EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Cowboys earned three of their longest plays from scrimmage this season, they recorded more sacks than we’ve seen all year, and they had several key turnovers.
But all games have those handful of plays that are easily forgotten but likely played a small part in the overall outcome. Let’s look at five from Sunday’s game that made a difference:
Jets accept penalty, Thomas TFL – On the Jets’ opening possession, Justin Fields had a 5-yard run to the 1 on second-and-goal, and the Cowboys were flagged for offsides. But instead of declining the penalty and having third-and-goal from the 1, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn accepted the penalty, and the half-the-distance enforcement went to the 3 for second down. On the next play, Solomon Thomas made a tackle for loss, and then Dante Fowler deflected a pass on third down to force a field goal. Had they declined the penalty, it’s likely the Jets run from the 1 on third down and probably fourth down as well if needed.
Luepke third down – The Cowboys had a few big conversions on the 90-yard scoring drive that started in the first quarter and was completed early in the second. But aside from a slant pickup on a George Pickens catch, the biggest play was a dump-off pass in the flat to fullback Hunter Luepke on third-and-10. Luepke was able to bulldoze his way for exactly 10 yards to move the chains. The Cowboys finished off the drive with a touchdown and a 10-3 lead.
Liufau forced fumble – This probably isn’t a play that is forgotten, but let’s include it because it absolutely changed the entire game. The Jets are down 10-3 and driving inside the 20-yard line late in the second quarter. Breece Hall broke off yet another big run, but this time linebacker Marist Liufau rocked him at the end of the play, jarring the ball loose. Sam Williams recovered the fumble at the 10, giving the Cowboys the ball. Who would’ve thought they still had two touchdowns left in them, but that probably doesn’t happen if the Jets keep the ball and score either a touchdown or field goal. Without the fumble, it’s conceivable this game is 10-10 at the half instead of 23-3.