EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Dallas Cowboys’ 37-22 victory over the New York Jets was far more decisive than the final score suggests, but the true story of the game lies in how they achieved it. On a warm, clear Sunday at MetLife Stadium, an injury-ravaged Cowboys team delivered a performance that could send a message across the NFC East.
Despite missing key starters, the Dallas offense, which had already scored 40 points in two of its previous three contests, overwhelmed the Jets. The Cowboys amassed 416 total yards and five touchdowns against a defense that had previously allowed an average of just three per game.
Quarterback Dak Prescott was exceptional, throwing four touchdown passes to elevate his season QB rating to 101.1. Running back Javonte Williams anchored the ground game, rushing for 135 of the team’s 180 yards and scoring both a rushing and a receiving touchdown.
The receiving corps also saw new faces step up in the absence of CeeDee Lamb and Kavontae Turpin. Second-year receiver Ryan Flournoy, in his first start of the season, recorded four catches for 114 yards, including a 46-yard reception that set up a touchdown. George Pickens added a 43-yard touchdown catch against cornerback Sauce Gardner, while tight end Jake Ferguson caught two touchdowns, bringing his total to three in the last two games.
This offensive dominance was achieved behind a makeshift offensive line featuring four backups. With only right tackle Terence Steel remaining from the usual starting five, Dallas lined up with Nate Thomas at left tackle, Hakeem Adeniji at left guard, Brock Hoffman at center, and J. Bass at right guard.
“That is a testament to those players,” said Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who called the situation “unique.” “Next man up mentality.”
The rebuilt line was remarkably effective, allowing just one sack for zero yards and only three quarterback hits. Their protection gave Prescott ample time, including four seconds on the touchdown pass to Pickens and three seconds on the deep ball to Flournoy. Their run-blocking was equally impressive, paving the way for a 66-yard run by Williams that set up a score just before halftime.
With this performance, the Cowboys have now rushed for over 100 yards in five consecutive games, a streak not seen since 2016.
“It’s the time you spend throughout the year,” Prescott said of the backup linemen. He shared that he motivated them by recounting his own story of becoming a starter due to injuries. “Just go out there and trust it, just let it go. I had confidence in those guys.”
Prescott later revealed that Thomas, playing in his first NFL start, approached him after the game and said, “I can do better.”
The victory moves the Cowboys to 2-2-1, keeping them squarely in contention in the division behind the 4-1 Philadelphia Eagles and 3-2 Washington Commanders. The offense is now averaging 30.2 points per game, demonstrating it can win high-scoring affairs.
As Prescott left the field, he was met with “MVP!” chants from a cluster of Cowboys fans.
“I mean, my ears work,” he said with a smile. “I heard it but didn’t hear it… I’m the beneficiary of all those guys in the locker room.”
