Dallas Cowboys

Why the Dallas Cowboys are starting 0-1 in 2016

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Another close game at home versus the New York Giants but a different result. Here’s why the Dallas Cowboys started off 2016 at 0-1.

For fans of the Dallas Cowboys out there hoping for a repeat of last year, you almost had your wish.

Another fourth quarter scenario involving no timeouts, limited time and points needed for a win. This time, however, quarterback Tony Romo was not there to lead the team to a last second win. This time, rookie fill in Dak Prescott tried his best but could not seal the deal.

It certainly was not all his fault. In fact, Prescott did pretty well, all things considered, in his NFL debut. Unfortunately, it was not enough to earn a win though.

So, why are the Dallas Cowboys 0-1 heading into another pseudo must-win divisional matchup next week against a Washington team with the same record?

The main reason comes down to third down performance.

Not so much offensively, although that had something to do with it. No, the Dallas Cowboys lost this game thanks to their third down defense.

The Cowboys allowed the Giants to convert on exactly half of their third down attempts. That does not sound bad initially, especially when you realize it was only five conversions.

The problem was that two of those five successful attempts both yielded touchdown passes, both in the red zone. When you lose a game by one point, being able to keep a team from putting up six points is crucial.

If the Cowboys defense could have done that just once, that would have made for a much different outcome. If you question that belief, look no further than the other side of the ball for your proof.

On two separate occasions, the Dallas Cowboys occupied space inside of the Giants ten-yard line. Both times, instead of kicker Dan Bailey coming out for a point after attempt, he set up for a chip shot field goal.

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The other issue, when it comes to that money down, was how many times Dallas were in long distance situations. Eight times, the Cowboys were forced to convert a third down over eight yards.

The Cowboys were able to convert only three. Two of those three came on the final drive of the game. In that case, the Giants were more than content to give up yards in order to keep the clock rolling.

Those failures, on both sides of the ball, are why the Dallas Cowboys open the 2016 season 0-1.

Clearly there are things to work on for next week.

Limiting the number of times facing 3rd and 9 or longer to keep the chains moving would be a good start. Scoring touchdowns instead of field goals and not giving up touchdowns would be gravy.

More Dallas Cowboys observations from Week 1:

Next: Dallas Cowboys Giant Loss - Five Positive Takeaways

We’re on to Washington.

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