The Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1) return to action on Sunday afternoon as they travel to MetLife Stadium to take on the New York Jets. (0-4) Before the two teams square off, here are three bold predictions for Sunday’s matchup.
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1) Dallas’ defense records multiple takeaways in a game for the first time this season
To this point of the season, the Cowboys have not done anything right on the defensive side of the ball. That includes generating takeaways, as Dallas has forced just two turnovers as a unit in four games this year. Thankfully for the Cowboys defense, this week they get a favorable matchup against a Jets’ offense that has struggled to protect the football.
New York is tied for the second-most giveaways in the NFL, with seven on the season. Shockingly, the Jets have turned the ball over seven times with their two quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, throwing just one interception combined. Fumbles have been the main reason for New York’s turnover struggle, and Fields has been the main culprit.
In three games, Fields has fumbled three times, two of which have been recovered by the opposing team. This isn’t a one-year issue for the former first-round pick. Since entering the league in 2021, Fields has fumbled 47 times in 53 career games, including leading the league with 16 fumbles back in 2022.
For the first time this season, Dallas’ defense takes advantage of an opposing offense’s major weakness. The Cowboys force Fields into a fumble and an interception, recording multiple takeaways in a game for the first time this year.
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2) Jets’ wide receiver Garret Wilson continues his hot start, recording a game-high 130 receiving yards
The Jets haven’t had much go right during their 0-4 start, but one positive coming out of the first four games has been the performance of wide receiver Garret Wilson. The former first-round pick has continued doing what he has done since being drafted back in 2022, performing at a high level despite continued dysfunction around him on offense.
Wilson is tied for second in the NFL with 27 receptions, and his 311 receiving yards are the sixth most of all wide receivers. The former Ohio State Buckeye also ranks in the top 15 in the NFL in offensive grade (77.8) and receiving grade (78.0), via Pro Football Focus.
With all of Dallas’ issues in the secondary, Wilson has a chance to continue his red-hot start this Sunday. The electric receiver has a field day against Dallas’ struggling defense, recording a game-high 130 receiving yards.
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3) Jaydon Blue and Ryan Flournoy both score their first career touchdown
After a rough two weeks, injuries are starting to pile up for the Cowboys’ offense. This week, there is a real chance that Dallas could be without four offensive starters and a couple of other key contributors.
While the brunt of Dallas’ injuries is on the offensive line, both KaVontae Turpin and Miles Sanders are trending towards being out for this game. If that is the case, two young players, rookie running back Jaydon Blue and second-year wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, will likely see an increased role.
If the Cowboys are going to win this game, they’ll need impactful contributors from their young offensive players who have suddenly been cast into important roles. Blue and Flournoy do just that at MetLife on Sunday, as the duo both score the first NFL touchdown of their respective careers, helping lead Dallas’ offense to a very productive day.
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