inaccurate passes by Brock Purdy and drops by Deebo Samuel bailed them out on more than one occasion.
Chauncey Golston is good, but what’s his long-term role?
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It’s hard to find positives from the Cowboys performance over the last few weeks but the play of a certain fourth-year defensive lineman provides slight reason for optimism. Golston, part defensive tackle and part defensive end, has been a man without a position throughout his Cowboys tenure. Injures to the DE group this season fixed that issue.
With the Cowboys top four edge players out, Golston has abandoned most of his nomadic ways and focused on the position he played in college. It’s paid off with big No. 99 playing the best ball of career during this recent stretch.
Even with a healthy roster it seems Golston has earned a place in this rotation. His 6-foot-5, 268-pound frame gives him length and strength that can’t be taught. In seasons prior, Golston has been primarily a run stopper, whether that’s at DE of inside at DT. But during this recent stretch he’s also shown he can offer something on passing downs as well. Golston is a second-effort player who specializes in clean up sacks. It’s a role he can still play when Micah Parsons returns.
Add redzone issues to the long list of problems
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The Cowboys have issues running the ball. They have issues passing the ball. They have issues stopping the run. They have issues defending the pass. Might as well add redzone issues to the list.
The Cowboys came into the game just around 37 percent in their red zone touchdown efficiency. After getting into the end zone on three of four trips into the red zone, some say the issue is improving. But the circumstances in Week 8 say this might be Fool’s Gold because coverage breakdowns led to two wide open Lamb touchdowns. That can’t be expected to continue.
Red zone proficiency typically follows overall offensive efficiency so it’s not surprising the Cowboys are struggling but it’s an issue that must get fixed before Dallas can even dream about salvaging their season.
Offensive line damaging Dak Prescott’s mechanics
. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
It’s impossible not to notice Prescott’s mechanics in Week 8. Reviewing his eight interceptions this season it’s clear his feet and throwing motion are both abnormally sloppy. Prescott didn’t suddenly forget his mechanics, rather he’s adapted to the pass protection issues surrounding him in 2024.
Terence Steele and Tyler Guyton have struggled mightily in pass protection this season and it’s taking its toll. Prescott has often been unable to step up into his throws, leading to sailed passes and untimely interceptions. Short-arming the follow-through and unbalanced feet is a recipe for disaster and largely explain the problems on offense this season.
Nothing will get fixed until the offensive line can be trusted. And that may not happen in 2024.
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Don’t forget about special teams
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While the offense and defense get most of the attention, the Cowboys special teams unit deserves scrutiny as well. Brandon Aubery has been nothing short of spectacular kicking field goals, but he made an egregious error on Sunday, missing the landing zone on a kickoff and handing the ball to the 49ers with possession on the 40-yard-line.
As if that wasn’t enough, C.J. Goodwin made his case for losing a roster spot, coming dangerously close to getting flagged for returner interference when he made contact during a punt return. The no-call was an error by officials and an indictment on Goodwin who has more penalties than tackles this season.
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Oct 27, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; A Dallas Cowboys fan cheers during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
