Full of surprises. That’s the only way to sum up the Dallas Cowboys‘ 37-22 win over the New York Jets. Surprisingly, Dallas finally snapped out of the haze after last week’s confusing tie that left them sitting at 1-2-1. Surprise because their defense, which had been inconsistent to start the season, delivered its best performance yet. And maybe most surprising of all, the passing game didn’t skip a beat despite missing CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin. The credit?

That goes to second-year receiver Ryan Flournoy, who stepped in and gave Dak Prescott exactly the boost he needed. And right after the game, the quarterback addressed Flournoy’s strong outing on Sunday.

“You know, going back to those Atlanta trips and just those offseason times, just spending time together and getting to know somebody, that guy has got what an old coach used to say: sh-t in his neck,” Prescott said. “He wants to be great. Every opportunity and responsibility, he wants to make the most of it, and I think tonight was just an example of just that — of him getting that opportunity and making every play that came his way.” Well, the luck is: No. 19 has had a history in Dallas.

Back in 2019, it was Amari Cooper. Fast forward to now, and it’s Ryan Flournoy. The second-year wideout hauled in six catches for 114 yards (104 of those coming in the first half alone), in what was easily the best game of his young career. The signature moment? A 46-yard strike down the right sideline on a free play during Dallas’ fourth offensive drive.

Flournoy entered Week 5 after injuries sidelined both Lamb and Turpin. While Lamb went down with an ankle injury in the Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears, Turpin suffered a foot injury in the Cowboys’ Week 4 tie against the Green Bay Packers. The signs, ahead of Week 5, were clear: Dallas’ receiving corps was marred with injuries. And Ryan Flournoy stepped in when Dallas needed it the most.

Ryan Flournoy waited for his turn patiently

A former sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Ryan Flournoy stayed patient for his chance to start with the Cowboys. After all, just over a month ago, the team waived him before bringing him back on the practice squad. Even last year, he effectively forced the team to run long at the position to avoid losing him to waivers or free agency by showing his impressive skills since the 2024 minicamp.

“I play with so much passion because I love this game,” he said last year. “I’ve given my all to this game and I respect the game so much so ,even with blocking, just showing how tough I can get to make a way for the running back to get his. My passion is my superpower.” And after Lamb and Turpin were sidelined, the 25-year-old had a job to do, and he sure did show his love for the game. He tormented the Jets’ defenders without giving them the slightest warning.

“It’s hard, but, you know, you gotta let the food cook,” the wideout said of waiting his turn post-game. “I knew once I got my opportunity, I gotta run with it….just had to stay patient, honestly… I play for the Lord. That’s all I do, just a One Man crowd. I just go out there and play and showcase my talent that He gifted me, for sure.”

Thanks to Ryan Flournoy, the Cowboys’ offense finally found balance, giving Dak Prescott the support he needed to secure their second win of the season. Prescott finished 18-of-29 for 237 yards with four touchdowns, spreading the ball around with ease. On the ground, Javonte Williams set the tone early, piling up 108 rushing yards, along with a TD in the first half alone.

Together, Williams and Flournoy became the RB-WR duo since 1978 to each record 100 yards in the first half of the same game. With the offense firing and the defense finally putting together a statement performance, the Cowboys will look to carry that momentum into next week.