As has been well-documented, the Cowboys have fallen behind early in their last three home games and have gone on to lose big. Why do you think they've been so slow to get out of the gate? Lack of preparation? Overconfidence? Is it up to the coaches to break this rut, or is it on the players to be ready as soon as they hit the field? – Chris Ryan/Fort Worth, TX
Nick: I think those three games are all somewhat different, and one of them is a completely different season, so I hate to lump that one in there. But if you're looking for a common theme to them all, I'll say it's the fact the opposing team makes a full commitment to running the ball. And that's something that has hurt the Cowboys over the last two seasons. Sure, if the Cowboys get a lead, they can manipulate the game plan and force teams out of their willingness to run. But if it doesn't happen, and the Cowboys are the team playing from behind and trying to stop the run, it's not working. So in those games, I think it's been a combination of giving up running plays and not executing on offense. I can't put my finger on that exactly, but I will say the slow starts aren't just a home thing. The Cowboys haven't been that great to start any game this year and that's to the coaches and players to make sure and get on the same page right out of the gate.
Patrik: I don't think it's the same reason every time, but there is definitely a common thread of self-inflicted wounds, in general, that prevail in causing the slow starts. In one game, it could be a missed block that led to a sack that killed a promising drive, or a miscommunication between the QB and a WR that took a potential touchdown off of the board, or penalties that put the Cowboys behind the chains on a consistent basis. That's speaking from the standpoint of offense, but it's mostly been the defense that's led to the larger issue at home over the last three contests at AT&T Stadium. One look at how easily the Packers, Saints and Ravens racked up points in their first several drives and you'll see what I mean — the offense constantly playing from behind the eight ball while not making things any easier with their own issues. One hand dirties the other, would be my answer. Going forward, at least one of those hands needs to bring the soap to the sink.
