The Dallas Cowboys just keep defying expectations, and Sunday’s 37–22 win over the New York Jets was another statement that, maybe, this team’s for real. Watching the game, it was clear the defense was in full command, pressuring the quarterback on nearly every snap. Trevon Diggs, in particular, thrived in the chaos, making his presence felt and clearly relishing every high-intensity play.

He called the pass rush his favorite thing about tonight’s defense via Dallas Morning News reporter Joseph Hoyt. When the pass rush gets to the QB as fast as they did today, it’s called “instant grits,” Diggs said. “When they pressure like that, we can call whatever.”

Pretty accurate. The Cowboys’ defensive front had a dominant performance against Justin Fields tonight. They dominated the pass rush, hitting Justin Fields 14 times and recording five sacks, including 1.5 by James Houston, while Dante Fowler Jr. added five QB hits. Fields dropped back over 50 times, as the Jets’ 20-point deficit allowed Dallas’ defense to capitalize and control the game. The Cowboys’ defense delivered its season-best performance Sunday, without traded star linebacker Micah Parsons.

Houston was practically living in the Jets’ backfield. The 2022 sixth-rounder, who bounced from Detroit to Cleveland before landing in Dallas, finished with 1.5 sacks. For a pass rush that was supposed to be the Cowboys’ Achilles heel this season, it is not looking too bad. Thanks to Houston.

He hadn’t logged more than one sack in a game since his rookie year, mostly because of injuries. But now? He’s got 3.5 on the season and counting. He’s clearly a lot more than a stopgap.

The defense may have looked fierce at times, but giving up 22 points to this Jets offense isn’t exactly something you brag about. The run defense in particular was a bit of a disaster. Breece Hall ran through rather easily. 14 carries, 117 yards, and over eight yards per pop.

Jets quarterback Justin Fields finished with 283 passing yards and two touchdowns, but most of that production came in mop-up duty as the Cowboys had already built a 30-6 lead. On the other side, Dallas’ stars dominated the stat sheet. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 237 yards and four scores, running back Javonte Williams rumbled for 135 yards with two touchdowns, and tight end Jake Ferguson hauled in seven catches, finding the end zone twice.

Statistically, Dallas is still bottom-tier on defense: 29th in points allowed per game (30.8) and dead last in yards allowed (412). So yeah, baby steps.

As for Diggs, it might not have been a perfect night, as a possible punishment looms for the cornerback.

Trevon Diggs faces possible punishment from the NFL

Late in the fourth quarter, with 13:47 remaining, Justin Fields’ inconsequential run up the middle took a backseat to a heated exchange across the field. Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs and Jets receiver Arian Smith tangled after Smith headbutted Diggs, prompting a retaliatory swing from the cornerback.

Diggs was flagged for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty enforced between downs. With the NFL’s strict conduct policies, sources indicate Diggs could be hearing from the league by Saturday, when fines are typically announced.

First-time striking violations carry a $12,172 fine, while repeat offenses jump to $17,968. Diggs is no stranger to fines, having been penalized three times previously, including a $16,883 “leg whip” in Week 1 last season against the Browns. Looks like he’s gunning to join CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in the repeat offenders category.

So, what’s the likely cost this time? If the NFL follows its standard guidelines of “striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing,” repeat offenses hit $17,968, and considering Diggs’ prior infractions, he’s probably facing the higher amount.

And he’s far from alone. Through just five weeks, the NFL has already issued over 95 fines totaling more than $1.6 million. Among the repeat offenders? The Eagles’ Jalyx Hunt, the Jets’ Quinnen Williams, and, of course, the Cowboys’ own CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.