The Dallas Cowboys played their first complete game of the season, blowing out the New York Jets in MetLife Stadium, 37-22. The offense stayed hot behind the MVP-level play of quarterback Dak Prescott, and their defense played their best game of the season with five sacks, a forced fumble, and limited their opponents to just six points prior to garbage time.
Playing that well leaves plenty of options they could carry forward into Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers. These are three of the most critical factors for Dallas to continue their outstanding play from the last game.
Play the young, developing talent
The Cowboys hired a staff with multiple college coaches who specialize in developing young players, and it is showing up on the field. As injuries have mounted up, others have stepped in and played well. Ryan Flournoy had a breakout game Sunday with six receptions for 114 yards, 48 coming after the catch, and he was the highest-rated offensive player according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Shemar James had 15 tackles, but PFF had him as the closest defender on 11 pass attempts, and all 11 were caught. His run defense grade was over 70 & his tackle grade is nearly 80. Nate Thomas has played 44 pass blocking snaps and has only given up three pressures and zero sacks. Tyler Guyton is the future at left tackle, but Thomas has better PFF grades, and he could be the future at right tackle. Getting him snaps could quicken his development.
Continue pressuring opposing quarterbacks
The Dallas defense entered Week 5, allowing the most passing yards, passing touchdowns, and yards per pass attempt, along with having the worst third-down defense in the NFL. The biggest issue has been a lack of pass rush, but the team finally made strides in that area against the Jets.
Coming into the game, the Cowboys had five total sacks in four games, but they matched that amount against New York alone. Osa Odighizuwa, Dante Fowler Jr., and Sam Williams all notched their first sacks of the year, and the defensive line must continue that performance to improve the overall defense in the future.
Coaches must keep scheming up great game plans
With four starters on the offensive line out, the team only allowed four pressures, tied for the fewest Prescott has faced in his career. Prescott has not only had to adjust to those offensive line changes, but in two games without superstar receiver CeeDee Lamb, he has thrown for 556 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. His completion percentage was over 70%, and he has even run the ball occasionally, gaining 30 yards and scoring a touchdown. The coaches must continue to make the offense easier with their game plan to avoid being upset by Carolina.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Giving young players reps among 3 trends Cowboys must continue in Week 6 vs Panthers
Reporting by Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
