The boys are back in town as the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets face off on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys have set the bar high for themselves after their Week 1 performance against the Giants. What are some key stats to watch out for during Sunday’s game?
Here are some of the biggest stats to watch out for on Sunday, courtesy of Inside Edge.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets Game Preview
The Cowboys lead the Jets in their all-time series history 7-5. But it’s all gas, no brakes for Dallas going into Week 2.
With an offense under a rain plan last week, we’ve still yet to see what a full-speed offense looks like with head coach Mike McCarthy calling the plays. From what we did see, the offense is playing tempo, and Dak Prescott is releasing the ball quickly.
In fact, he was releasing the ball in 2.11 seconds in Week 1, the quickest in his career so far.
The star of the show for the Cowboys in Week 1 was the dominant defense. The pass rush forces quarterbacks to release the ball quickly, which creates sack opportunities when they can’t. But Dallas’ secondary is also impactful, especially with Trevon Diggs’ production.
Cowboys-Jets Stats From Inside Edge
- The Jets have run successful plays on just 20.3% of pass attempts when their QB was under pressure since the 2022 season — fifth worst in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have pressured opposing quarterbacks on 28.5% of passing plays since 2022 — second best in the league.
Analysis: Pass rush is one thing teams will actively try to avoid all season when facing the Cowboys’ defense. Zach Wilson will be forced to release the ball quickly. The Jets’ offensive line will also need a cleaner game than they did in Week 1 to avoid a muli-sack game.
- Prescott has a 44.4 passer rating when under pressure since 2022 — eighth worst of qualified quarterbacks.
- The Jets have pressured opposing QBs on 26.8% of passing plays since the 2022 season — third best in the NFL.
Analysis: There’s no doubt that the Jets’ defensive line is still stacked with guys like Quinton Jefferson and Quinnen Williams, making them a solid threat against Dallas’ offense.
However, Prescott’s ball release time was quick in Week 1, which gives hope against good lines like New York’s. He’ll need to replicate it this week to avoid their pressure.
MORE: Does Cowboys’ Game Plan Change for Micah Parsons Without Aaron Rodgers Playing on Sunday?
Prescott contributed his ball release to the Cowboys’ “Texas Coast” offense and the play style they will now play under, with McCarthy calling the plays. He credited the receivers for understanding the playbook and how well they communicate.
- The Jets have scored just 3.8 points per red-zone drive since 2022 (second worst in the NFL).
- The Cowboys have allowed just 3.9 points per red-zone drive since 2022 (third best).
Analysis: Dallas’ defense must keep New York’s offense behind the sticks throughout the game, especially in the red zone.
With the run defense being a point of attack to the Cowboys’ defense, shutting down the run during the game will avoid rushing touchdown attempts in the end zone, forcing Wilson to pass more.
Dallas’ secondary is stacked with Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, and Daron Bland, so the Jets’ receivers must be quick and aggressive to catch passes.
- Prescott has just 1.5 TDs per interception since 2022 — tied for ninth worst of qualified QBs.
- The Jets have allowed just 1.1 TDs per interception (16/15) to QBs since the 2022 season — third best in the league.
Analysis: The talk of Prescott’s interceptions should be a thing of the past under the new Texas Coast offense. It allows Dallas to play quickly off the ball while keeping things simple. Following last week’s rout, the Cowboys have yet to show their hand at what the passing game actually looks like.
- The Jets are 2-7 (.222) when throwing at least one interception since the 2022 season — eighth-worst in the NFL.
- The Cowboys have intercepted 18 passes since 2022, which is tied for fourth most in that time.
Analysis: Dallas’ defense had two interceptions against the Giants last week. And with a powerful pass rush from Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and a secure secondary, this will threaten any opposing quarterback.
Wilson had one interception against Buffalo, but with the pressure the Cowboys’ defense can put on quarterbacks early on, the passing game will be challenging, thus leaving New York to rely heavily on the run game.