The Dallas Cowboys limp into Week 5 with a 1-2-1 record and the NFL’s worst-ranked defense. They meet the winless New York Jets (0-4, AFC East) on Oct. 5 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., a game set for 1:00 p.m. on FOX.
Pressure is mounting on team owner Jerry Jones, who has not ruled out making in-season moves if the Cowboys remain competitive in the next few weeks. Dallas has allowed 297 passing yards per game – last in the league by a wide margin – and sits 32nd in third-down defense, according to Cowboys StoryLine.
Dak Prescott’s MVP Efforts Have Been Overshadowed
Quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing at what analysts call an MVP level, leading the league with 43 pass attempts per game. NBC Sports writer Charean Williams appeared on “NFL on NBC” on Wednesday and said:
“Dak Prescott gonna be 2024 Joe Burrow,” Williams said. “He’s gonna win Comeback Player of the Year. He’s putting up Great numbers. Nobody’s noticing because the Cowboys haven’t played very well defensively. That 32nd all across the board, 31st in scoring, 32nd yards, 32nd passing yards, 32nd third down defense. They’re just terrible on defense, and they’re so bad on defense.
“No one is noticing what Dak Prescott is doing,” she added. “He’s playing at an MVP level like Joe Burrow was last season.”
Yet his efforts have been overshadowed by a defense stuck in zone coverage nearly 90% of the time, a scheme that has hindered cornerback Trevon Diggs. Diggs, already dealing with a knee issue and recent disciplinary tension, has looked far more comfortable in man-to-man assignments.
Injuries Have Deepened the Cowboys’ Struggles
Offensive linemen T. Booker, T. Guyton, and T. Smith missed practice this week. Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams struck a firm tone when he said:
“Everybody better be ready to play because if you get a jersey on game day there’s a chance you’re going in. You bet you’re expected to play well.”
Prescott emphasized a quick start against the Jets and praised tight end Jake Ferguson, saying after Thursday’s practice:
“When play calls are named after him, you know … we’re on the same page and we’re always communicating.”
Receiver George Pickens has added firepower, showing “he is one of the best receivers in football.” But his rise raises future cap concerns, with analysts predicting the Cowboys may not be able to keep both him and CeeDee Lamb.
Dallas’ injury report listed D. Bland (DB) as a full participant, while Booker (OL), C. Carson (DB), Diggs (DB), Guyton (OL), M. Hooker (DB), M. Kneeland (DL), and Lamb (WR) did not participate.
For the Jets, J. Brownlee (DB) and J. Simpson (OL) were full participants, while B. Allen (RB), M. Carter (DB), J. Johnson (LB), K. Nwangwu (RB), and M. Taylor (TE) were sidelined.
Dak Prescott’s team last beat the Jets 30-10 in Week 2 of the 2023 season. To repeat that success, Dallas must corral Jets playmaker Garrett Wilson and prove its defense can withstand a mobile quarterback. The outcome on Thursday will determine whether Jones makes a decisive move before the trade deadline.
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