Position battleground (offense): Cowboys vs Falcons head-to-head breakdown

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off another defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a huge division win and now sit atop the NFC South. Which of these two offenses are playing better right now, Dallas or Atlanta? Let’s dive into and find out.

QUARTERBACK

Dak Prescott

vs.

Kirk Cousins

As the season trudges on, defending some of Dak’s decisions and ball placements has turned into a daunting task. Three consecutive games marked by multiple interceptions is a troubling trend that hasn’t punctured the team’s identity since 1992. To make matters worse, the specter of ‘what if’ looms large over Prescott’s recent performances as he’s come close to adding to his interception woes, with near-misses where defenders failed to capitalize on golden opportunities.

The question now is whether Prescott can recalibrate and reclaim his rhythm before more chapters are written in the annals of Cowboys misfortune? Or will this stretch of turmoil be just a point in a larger journey towards redemption? Time will tell, but the Cowboys faithful are hoping for an air of invincibility to return in their star quarterback’s play before another opportunity slips through his fingers.

Kirk Cousins is also no stranger to the highs and lows of the NFL, and as he navigates this season, he finds himself in a familiar battle against turnover trends. Currently collecting interceptions at a rate that puts him right behind Dak Prescott—who holds the second-most picks—the Atlanta Falcons quarterback finds himself at a crossroads. While both quarterbacks grapple with their own share of ball security issues, the stark difference comes into play when comparing their touchdown production.

Cousins has unleashed a torrent of scoring, standing proudly as the fifth-best in touchdown throws. This marks a quantitative edge over Dak, who has struggled to match that prolific output. Furthermore, while Cousins benefits from a more robust offensive line, providing him the time and security necessary to make impactful throws, Dak’s situation in Dallas has revealed vulnerabilities in protection. The result? A dynamic where Cousins can elevate his team through the air.

Conclusion:

As the stakes rise this week, both quarterbacks hold the balance of their seasons in their hands. Dak has more interceptions, fewer touchdowns, but is throwing for more yards per game. Unfortunately, that’s where this competition ends. Cousins is throwing with more accuracy, more touchdowns and with fewer turnovers.

Win: Falcons

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

RUNNING BACK

Rico Dowdle/Ezekiel Elliott

vs.

Bijan Robinson/Tyler Allgeier

In a turn of events that none anticipated, Sunday’s game kicked off with the staggering news of Rico Dowdle being declared inactive. All eyes were now fixed on two celebrated but aging backs—Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook—who finally took the field together for the first time this year.

It became evident right from the start that nerves preceded artistry; the two stars finding their rhythm would prove difficult. As the team embarked on their second drive, there was a split-second thrill when Cook finally received a handoff. He charged forward, but he managed a gain of merely one yard.

With each subsequent carry and yard clocked, anticipation swiftly dulled into frustration. The duo, often heralded as a formidable force capable of rewriting the game script in the past, ended up merging to yield a most disappointing total of only 46 rush yards.

Last week, 49ers backup running back Isaac Guerendo finally etched his name in the record books with his first rushing touchdown. Averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry, Guerendo showcased his potential, but also the Cowboys weakness. As the spotlight shifts to this week’s matchup, all eyes are on Bijan Robinson, the standout running back gearing up to challenge a Dallas run defense that has shown many vulnerabilities.

Robinson has certainly made his mark this season, averaging 69 rushing yards per game and an efficient 4.7 yards per carry. With a total of 546 rushing yards to his name, he currently ranks ninth in the league. His five total touchdowns further underline his ability to find the end zone consistently. This week could be another defining moment for Robinson as he prepares to exploit the formidable gaps in the Dallas defense. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown and Robinson will look to leave his mark on the game.

Conclusion:

The Cowboys defense ranks dead last in rush yards allowed per game and conversely on offense, Dallas ranks dead last in rush yards per game. Running the ball is the easiest way to dominate a game and Cowboys fail on both sides of the ball.

Win: Falcons

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

WIDE RECEIVERS

CeeDee Lamb/Jalen Tolbert/KaVontae Turpin

vs.

Drake London/Darnell Mooney/Ray-Ray McCloud

Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, CeeDee Lamb showcased his remarkable talent, racking up an impressive 13 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns. This marked Lamb’s first outing exceeding 100 yards this season, but also his most substantial performance since the Detroit Lions last year. However, amidst the euphoria of Lamb’s accomplishments there’s an undeniable sense of disappointment born out of the team’s overall offensive performance.

Jalen Tolbert added three receptions for 46 yards. The climax of the mini-drama unfolded when KaVontae Turpin found himself with a heart-stopping opportunity—a chance to bring the Cowboys closer to scoring position near the end of the game. Unfortunately, what could have been a game-changing moment was shattered by a crushing drop.

For the Atlanta Falcons wide receiver corps all eyes are on their standout wide receiver, Drake London. The former USC star has certainly ignited the offense, tallying five touchdowns and ranks 13th among his wide receivers in receiving yards. However, the story of his skyrocketing success begins to take a dramatic turn—since Week 5, London has experienced a slight dip in his yardage with each passing game.

Behind the electrifying London is the remarkably talented Darnell Mooney, standing just a breath away. With a mere touchdown less and 25 fewer receiving yards, Mooney seamlessly adds depth and dynamism to the Falcon’s aerial assault.

Conclusion:

Lamb is now a top-three receiver after last week’s game. He goes up against a defense that is allowing the fourth-most receiving touchdowns and is dead last in sacks.

Win: Cowboys

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

TIGHT END

Jake Ferguson

vs.

Kyle Pitts

Ferguson was held to just 23 yards last week and this season he’s still yet to score. His 263 receiving yards rank 17th among tight ends this year, but he’s eighth in receptions.

Pitts is a big part of the Falcons offense and he ranks third on the Falcons offense in receiving. His 419 receiving yards ranks fourth among tight ends and his three touchdowns ranks fourth-most among tight ends.

Conclusion:

As a receiver, Pitts wins this game all day. Ferguson is way better in the blocking game, but this is a game of points, so Pitts wins.

Win: Falcons

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

OFFENSIVE LINE

This offensive line gave everyone a glimmer of hope in last week’s contest. It was a refreshing sight to see them hold strong under pressure, allowing only 12 total pressures and just two sacks throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the upcoming clash against the Falcons could be more favorable. The Falcons have struggled to apply pressure, consistently ranking among the league’s least effective defenses and this season they have registered the least amount of sacks. Over the season, however, this Cowboys offensive line unit has allowed 18 sacks this year which is three more than the Falcons.

The Falcons’ offensive line has emerged as a force to be reckoned when it comes to run blocking, outshining the Cowboys by a considerable margin. The unit is playing with synchronicity and they orchestrate their running plays with finesse, diligently carving out lanes for star running back Bijan Robinson to exploit.

At the cornerstone of this formidable line is Jake Matthews, whose years of experience seep through every play. His agility and persistence serve not only to protect Cousins but also pave the way for the running game. Matthews has become a beacon of reliability, showcasing that even in the late stages of his career, he remains an essential player who can dominate the trenches.

Additionally, the evolution of Chris Lindstrom from Boston College into the team’s premier run blocker deserves commendation. Lindstrom’s powerful yet nimble blocking style is a true game-changer, helping in creating explosive gains.

Both these offensive lines benefit this week from poor defensive line play and a lack of pressure, but Atlanta’s offensive line is playing collectively better than their Dallas counterpart.

Win: Falcons