ARLINGTON, Texas – Despite facing some challenges, the Cowboys once again emerged triumphant in a lopsided victory against a New York team.
The Cowboys relied on their aggressive defense and the offense executed enough plays to maintain their lead.
Highlighted below are some noteworthy plays that contributed to the final score.
Dak’s Game-Changing Scramble – The Cowboys took a risky decision to start the game by choosing to receive after winning the toss. To counterbalance this, they needed to score a touchdown. Facing a third-and-6 from the Jets’ 20-yard line, Dak Prescott made an exceptional 15-yard scramble to reach the Jets’ 5-yard line. Three plays later, Jake Ferguson caught Prescott’s first season touchdown pass, giving the Cowboys a 7-0 lead.
Halting the “Tank”– The Cowboys aimed to establish their dominance by impeding the Jets’ running game from the first play. DeMarcus Lawrence swiftly tackled Breece Hall for a 4-yard loss, successfully preventing the Jets from establishing any ground game throughout the match.
Missed Pick-Six Opportunity – As the Jets aimed to seize momentum after a long touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner nearly intercepted a sideline pass from Prescott. If successfully caught, it would have been a sure pick-six to take the lead. However, Gardner dropped the ball, giving the Cowboys an opportunity to convert a third down on the next play thanks to KaVontae Turpin. Eventually, the Cowboys capitalized on this chance, scoring and increasing their lead to 17-7.
Crucial Pass Interference Call – During the same scoring drive, when facing a third-and-goal from the 13-yard line, it seemed like the Cowboys would settle for a field goal attempt. However, a pass interference penalty on Brandin Echols gifted the Cowboys a first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Prescott took advantage of the situation and threw a touchdown pass to tight end Luke Schoonmaker. This was followed by a successful two-point conversion, significantly boosting the Cowboys’ lead from 13-7 to 18-7.
Domination at the Start of the Second Half – The Jets faced a repeat of defensive pressure at the beginning of the second half. Micah Parsons forced Zach Wilson into an unsuccessful throw for no gain on the first play, and Breece Hall was stuffed for a 2-yard loss on the second play. This unfavorable start set the Jets back, eventually leading to a punt, advantageous field position for Dallas, and another field goal.
Impressive Milestone for Rookie Kicker – Brandon Aubrey’s successful 55-yard field goal in the third quarter not only showcased his skill as a rookie kicker but also altered the dynamics of the game. Coach Mike McCarthy could have taken a more conservative approach on the Jets’ 38-yard line and punted the ball, as his team was already leading 21-10. However, by taking the risk of attempting a long field goal, a potential missed kick could have given the Jets excellent field position at their own 45-yard line, igniting their chance for a comeback. Yet, Aubrey confidently nailed the kick, boosting his own confidence and instilling trust in him within the team. Additionally, it secured the Cowboys a commanding 14-point lead.
