The Dallas Cowboys are grappling with internal adjustments following a series of on-field miscommunications between quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. In the Cowboys' home opener against the New Orleans Saints, a significant miscommunication episode between Prescott and Lamb cost the team an opportunity to score, ultimately resulting in a 38-yard field goal by kicker Brandon Aubrey. The Cowboys ended up losing the matchup 44-19.
During the second quarter, Prescott aimed for Lamb on a slot fade route in the end zone, but the play was plagued by a noticeable misalignment. Reflecting on the mishap, Lamb admitted, "It's all about getting on the same page as your quarterback being a receiver. For me, it's just making sure that I'm available for him. Whatever I got to do to be open, I'm going to do that."
This setback comes after an eventful offseason, where CeeDee Lamb inked a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension before training camp in 2023. However, Lamb's absence from practice sessions with Prescott was cited as a contributing factor to the communication errors. Statistics back this notion, as Prescott failed to complete any of his three vertical route attempts to Lamb in the game against the Saints. More critically, Prescott threw an interception to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, underscoring a need for improved synergy between the quarterback and his star receiver.
According to Prescott, continuous communication is key to rectifying these mistakes. "Just continuing to communicate each and every day that we're in here, whether it's the film, whether it's something at practice. Certain routes to make sure that some of those mistakes don't happen again," Prescott commented. Head Coach Mike McCarthy echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the efforts his players have made in the offseason to build chemistry. "Our guys have done a really good job, especially away from here in the offseason, the summertime of spending that time together," McCarthy said.
Lamb has proven his mettle, leading the NFL with 135 receptions and slot receiving yards in 2023. Prescott, on the other hand, led the league in passing touchdowns with 36 in the same year. The tandem also achieved an impressive 628 receiving yards on vertical routes last season, further evidence of their potential when fully synchronized. Despite these accolades, the Cowboys' current 25th-ranked run game at 85 yards per game and their 26th-ranked performance in yards per attempt (3.7) reveal areas that need improvements beyond just their passing game.
The Cowboys' running backs, including Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, have yet to consistently find their stride. A well-balanced offensive unit could alleviate some of the pressure off Prescott and Lamb, giving them more opportunities to shine.
The Cowboys are set to face the Baltimore Ravens next, a team that struggles in pass defense, allowing the most passing yards per game at 257.0 and a 68.4% success rate on targets to the slot. This matchup could provide the perfect stage for Prescott and Lamb to reclaim their dynamic synergy. Lamb is confident about his performance prospects, stating, "That's just only the beginning. Everything that I've trained for in the offseason is going to come to life. I have no doubt about it."
Prescott shares the optimism but emphasizes that improvements are incremental and involve the whole team. "We can hold some windows longer. I can anticipate a little bit better. I think once you get that going a little bit more, I think that’s just where the red zone will take off," Prescott elaborated. The quarterback also acknowledged the broader challenges their offense faces, concluding, "We were able to move the ball last week. Touchdowns were the problem."
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming game against the Ravens, all eyes will be on whether Prescott and Lamb can rectify their communication issues and fulfill the high expectations set for them in the offseason. The game will be a crucial test to see if their offseason work and an increased focus on in-game communication translate into on-field success.