FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are entering Week 3 still in search of their first win, sitting at 0-2 after a frustrating start to the season. Losses to the Toronto Black Knights and Kansas City Chiefs have left the Cowboys reeling, but with the Denver Broncos up next, they know it’s a critical week to turn things around.

Despite the early struggles, Head Coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic. “We’ve been hit hard these first two weeks, no doubt about it,” McCarthy said during practice on Tuesday. “But this is where we show what we’re made of. The adversity is real, but we’ve got the talent, and the fight is still there. It’s time to put it all together.”

Injury-Free but Battle-Tested

One of the few positives for the Cowboys so far is their clean bill of health. Despite tough losses, the team has managed to avoid major injuries, allowing them to focus solely on execution and improvement. With key players available, McCarthy sees this as a sign the team can quickly bounce back.

“The fact that we’re injury-free is huge,” McCarthy added. “Our training staff has done a fantastic job keeping everyone healthy, and that’s been a focus for us all offseason. It’s not luck—it’s preparation, and it’s something we can build on.”

Chris Delgado, Head of Training, echoed McCarthy’s sentiment. “Staying healthy is a product of the work these guys are putting in behind the scenes,” Delgado said. “We’ve got a younger roster, and they’re committed to the recovery process. That’s what gives us confidence moving forward—these guys are ready to go every week.”

Offensive Line Struggles Continue

While the Cowboys have avoided injuries, their offensive line has struggled to keep rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders upright. In his first two NFL starts, Sanders has been sacked nine times, with protection issues hampering his ability to find a rhythm.

“We’ve got to clean it up up front,” McCarthy said bluntly. “Shedeur needs time, and right now, we’re not giving him that. The issues are correctable, but we’ve got to execute better. It’s on all of us, not just the line.”

The lack of protection has also affected the run game, where Deuce Vaughn has struggled to gain traction. After managing just 27 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, Vaughn acknowledged the need for better execution on his part. “I’ve got to be better,” Vaughn said. “We’re close, but I need to hit the holes faster and trust the guys in front of me.”

Defensive Bright Spots

On the defensive side, there have been signs of life. The Cowboys’ secondary stepped up in Week 2, grabbing four interceptions against the high-powered Kansas City offense. Players like DaRon Bland and DeMarvion Overshown have emerged as playmakers early in the season, giving the defense a foundation to build on.

“Our defense kept us in the game,” McCarthy said of the Kansas City matchup. “We had some big plays, especially in the secondary, and that’s what we need. It’s about complementing that effort with better play on offense.”

Week 3: A Must-Win Against the Broncos

With an 0-2 start, the Cowboys know their Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos is pivotal. The margin for error is shrinking, and McCarthy emphasized the importance of getting into the win column.

“This is a gut-check game,” McCarthy said. “We’re not panicking, but we know the stakes. We’ve got to come out and perform in all phases of the game. It’s time to show what kind of team we really are.”

The Cowboys’ young roster, including Sanders and Vaughn, will be under the spotlight again, and with the team healthy, there are no excuses. The offensive line will need to step up, and the defense must continue to force turnovers if Dallas hopes to secure their first win of the season.

As they prepare for the Broncos, the message in the Cowboys’ locker room is clear: execution and resilience. McCarthy and his staff are pushing for improvement across the board, and with no major injuries holding them back, the time to deliver is now.