The New York Jets create an interesting matchup for the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Their 0-4 record suggests they are one of the worst teams in the league, however, three of their four losses of come by less than a touchdown and two are by a field goal or less. The Jets are a team who are talented enough to get the Cowboys all they can handle, quite possibly handing them another loss on the season.
There’s certain matchups this week that could sway the game in the Cowboys favor if handled properly or in the Jets favor if not. Today, we’re going to share a few of these key matchups we believe could alter the outcome of the game one way or another.
WR George Pickens vs. CB Sauce Gardner
With CeeDee Lamb sideline with a high ankle sprain, George Pickens stepped up in a big way last week against the Green Bay Packers, hauling in eight of 11 targets for 134 receiving yards and two touchdowns. You can bet good money the New York Jets have taken note of Pickens’ performance and will try to do their best to neutralize his impact on this Week 5 matchup. That could mean shadowing him with their best CB, Sauce Gardner. Gardner is one of the better cover men in the league and if the shadows Pickens it could limit his production this week and negatively impact Dallas’ entire passing game. That of course assumes Gardner gets the better of Pickens.
Cowboys’ defense vs. QB Justin Fields
Justin Fields could be a problem for the Dallas Cowboys defense if not contained. His ability to hurt them both through the air and on the ground is something they’ve struggled with both this season and in the past. Fields currently has a total of 178 rushing yards through four games with just three starts and is ranked second among QBs behind Jalen Hurts. Neutralizing him could be the key to the entire game considering Dallas’ historically bad defense. They’re currently ranked 31st in the league in total defense and 32nd against the pass, allowing nearly 300 yards per game (297.3). However this matchup plays out will likely impact the game one way or another.
Cowboys’ backup OL vs. DT Quinnen Williams
Brock Hoffman has been filling in admirably for Cooper Beebe the last couple of weeks while he’s sidelined with a high ankle sprain and T.J. Bass filled in nicely as well for Tyler Booker last week against the Packers. But, neither have faced a interior defensive lineman as talented as Quinnen Williams in this Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets. Williams is one of the premier players at his position in the league, especially against the run, and has the ability to alter the game all on his own. The Cowboys will need both Hoffman and Bass at their best to keep Williams at bay, otherwise it could negatively impact their game plan for both the running and passing game.
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