Dallas Cowboys: 4 costly plays in the loss to the Jets

In order to make sense out of one of the most embarrassing losses in the Jason Garrett era, here are four plays that cost the Dallas Cowboys a road win.

The Dallas Cowboys losing to a winless New York Jets team Sunday certainly qualifies as the biggest upset so far in 2019. Even though Dallas came into the game without either starting offensive tackle or their slot receiver, they still were and are the more talented team.

Despite losing their star wide receiver early in the first half, they still were and are the more talented team. Give the New York Jets all the credit in the world. They played inspired football, thanks in large part to the return of starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

Make no mistake though, this game was lost by the Dallas Cowboys. The loss is almost squarely on the coaching staff for a lack of preparedness and yet another head-scratching game plan. Games are never lost on just one play. Multiple things happen throughout a game that causes the tide to turn.

For the Dallas Cowboys, here are four plays that cost them a victory Sunday afternoon in New York …

Play One: 4:32 left in the first quarter, New York Jets ball, 3rd & G from the 7-yard line.

The Cowboys lock everything down, setting in motion a Darnold scramble. Both linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch are in a position to shut down the play, getting the Cowboys off the field.

As Darnold goes to give himself up, however, inexplicably defensive tackle Maliek Collins grabs Darnold from behind, inside his pads and earning himself a penalty for a horse-collar tackle.

Instead of a field goal attempt, the Jets get first and goal from the two-yard line. Three plays later, the Jets lead 7-0 instead of 3-0.