Cowboys troubling stat has to be fixed for offense to end recent slump

For the first seven weeks of the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys' offense was one of the most feared in the NFL. They scored 40 or more points three times, while also putting up 37 in their win over the New York Jets.

Over the past two games, however, the offense has slowed down tremendously. They've lost those games by a combined score of 71-41, and it could have been worse if not for a garbage-time touchdown pass by Joe Milton III.

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It's not hard to figure out what changed to make the past two games so tough. Dallas has done a terrible job protecting Dak Prescott. The veteran quarterback has been hit 29 times over the past two games, which is the most in his career over two games.

An eye opening stat from @WerderEdNFL on Media Mash yesterday:

Per ESPN research, #Cowboys Dak Prescott has been hit while running or throwing 29 times over the last two games.

That’s tied for the most plays he’s been contacted in a two game span across his entire career 👀 pic.twitter.com/WU4KSlz4Ot
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) November 14, 2025

Poor pass protection is hurting the Dallas Cowboys offense

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott runs against Arizona Cardinals CB Garrett Williams and LB Cody Simon. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Prescott has been uncomfortable in the pocket and is being forced to move around a lot more than he would like. He's also had to tuck the ball and run, with minimal success, since the pocket is collapsing on him before anyone can get open.

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That's led to a much less efficient offense, with Prescott throwing for one touchdown and three picks in their two losses.

Much has been made of the need for improved play on defense for Dallas, and rightfully so. They have to stop opposing teams to have any chance going forward. That said, the Cowboys will have a tough time winning games if they don't get better at pass protection.

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