FRISCO, Texas — Three games into the 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in turmoil, and the questions surrounding the offense are growing louder. Chief among those concerns is whether running back Deuce Vaughn, in his second year, can carry the load for a team that has yet to find the end zone on the ground. However, the issue may not be Vaughn alone but rather a deeper flaw in offensive execution, starting with the scheme drawn up by Offensive Coordinator Victor Price.

In Weeks 1 and 2, Vaughn has struggled to produce, compiling 59 yards on 11 carries against Toronto in the opener and just 27 yards on 14 attempts in the Week 2 loss to Kansas City. With no rushing touchdowns through the first three weeks, it’s becoming painfully clear that the Cowboys’ offensive woes are not just about the players on the field but about how the game plan is being implemented.

A Deeper Problem Than the Backfield

While Vaughn’s numbers leave much to be desired, many believe the blame lies less with him and more with the offensive scheme. Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s decision to appoint Victor Price as offensive coordinator has yet to yield any positive results. Through two games, the Cowboys have failed to score a single offensive touchdown—a stat that has fans and analysts alike calling for immediate changes.

“The run game isn’t the problem—it’s how it’s being used,” said one Cowboys insider. “Deuce Vaughn can’t succeed without better blocking and smarter play-calling. Price’s system hasn’t been effective, and the offense looks lost.”

Vaughn himself acknowledged the team’s struggles but remained optimistic about turning things around. “We haven’t hit our stride yet,” Vaughn said after the Week 2 loss. “I know what I’m capable of, and I believe in this group. We just need to get on the same page.”

Fans Demand Accountability

The frustration among Cowboys fans is growing, and many are now pointing the finger at McCarthy, whose job security is increasingly being called into question. An 0-2 start with no offensive touchdowns is a recipe for disaster, and if the Cowboys can’t get a win in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, calls for McCarthy’s firing may become deafening.

“There’s no excuse for this level of ineptitude,” said a frustrated fan after the Week 2 loss. “McCarthy has had plenty of time, and we’ve only seen things get worse. If we can’t beat the Broncos, it’s time to move on.”

The offensive line’s poor performance has also contributed to the team’s struggles, with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders being sacked nine times through the first two games. Without consistent protection, both Sanders and Vaughn have been put in near-impossible situations.

A Must-Win Game Looms

The pressure is now squarely on McCarthy and Price to figure things out before it’s too late. With Vaughn leading the backfield and Sanders under center, the Cowboys still have potential—but potential alone won’t cut it in the NFL.

The Week 3 matchup against Denver represents a turning point. A loss would not only drop Dallas to 0-3 but could also seal McCarthy’s fate. Fans are already voicing their displeasure, and if the offense fails to deliver again, owner Jerry Jones may have no choice but to make drastic changes.

“There’s too much talent on this roster to be performing like this,” said a Cowboys analyst. “If McCarthy and Price can’t figure it out, then someone else needs to.”

With the season hanging in the balance, the question isn’t just whether Deuce Vaughn is the answer in the backfield—it’s whether this coaching staff is capable of getting any answers at all.