Why 'extraordinarily disappointing' loss could be worrisome for Cowboys

The loss is hugely concerning on several levels. For one, it came at home, where the Cowboys (1-1) were 21-5 over the past three regular seasons. So, is the Week 2 loss a sign of things to come? 

Over the past several seasons, the Cowboys have had one of the league's top offenses in scoring and yardage. In 2021 (31.2 PPG) and 2023 (29.9), they had the NFL's top-scoring offenses.

But Dallas' loss to the Saints merits a deeper look at the offense from the 33-17 win in Week 1 at Cleveland. The Cowboys outplayed one of the league's top defenses, but they only scored two touchdowns on 14 possessions. Nineteen of their points came from field goals and a punt return for a TD. 

On paper, the game should have been closer. Dallas only managed 35 more yards than the Browns (265 to 230).

Dallas QB Dak Prescott can make big plays, but those plays have only seemed to come on his half of the 50-yard line lately. Once the offense crosses midfield, it peters out. 

Thankfully for Dallas, Brandon Aubrey is one of the league's best kickers. He has missed only two regular-season field goals in as many seasons and is perfect from 50+ yards, nailing all 13 attempts. 

Aubrey continued that success in Week 2 as the Cowboys again seemed to lose momentum after crossing the 50. But unlike Week 1, the defense did not help the offense, allowing 44 points to the Saints, the fourth most the Cowboys have allowed at home since 2000. 

Despite Aubrey's success, the Cowboys offense is lacking. Dallas crossed the 50-yard line six times Sunday, but those drives resulted in four field goals, one turnover on downs and one interception. Dallas didn't cross the 50-yard line on its one touchdown, a 65-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb. 

Through two games, Dallas has scored once on four trips into the red zone. The 0-2 New York Giants (3-for-6) and Tennessee Titans (2-for-6) are better in that category. Dallas must get better in the red zone to make it to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1995 season.

Coming off this brutal home loss, the Cowboys will play the 0-2 Baltimore Ravens at home. Both teams have something to prove, especially the Ravens, who want to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2015.

The Cowboys are not panicking, but if the offense struggles at home for a second straight week, the alarm bells may start to ring.