Jets Grounded by Parsons-led Cowboys, 30-10
Six days after their emotional season-opening victory, the New York Jets were dominated across the board by the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The host Cowboys more than doubled up the Jets in both total first downs (26 to 12) and time of possession (42:15 to 17:45). While playing turnover-free football on offense, Dallas saw its defense come up with four takeaways in the 30-10 triumph.
Starting in place on the injured Aaron Rodgers, Jets' quarterback Zach Wilson fell victim to a potent Dallas pass rush and a trio of interceptions. Wilson, who didn't receive much support, finished 12-of-27 passing for 170 yards and one touchdown. He added 36 rush yards on five attempts.
Dallas edge rusher Micah Parsons sacked Wilson twice and registered four quarterback hits. The two-time All-Pro also stripped Jets' running back Dalvin Cook in the second half and subsequently recovered the ball.
"Up until we had to force it, I thought he did a really nice job. He hit that strike route to Garrett [Wilson] for that big touchdown," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on the signal caller's performance.
Garrett Wilson's 68-yard touchdown on a slant pass was the lone memorable offensive highlight for Gang Green.
"From the outside looking in, it's easy to blame the quarterback and honestly that's the world we live in," said the second-year receiver, who was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. "Zach went out there and gave it his all today. We gotta make it easier on him. We gotta paint better pictures for him. We gotta hold up in protection better for him. We gotta get open more."
The Jets appear to have dodged a bullet when it comes to their WR1. Wilson went to the locker room with 3:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, but he only "had the wind knocked out of him" according to Saleh.
"Real quick, injury-wise, Tony Adams is dealing with a hamstring. [Slot cornerback] Michael Carter could have come back in, but we held him out, and Quincy’s [Williams] being evaluated for a knee [injury]," said Saleh.
Meanwhile, Wilson, the quarterback, was the Jets' leading ball carrier in Week 2 as the run game never really had an opportunity to get into gear. Running backs Breece Hall and Cook totaled 16 rush yards on eight combined carries.
As for the Cowboys' offense, quarterback Dak Prescott was highly efficient, completing 81.6 percent of passes and hitting nine different receivers over the course of the game. Receiver CeeDee Lamb had an impressive day against the Jets' highly-touted secondary. Lamb caught 11 of 13 targets for 143 yards.
JETS' INACTIVES: RB Israel Abanikanda, LB Zaire Barnes, CB Bryce Hall, DE Will McDonald, OL Max Mitchell, K Greg Zuerlein
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