Despite missing CeeDee Lamb and every offensive line starter but Terence Steele, the Cowboys’ offense kept rolling and delivered a win against the New York Jets. The feel-good victory puts Dallas at .500
after five weeks, but there are still some big questions facing the team ahead of their next opponent, the Carolina Panthers, and the rest of the 2025 season.
1. Where did that pass rush come from?
One of the NFL’s worst pass-rushing defenses suddenly came to life in New York. Five total sacks, plus numerous other pressures and QB hits, held the Jets to just six points going into the fourth quarter. Dante Fowler finally looked like himself again, James Houston continued building his résumé, and even the DTs got into the mix. While soft defense at the end allowed for some garbage time points and stats, it was easily the best they’ve performed all season.
Pass protection had been an issue for the Jets’ offensive line before Sunday, so the opponent helped our guys to shine. But the same could be said for the Bears before Week 3, and yet Dallas could barely breathe on Caleb Williams. So we do have to give some credit to Matt Eberflus and his players for maybe figuring some things out further into the season.
Now, is it sustainable? As long as the Cowboys’ offense keeps producing at its league-leading pace, it will give our pass rushers more and more opportunities. Bryce Young has already been sacked nine times in Carolina’s first five games, so a regression for Dallas would make the Jets game feel more like an anomaly than a stepping stone.
2. Should we be worried about Jaydon Blue?
Given the season that Javonte Williams is having, and even the good moments from Miles Sanders before his injury, we were rightfully excited for the rookie’s debut. But Blue was nearly in the red with his four touches, getting six yards on one carry but only totaling seven for the day. His best moment on offense was a solid blitz pickup, and he threw in a 32-yard kickoff return. But no, the lightning he was supposed to bring to the mix never flashed.
Of course, it was just Blue’s first game and he didn’t get many opportunities. But given the reported practice issues that kept him out of action before Week 5, not showing up in games is only going to make the coaches that much more critical of him. Maybe finally tasting how much harder the pro game is will fuel Blue’s efforts during the week. But if he doesn’t do more before Sanders’ ankle heals, Blue may find himself in street clothes again soon.
3. How big of a steal is Jake Ferguson now?
After five weeks, Ferguson is leading all NFL tight ends with 41 receptions. In fact, he’s ahead of every WR but the Rams’ Puka Nacua as well. Ferguson is also fourth among TEs in yards and tied for second in touchdowns. Even when Lamb returns, his production rate makes him highly likely for a second Pro Bowl trip.
While Ferguson did get a big contract extension in the offseason, he’s well behind his peers in total compensation. His new deal averages $12.5 million annually, while George Kittle and Trey McBride are on top at $19 million per year. The Cowboys bought low on Ferguson after the down performance in 2024, banking on his return to form after injury issues, both his own and at quarterback. This is a time that the strategy appears to have paid off handsomely.
