N.Y. Jets: Gang Spleen Finally Takes Flight

From the desk of: WALT MICHAELS' REVENGE

Cowboys  22

Jets           24

FINAL

Sam, I am, and despite my ponderous mononucleosis I am the man..!

Darnold leads the Jets to their first victory of the season with a heart matching the size of his swollen spleen.  He doesn't just beat the Dallas Cowboys, he befuddles them, eluding the rush and completing rather miraculous passes.  Darnold finds Jamison Crowder and Robby Anderson eleven times for 233 yards and a 92-yard touchdown play.  He connects with Ryan Griffin for another.  In all he targets six different receivers not named Le'Veon Bell.  Sure he threw an INT, but who cares!  Sam completes 23/32 (72%) attempts for 338 yards in his first game back.  He even makes the offensive line look good.  Behind them, Bell rushes 14 times for just 50 yards.  But Sam is only sacked twice (by Robert Quinn), and sustains just two other hits.  The extra time allows Sam to generate almost as much total yardage as Dallas in 21 fewer plays from scrimmage.

• PROBLEM: Just 56 yards on the ground, and 2/12 on third down conversions.
• QUESTION: Why isn't Bilal Powell being utilized more?

Much to my surprise coach Gregg Williams undermanned defense turns back the NFL's top offense.  They generate just one sack, but get in eight QB hits.  They yield 105 yards on 28 rushes by Ezekiel Elliott.  But with Amari Cooper hurt, the Jets coverage is blanket.  Tavon Austin leads all Dallas receivers with five receptions and 64 yards.  Dak Prescott throws no touchdowns.  And of course, there is Gang Green's decisive goal line stand.

It's not often teams get to defeat the Cowboys on Jerry Jones' birthday.

A job well done ...

Next Up: the New England Patriots.