In the Dallas Cowboys last two wins, they’ve scored an average of 41 points per game. Yet, there’s an uneasy feeling about the offense’s ability to play well consistently for four quarters.
When the Cowboys offense is on fire, it’s as good as any unit in the NFL. Dallas ranks fourth in points per game, just 1.4 points behind the league-leading Kansas City Chiefs. And that’s with Cooper Rush having started five games while Dak Prescott was hurt.
But in the last two games, Dak and Co. have turned the ball over and gone on prolonged scoreless stretches. So is there reason to be concerned about the Cowboys offense?
Dallas struggled early on Thanksgiving
In the first half of the Week 12 win vs. the New York Giants, the Cowboys only scored seven points. The Giants defense ranks 12th in points allowed, so slightly above average but not good enough to hold Dallas to one score in a half.
The Cowboys three first half turnovers are the reason for the slow start. On Dallas’ opening drive, the offense turned the ball over on downs after a failed fourth down try.
Then, Prescott threw two interceptions that were as much on his WRs as they were on the QB.
After halftime, the Cowboys scored touchdowns on its first three drives. Considering how poorly the offense started the game, the second half performance felt even more impressive.
Yet, it left many scratching their heads wondering how the offense could be so hot and cold in the same game.
Defense bailed out the offense last week
The Cowboys had a better start in the Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The offense scored 21 points in the first half. This time, the cold streak came after halftime.
Dallas was held scoreless in the third quarter. Then the Cowboys put up 33 fourth quarter points, which is a franchise record.
Though, most of the scoring was thanks to the Colts turnovers on four consecutive drives.
Could offensive inconsistencies be the Cowboys fatal flaw?
We know it sounds crazy to have any complaints about the offense after a 54-point performance vs. Indianapolis. But the Colts are an inferior opponent, and it was only a 2-point game in the fourth quarter before Dallas flipped a switch.
The Cowboys had the NFL’s highest-scoring offense last season. But when they ran into a stout San Francisco 49ers defense in the first round of the playoffs, Big D only scored 17 points.
The Cowboys still have five games left to prove they can piece together a strong offense showing for four quarters. But if they can’t do it when it matters most in the postseason, it could be another disappointing year for the Dallas faithful.
