Cowboys unable to identify why exactly they’ve struggled to score early

The Cowboys' recurring slow starts — averaging just 3.8 first-quarter points despite 29.3 per game — suggest bettors should avoid first-quarter props on Dallas to score or lead; consider halftime/second-half lines and Prescott second-half TD props, as Dallas frequently surges after halftime.

Cowboys' slow starts become season-long concern after Detroit loss

Standing in the visiting-room aftermath at Ford Field, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged a recurring problem: the Cowboys are consistently slow to start games. Dallas has trailed after the opening period in 10 of 13 games this season, struggling to convert pregame plans into early offensive production despite ranking third in the NFL at 29.3 points per game.

Coach breakdown: execution, openers and the pass rush

Schottenheimer said staff film sessions have focused on “openers” and why the team often defers after winning the toss. He reiterated that the club’s preference to defer—seeking the extra second-half possession—hasn’t been the core issue. “It really comes back to the fact that the execution has not been at the level that we need it to be,” he said, noting the Lions’ pass rush presented specific early-game challenges. The staff has discussed adjustments, but Schottenheimer stopped short of naming a single fix that will guarantee faster starts.

First-quarter vs. second-quarter splits reveal a clear pattern

The numbers tell the story. Dallas averages just 3.8 points per first quarter (tied for 23rd) but explodes in the second quarter, leading the league at 11.7 points per game. Of the team’s 13 contests, opponents scored first in 10. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has been scorching in the middle quarters with 12 second-quarter touchdown passes and six in each of the third and fourth quarters — yet only two first-quarter TDs this season. The team’s few early touchdowns have been short-yardage runs; notable pass-catchers have yet to find the end zone in the opening period.

Player voices: urgency to clean it up

Receiver CeeDee Lamb urged a return to basics: “We just gotta be ourselves, man. We can’t get behind the eight ball. We can’t turn over the ball… take away the ball and not give any.” Left guard Tyler Smith emphasized the consequences of sluggish starts: “When you don’t play clean ball in the first half and you stay in second-and-long and third-and-long, it’s going to be difficult to win football games.”

Key stats and surprises

The Cowboys’ high ceiling remains obvious — third in scoring at 29.3 points per game — but the first-quarter vacancy is glaring. The article notes a surprising absence of opening-period touchdowns from the team’s top pass-game threats, even though they’ve combined for 15 TDs overall this season. Dallas’ ball-possession choices (deferring on many kickoffs) haven’t prevented them from getting the ball first in seven games, so opportunities to start fast have existed.

Betting implications and angles to watch

Punters should be wary of first-quarter moneylines and props backing Dallas to lead early. The most attractive angles: second-half/halftime lines, game totals leaning on second-half production, and Prescott second-half touchdown props. Turnover tendencies and early pass-rush matchups should factor into live bets and in-game lines, since early pressure has repeatedly forced Dallas into unfavorable down-and-distance situations.

Outlook: adjustments coming but expectancy remains high

Coaches insist they’re searching for answers, and players sound committed to cleaner early execution. Given the offense’s overall firepower, bettors and fans should expect adjustments and occasional quick scoring bursts — but the pattern of slow starts followed by midgame surges is likely to remain a defining storyline until the Cowboys prove otherwise. What to watch next: early-game play-calling, protection against opponent pass rushes and whether the staff tweaks opening procedures to spark the offense.

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In the Cowboys’ 13 games this season, their opponents have scored first 10 times.

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