The Dallas Cowboys got back in the win column Sunday afternoon, taking down the Jets 37-22. After a slow start, Dallas' offense got going, and the defense surprisingly had a breakthrough game. Despite a mountain of injuries on both sides of the ball, several of the team's backups performed well.
Taking care of a bad team was what the Cowboys were expected to do. However, with injuries everywhere, many were unsure how the backups would do, given that some of them saw the field for the first time this season.
With that in mind, let's underline three players who are seeing their stock rise in a big way after the win.
3 Cowboys whose stock is rising after dominant Jets win
1. Ryan Flournoy
Last week, it was Jalen Tolbert stepping up as WR2. This week, it was Ryan Flournoy. A sixth-round pick out of Southeastern Missouri State last year , Flournoy had a breakout game against New York. The Cowboys hoped they found another late-round pick diamond in Flourno, and Sunday proved he can play a big role in the passing game.
Flournoy actually led the team in receiving for the game with 114 yards on six catches. He might not have found the end zone, but he provided a huge boost to the offense on several scoring drives.
On Dallas' first drive, they faced a third and five after the Jets easily drove down the field and kicked a field goal. Dak Prescott found Flournoy on a slant route, and he picked up the first down, along with racking up plenty of YAC to get the team into field goal range
After that play, it seemed like the offense finally woke up. The drive might have just led to a field goal, but based on how shaky this team looked coming into this game, it was much-needed to get the confidence juices flowing.
Flournoy was not done. He had another long catch towards the end of the first half when Prescott hit him deep after he got separation. That play led to a Javonte Williams touchdown run a few plays later. It was his longest catch of the day and the play that arguably swung all the momentum in Dallas' favor.
Flournoy needed to make the most of his opportunity with CeeDee Lamb and Kavonte Turpin out, and that is just what happened. George Pickens had another solid game, but Flournoy walked away from this game as the receiver everyone is talking about. With Lamb potentially still out for the Panthers game, this offense should keep looking at Flournoy for more production.
2. James Houston
A team does not simply replace Micah Parsons. The good news is the Cowboys might have found a solid "Plan B" in James Houston. A journeyman who spent his first few years with the Lions and Browns, Houston has been the team's best pass rusher in the first quarter of the season.
After a game-changing strip-sack last week against Green Bay, Houston built on his performance Sunday with 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits. His solo sack helped stop a Jets drive. For a defense that has struggled to say the least, those plays are much-needed.
Houston spearheaded an effort by the defensive line that saw this unit come away with five sacks. They only had five for the whole year before Sunday. Sam Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark, and Dante Fowler all chipped in, but Houston has emerged as the best edge rusher so far this year.
The Jets game might turn out to be the "get right game" that helps this defense turn the corner. That side of the ball is on their third defensive coordinator in three years. It takes a few games for the players to get used to the system, especially for those who have been with the team for many years. It bodes extremely well that Matt Ebeflus has a new emerging pass rusher in Houston.
3. Hakeem Adeniji
Hakeem Adeniji looked far from being capable of filling in based on his performance in the preseason. Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford was a different story. While the whole offensive line deserves kudos, Adeniji replacing the All-Pro Tyler Smith is big shoes to fill.
Prescott was never sacked in the pocket. This would not be worth mentioning had the offensive line been healthy, but they were far from it. Four of the five starters on the line Sunday were backups. Not only that, but every starter was either undrafted or a day three draft pick. Out of all the starters, Adeniji actually brought some of the most experience.
Adeniji has been in the league since 2020, but he has bounced around four different teams in five years. The Cowboys brought him in for experienced depth on the line, and Sunday, he showed his worth. The Jets game was his first start since 2022, when he was a Bengal.
Dallas racked up 180 total yards rushing, while Prescott added 237 through the air. Even going against a winless Jets team, hardly anyone would have expected the offensive line, including Adeniji, to play that well. Tyler Smith might be back for the Carolina game, but the coaching staff should have confidence in Adeniji to start at guard again if needed.