The disappointment is still fresh from the Dallas Cowboys unfortunate 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions Thursday night in Week 14. It’s much easier to dwell on all the negative than it is the positive, but sometimes it’s better to look on the brighter side of things. That is where wide receiver Ryan Flournoy comes into play.
Flournoy stepped up in a big way after CeeDee Lamb was forced to exit the game early due to a concussion. With Lamb out of the picture and George Pickens receiving extra attention from the Lions in pass coverage, Flournoy suddenly became Dak Prescott’s go-to receiver in the passing game.
Flournoy ended up finishing the game with nine catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, a career-best for him. This was his second 100+ receiving yards game of the season, unfortunately this time it came on a losing effort. Despite that, he’s proven to be a reliable weapon in the passing game when called upon.
To see the offensive role Flournoy has carved out with the Cowboys this season is a testament to the work he has put in. Dallas’ former 2024 sixth-round draft pick looks to be another late-round gem the organization has hit on. And the unconventional winding path he’s taken to get to this point is impressive in itself.
By the way of Central Missouri, Iowa Western Community College, and Southeast Missouri State, Flournoy not only turned himself into a draftable player, but has now developed to the point he is an integral part of the Cowboys offense. The second-year pro’s development has been impressive to say the least.
No. 19 has gone from a roster cut to start the season this year and has since leapfrogged all of his competitors to the point he’s now probably third on the depth chart behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. As impressive as that is though, the trust he’s developed with this QB and coaching staff is even more so.
There has been absolutely zero hesitancy by the coaching staff or Dak Prescott to look Flournoy’s way in any given situation this year when the need arises. He’s made some clutch plays already this season and should continue to do so with the attention Lamb and Pickens command on any given play.
While his stats this year aren’t all that impressive, 29 receptions for 349 receiving yards and three touchdowns, it’s still a comfort to know he has the ability to step up when/if needed. That has already come in handy this season when Lamb was injured and could be so again with him currently in concussion protocol.
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