Dallas Cowboys (2-0) – New York Jets (1-1): 30 – 10
6:47 left in the third quarter, the Cowboys lead 21-10 but the Jets have the ball. On a run, Micah Parsons (2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovered, 1 pass defended) snatches the ball from Dalvin Cook with one hand and goes for a touchdown. The latter was finally canceled due to contact while he was on the ground, and the Cowboys only scored a field goal on the possession (10-23). But the action illustrates the domination of the Dallas defensive line, led by Parsons, during this match.
In these conditions and with his limitations, Zach Wilson (12/27, 170 yards, 1 TD, 3 Ints) completely drowned. Opposite, well protected by his line, Dak Prescott (31/38, 255 yards, 2 TDs) did the job quietly in attack, for an easy victory for the locals.
One action and nothing more for New York
The Jets could not win with such offensive difficulties. In truth, nothing worked for New York except one action: during the second quarter Zach Wilson found his namesake Garrett Wilson in the middle of the field. Last year’s offensive rookie took care of the rest for a 68-yard touchdown.
In defense, Robert Saleh’s players were combative: despite a touchdown from Jake Ferguson conceded from the start, they managed to force two punts in the first half as well as hold a field goal despite the opposing presence in the red zone , before conceding a second touchdown from rookie Luke Schoomaker just before the break (18-10).
Zach Wilson, until when?
The Jets’ defensive resilience became almost heroic in the second half as the offense flowed. With three interceptions, 1 fumble and two punts, New York’s offensive squad did nothing. Opposite, Dallas had free rein to carry out its long drives, with 42 minutes of possession at 18.
If the outcome of the match was rarely in doubt, Robert Saleh’s men will be credited with having held their opponents to three field goals after the break, also due to a lack of imagination on the part of the locals who were very happy to win inexpensively.
Dak Prescott, without forcing, was able to distribute to everyone with big games from Ceedee Lamb (11 receptions, 143 yards) and Tony Pollard (37 yards receiving, 72 rushing). We feel this Cowboys team is solid and balanced. For the Jets, grieving a season with Aaron Rodgers may be difficult, and Zach Wilson hasn’t changed.
