Jake Ferguson proved that the Dallas Cowboys made the right decision by extending him till 2029. Dak Prescott’s offense against the New York Jets felt like a patchwork with key weapons sidelined. Yet, the signal-caller didn’t feel that he had anyone to rely on in the field. The fourth-year TE connected with the quarterback for two touchdown passes of 90 or more yards. But that wasn’t his only spotlight moment from the game. 

Billionaire owner Jerry Jones signed Ferguson to a whopping $52 million, four-year contract, including a signing bonus of $12 million and $30 million in guaranteed money. It felt totally worth it, as Ferguson made history in Week 5. In a social media post, the Dallas Cowboys Public Relations announced that their star TE has etched his name in the pages of history, recording 40 receptions in the first five games this season. 

“Jake Ferguson is the fourth tight end in NFL history with 40 receptions in the first five games of a season, joining Antonio Gates (40 in 2007), Eric Johnson (41 in 2004), and Zach Ertz (41 in 2018),” announced the Cowboys in an X post. “Ferguson has also caught at least five passes in each of the first five games. The only other Cowboys tight end to do this was Jason Witten in 2008.”

Ferguson truly had himself a day against the Jets. He caught seven passes for 49 yards and found the end zone twice. It would have been three times if only the pass from Prescott hadn’t ended up slightly overthrown, which the quarterback later said might’ve been a mix-up in communication. 

Regardless, Ferguson’s two touchdowns marked his first career multi-touchdown game and made him the first Cowboys tight end to do it since Dalton Schultz back in 2022. Besides 272 yards and three touchdowns, his 41 receptions are now ranked second in the league. Ferguson wasn’t the only highlight from the Cowboys’ patchwork O-line in Week 5. 

Ryan Flournoy makes statement in Cowboys

In KaVontae Turpin and CeeDee Lamb’s absence, second-year wide receiver Ryan Flournoy had to step up. To say the least, he didn’t disappoint. In a breakout performance, he logged a career high six receptions, 114 yards, and 9 targets. This outnumbered his 5 targets for 4 catches with 35 yards in the first four weeks. 

But were his teammates surprised? Not at all. 

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” said Ferguson, when asked about Flournoy’s performance in Week 5. “He’s been doing that since he’s been here. Been making plays. He’s been making those catches, those runs after catches. And he’s passionate. He loves the game. And when you see that, you know that something good’s going to happen.”

Losing Lamb and Turpin this early into the season was certainly a big hit on Dallas, but it showcased the potential other players possess. “I’m just glad I got the opportunity to showcase my talent and put the world on notice [about] just who Ryan Flournoy is,” added Ferguson. 

Joining Ferguson in praising the young receiver, signal-caller Prescott condemned his performance and shared how Flournoy’s focus has always been on utilizing every opportunity and responsibility to the fullest. Throughout the Summer, he was “on permanent stand-by” to get some reps with Prescott, even though he wasn’t a starter. That’s what made him shine this week, and something that will take him a long way.