As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to visit the Atlanta Falcons for the first time since 2018, both teams find themselves navigating different paths. Atlanta (5-3) has surged under the steady leadership of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, while the Cowboys (3-4) seek to regain their footing after a series of tough losses and mounting injuries. Here’s a look at the ten big storylines ahead of this Week 9 matchup — five from each team.
Falcons Storylines
- NFC South Leaders on the Rise
The Falcons’ victory over Tampa Bay last week completed a season sweep of the Buccaneers and pushed Atlanta to the top of the NFC South. At 5-3, the Falcons are just two wins away from surpassing last year’s total and could be on track for a potential playoff berth. - Kirk Cousins Making His Mark
Kirk Cousins’ offseason move to Atlanta raised eyebrows, but he’s silenced critics by leading the Falcons to a 5-3 record. Cousins carved up Tampa Bay’s defense last week with three touchdown passes, becoming the first player in NFL history to throw eight TDs against one team in a single season. - Rising Star Bijan Robinson
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has been a spark on offense, ranking ninth in the NFL with 546 rushing yards. Robinson’s explosive potential has been on full display with two of his best performances in the last three weeks, including a 103-yard outing in Seattle. - Underwhelming Pass Rush
Despite the offseason acquisition of Matthew Judon, the Falcons’ pass rush remains at the bottom of the league with just six sacks on the year. Judon, with a career total of 68 sacks, has contributed only 1.5 sacks this season, indicating a lack of impact up front. - Kyle Pitts’ Resurgence
Falcons’ tight end Kyle Pitts has recently found his stride, catching two touchdowns last week against the Buccaneers. Pitts had a slow start, managing only eight catches in his first four games, but has rebounded with 21 receptions over the past four weeks, showcasing the skill that made him a top draft pick in 2021.
Cowboys Storylines
- Midseason Struggles Continue
After a 3-4 start, the Cowboys find themselves in unfamiliar territory, with frustration setting in after another difficult loss to San Francisco. In their latest outing, the Cowboys led at halftime but were outscored 21-0 in the third quarter, creating a deficit they couldn’t overcome. - Injury Plagued Defense
The Cowboys’ defense has been hit hard by injuries. Three Pro Bowl players — Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and DaRon Bland — are sidelined. Parsons, who has missed three games with a high-ankle sprain, was a formidable force in 2023, but his absence has exposed the Cowboys’ vulnerability on defense. - Dak Prescott’s Turnover Troubles
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has struggled with turnovers, throwing two interceptions in each of his last three games — the first time in his career he’s faced such a stretch. With eight interceptions through seven games, Prescott has already nearly matched his total from last season (nine in 17 games), leaving the offense fighting uphill battles. - Run Game Woes
Dallas has been unable to establish a reliable ground game, ranking last in the league with just 74.1 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys’ longest rushing play of the season is a mere 13-yard run by Rico Dowdle, while the entire running back committee, including Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, has struggled to produce big plays on the ground. - Run Defense Weaknesses
Compounding their struggles, the Cowboys rank 31st in the NFL for run defense, allowing 154.6 yards per game. Last week, San Francisco, missing its star running back Christian McCaffrey, still managed to rush for 223 yards, which allowed the 49ers to control the clock late in the game. This porous run defense could be tested again by Falcons’ running back Bijan Robinson.
What to Watch For
As the Cowboys battle to stay afloat and the Falcons look to solidify their division lead, both teams enter this game with significant storylines and question marks. Can the Cowboys find a spark to overcome their defensive struggles and inconsistent offense? Or will the Falcons continue to ride Cousins’ hot hand and Robinson’s rising talent to another victory?
Sunday’s game will provide a clearer picture of what’s to come for both teams as they approach the midseason mark, each hoping to chart a path to playoff contention.
