Weak Link? Where Can Cowboys Exploit Jets?

The Dallas Cowboys may look to attack the least experienced starter of the New York Jets' defense, safety Tony Adams, on Sunday.

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to handle the visiting New York Jets with ease on Sunday - at least according to oddsmakers who have the home team favored by nine points - but that doesn’t mean there won’t be hiccups.

New York’s highly-touted defense is stocked with talent and poses the biggest threat to a Dallas offense that is yet to experience its first true test of the season. With arguably the league’s deepest pass rush, continuity at linebacker, and three quality cornerbacks, the Jets will look to win the turnover battle.

Forcing a good quarterback to make mistakes was their path to victory on Monday night. The Cowboys and quarterback Dak Presoctt will prioritize protecting the football in Week 2.

“The priority to protect is No. 1,” McCarthy said. “We just played in a game where the turnover ratio was probably going to directly, clearly affect the outcome of the game.”

Dallas may be conservative on Sunday, but there are still ways to attack this Jets’ defense. One of which is by focusing on safety Tony Adams. The second-year defensive back earned a starting role out of training camp, where he had a legitimately impressive summer.

However, Adams was the weakest link of New York’s defense in its 22-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. He was targeted once for a 15-yard catch, but routinely looked out of place against the run.

Adams took several unfavorable angles coming downhill, allowing the Buffalo Bills to steal extra yards the Jets could not afford to give up. For the Cowboys, getting running back Tony Pollard to the second level, whether it be through the ground or air, could put him in one-on-one situations with a crashing Adams. From there, the elusive Pollard can take advantage.

Further, Adams’ lack of experience could show up downfield. The Jets’ safety play is questionable, though Jordan Whitehead exploded for three interceptions last week. Assuming an out-of-body experience like Whitehead’s doesn’t return, the back-end isn’t infallible.

The Cowboys will likely attempt to put Adams in unfavorable positions downfield, too. He’s the most likely to falter in complicated coverages and, frankly, these cornerbacks are too good to regularly threaten.

New York’s blueprint with quarterback Zach Wilson under center is simple, but limited: don’t turn the ball over and let the defense win the game. It will be up to Dallas to make sure a strong defense doesn’t stunt their chance at 2-0.