By: Anthony Miller
For the second straight week, the Dallas Cowboys pick up an easy win against a New York team as they beat the Jets 30-10.
Dallas got off to a fast start with a 12-play opening drive ending in a Dak Prescott-Jake Ferguson touchdown pass to put them up 7-0. The Cowboys defense allowed 20 total yards from the Jets forcing two points in the process.
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey scored the first points of the second quarter with a 35-yard field goal to put Dallas up 10-0. Just two minutes after that, the Jets struck with a 68-yard touchdown pass from Zach Wilson to Garrett Wilson to make it 10-7.
On the very next offensive drive, Dallas responded with a 13-play drive ending with another tight end, rookie Luke Schoonmaker, catching his first pass and touchdown from one yard out. Tony Pollard ran it in for two points to make it 18-7 Dallas.
New York wasted no time responding with an 11-play driving lasting under two minutes ending with a field goal. The Cowboys went into half time with an 18-10 lead.
Dallas’ defense was the story in the second half as the Jets scored zero points in the half. New York only punted twice, but their other four drives ending in turnovers. Dalvin Cook fumbled on their second drive of the half. The other turnovers were the last three drives of the game as Wilson threw three interceptions to close the game out.
As for the Cowboys’ offense, they scored on their first four possessions of the half. The unfortunate part was it was all Aubrey field goals putting them up 30-10 by the fourth quarter. That was enough though to give Dallas the 20-point win.
The win moves Dallas to 2-0 on the season. They are now in a three way tie with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders for first in the NFC East.
Biggest Takeaways From 30-10 Dallas Cowboys Win
Offense Improves With Much to be Desired
Starting with Prescott, it was a much better week for him as he completed about 82 percent of his 38 passes for 255 yards and two scores. He was smart with the football and didn’t force many passes into bad spots. Prescott for a second straight week did exactly what head coach Mike McCarthy needed him to do.
Pollard once again ran for over 70 yards hitting 72 yards and a two-point conversion. He added 37 receiving yards on seven catches. Dallas is also getting consistency from Pollard as he is pacing for over 1,200 yards rushing and should continue to be a difference maker in the secondary.
The receiving core did not have Brandin Cooks as he was out with injury. CeeDee Lamb stepped up with 11 catches for 143 yards in the win. What helped Lamb was big plays in the passing game and is slowly proving he is crafting into a top receiver in the NFL.
Only one sack allowed and 134 rushing yards blocked for by the offensive line for Dallas. It’s another week of solid blocking and good protection from the line.
The play calling seems to be smoother by McCarthy with just under 400 yards of total offense. Their second half was disappointing to not get into the end zone though which isn’t a major concern. It may be a problem in closer games, but it didn’t hurt them in this game.
Dallas’ Defense Continues Elite Performance
The New York Jets offense was lackluster especially in the second half as they only gained 68 total yards in the third and fourth quarter combined. They finished with 215 total yards, four turnovers, and three sacks allowed.
Micah Parsons is becoming a clear cut Defensive Player of the Year candidate after this performance. His stat line was insane with four tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterbacks hits, and one pass deflection. The Jets had no answer for his speed and quickness pressuring Wilson. It was one of his top performances of his career.
The secondary was fed well with Jayron Kearse, Trevon Diggs, and Malik Hooker all recording interceptions in the win. They were shutdown all game long allowing just 12 completions out of 27 attempts. While the pass rush helped them, the secondary held their own.
Brandon Aubrey Finally Brings Stability to Kicker Position
Dallas Cowboy fans can finally sit back and not stress about field goals as it appears they found their kicker.
Brandon Aubrey nailed all five of his field goals in the game with four of them coming in the second half. What made fans happy with him converting on a 55-yard field goal which is his longest of the season.
The former USFL kicker has come a long way from booming kicks in Birmingham to scoring more points individually (16) than the whole New York Jets team (ten).
Closing Remarks
While Dallas would have hoped for more touchdowns in the second half, fans can be happy to see four turnovers and ten total points in the game. McCarthy has this team rolling into week 3 as they will face the 0-2 Arizona Cardinals.
Featured Image via X (@dallascowboys)