https://youtu.be/MS5Ud0Zqw5M?si=BYpqehOtf9d9ijlf
In a recent clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets, several plays went under the radar but had a significant impact on the final score. From Dak Prescott’s scramble to Sauce Gardner’s dropped pick-6, these moments were game-changers. Let’s delve into the plays that might not make the highlight reel but were crucial in shaping the game’s outcome.
By John Adams
Dak’s Game-Starting Scramble
The Cowboys made a questionable decision to start the game by taking the ball after winning the toss. However, Dak Prescott made up for it with a 15-yard scramble to the Jets’ 5-yard line. Three plays later, Jake Ferguson caught Prescott’s first TD pass of the season, giving the Cowboys a 7-0 lead.
Setting the Tone with “Tank”
DeMarcus Lawrence, also known as “Tank,” set the tone for the game right from the first play. He knifed through the line of scrimmage to drop Breece Hall for a 4-yard loss. This play effectively stifled the Jets’ running game, making them one-dimensional for the rest of the match.
The Pick-6 That Never Was
Sauce Gardner had a golden opportunity to turn the tide in favor of the Jets. He stepped in front of a Prescott sideline pass but dropped what would have been a pick-6. The Cowboys capitalized on this mistake, converting a third-down to KaVontae Turpin on the next play and possibly scoring to grab a 17-7 lead.
P.I. Turns the Tide
During a crucial third-and-goal from the 13-yard line, the Jets were flagged for pass interference on Brandin Echols. This penalty put the ball on the 1-yard line, where Prescott threw a touchdown to tight end Luke Schoonmaker. This was followed by a successful two-point conversion, extending the Cowboys’ lead to 18-7.
While highlight reels often focus on the flashy plays, it’s the under-the-radar moments that can be just as decisive. From Dak’s scramble to Sauce Gardner’s dropped pick-6, these plays had a significant impact on the final score of the Cowboys-Jets game on September 17, 2023. It’s a reminder that every play counts, and sometimes it’s the plays you don’t see that make all the difference.