Dallas Cowboys Week 12 Preview

Introduction

The Dallas Cowboys faced a tough loss against the Houston Texans in Week 11, with a final score of 10 to 34. As we head into Week 12, it’s time to analyze how the Cowboys are faring statistically and what that means for their upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders. Spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag of results that has us scratching our heads and wondering if we need to adjust our lucky socks before the next game.

Power Ranking

After the defeat to the Texans, the Cowboys' power ranking has dipped to 30th in the league, with a win rate against a median opponent of just 32.0%. Ouch! While we’d love to chalk this up to a rough patch, the numbers don’t lie. The Cowboys are currently in the bottom half of the league, which is not where we expected to be at this point in the season. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work if we want to climb back up the rankings and remind everyone that we’re still America's Team.

Overall Drive Efficiency

In terms of overall drive efficiency, the Cowboys ranked 14th in Week 11 and have slipped slightly to 15th in Week 12. This slight decline might not seem significant, but in the competitive landscape of the NFL, every little bit counts. The Cowboys have shown that they can move the ball, but they need to convert those drives into points. With 388 yards against the Texans, it’s clear they can gain yardage, but they must find a way to finish drives in the end zone rather than settling for field goals or, worse, turnovers.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

The Cowboys' defensive drive efficiency has also taken a hit, dropping from 19th to 21st in the league. This is a concerning trend, especially considering the Texans were able to march down the field with relative ease. The defense needs to step up and tighten its grip, preventing opposing offenses from gaining momentum. If they can’t stop drives, they’ll continue to find themselves on the wrong end of the scoreline. It’s time for the defense to channel their inner wall and become a fortress that opposing teams dread to face.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

On the offensive side, the Cowboys have managed to maintain a ranking of 15th in offensive drive efficiency. This indicates that while they can move the ball, they need to be more effective in converting those drives into touchdowns. The offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued their performance. With a little more precision and execution, they could easily climb into the top half of the league. It’s all about finding that rhythm and making the most of each opportunity.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

When it comes to defensive turnover efficiency, the Cowboys need to find a way to generate more turnovers. Currently, they’re not creating enough havoc for opposing quarterbacks, which is evident in their ranking. A defense that can force turnovers can change the momentum of a game in an instant. The Cowboys must channel their inner ball hawks and start making plays that can flip the script in their favor.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

Unfortunately, the Cowboys are also struggling with offensive turnover efficiency, having recorded two turnovers against the Texans. This is a significant factor in their loss, as turnovers can be momentum killers. The Cowboys need to protect the ball better and ensure they’re not giving away possessions. Every turnover is a missed opportunity to score, and in a league where points are at a premium, that’s something they can’t afford to overlook.

Drive Time

The Cowboys rank 6th in drive time, which indicates they are taking their sweet time moving down the field. While this can be beneficial in controlling the clock, it’s also a double-edged sword. Slower drives can lead to fewer possessions and less scoring opportunity. The Cowboys need to find a balance between methodical drives and quick strikes. A little urgency could go a long way in maximizing their scoring potential.

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to Week 12, the Cowboys will face off against the Washington Commanders, who are favored by 10 points. The simulations from advancedfootballstats.com predict that the Commanders will win 74.15% of the time, with a most common final score of 31 to 22. However, there’s a silver lining: the simulations also suggest the Cowboys have a 53.8% chance of covering the spread. This game will be pivotal for the Cowboys; they need to show that they can compete against a formidable opponent and start turning the tide of their season. If they can improve their turnover efficiency and tighten up on defense, they might just surprise everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads as they head into Week 12. With a power ranking in the bottom tier and a mix of inefficiencies on both sides of the ball, it’s clear that adjustments need to be made. However, with the right mindset and execution, they can turn things around and make a push for a better season. Let’s hope they can rally together and show us the Cowboys we know and love.

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Dallas Cowboys' journey throughout the 2024 NFL season.