Highlights from the Jets-Cowboys matchup in Week 5 at MetLife Stadium:
Key Matchup
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott vs. Jets DC Steve Wilks
Prescott has returned impressively from a torn hamstring injury that kept him out last season.
He’s completed over 30 passes in each of his last three games, maintaining a completion rate around 70%.
Only three other quarterbacks in Super Bowl history have matched this feat: Drew Brees in 2011, Kirk Cousins in 2018, and Patrick Mahomes in 2023.
Currently, Prescott leads the NFL with 1,119 passing yards and 121 completions.
In contrast, the Jets’ defense has been struggling significantly this season, allowing an average of 30 points per game.
They’ve given up seven passing touchdowns and have yet to secure an interception.
“Our focus is to disrupt his game, and I think our guys understand that. I hope the media notices that too,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said about Prescott.
Four Key Points
Takeaways: The Jets remain without any turnovers this season.
They’re the sole team in the NFL without a takeaway. Will this be the week they turn it around? The Cowboys have had six turnovers — four interceptions and two fumbles lost.
“I wouldn’t say I’m irritated, but…” Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks commented. “The ball was on the ground quite a bit. We need to be there to seize those opportunities.”
On the flip side, the Jets lead the league with six lost fumbles and are at minus seven in turnover differential, which is the worst in the NFL. Coach Glenn even wore boxing gloves this week to emphasize ball security during practice.
Running Game: The Jets didn’t take away much positivity from their recent loss, though their running game showed promise.
They gained 197 rushing yards against Miami and currently rank third in the league for rushing yards per game with 144.5.
They started their last game strong, but a fumble from Braelon Allen (who’s now out due to a knee injury) disrupted their momentum.
With Allen sidelined, the Jets will rely more on Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis. Notably, the Cowboys allowed 164 rushing yards to the Packers last week.
Pennant Day: The Jets faced a rough patch with penalties last week, tallying 13 infractions. Some players felt the calls were unjust, but Glenn emphasized that winning more games could tilt the odds in their favor. The Jets are currently ranked 10th in penalties this season.
“We have to put in the work to earn those calls, and we will,” Glenn stated, indicating a hope for improvement as the season progresses.
Defensive Struggles: The Cowboys’ defense has not performed well this season either. They are nearly at the bottom of the league in terms of yards allowed.
They’ve given up over 300 yards in every game and even over 450 yards twice. Adjusting to new coordinators has been a challenge, especially without star pass rusher Micah Parsons, who was traded in the summer.
Outlook
Both teams are looking for a win and are grappling with their defensive identities. The key factor in this matchup could very well be Dak Prescott, who seems to be in excellent form. It might lead to a chaotic game.
Cowboys 35, Jets 23
