It took 35 days, but the Jets finally won their first game of the year in Week 6 against the Cowboys.
Behind a standout performance from Sam Darnold his return to the field, much-improved offensive line play and a defensive gameplan that created its fair share of chaos, the Jets downed Dallas by a final score of 24-22. Darnold under center was easily the most crucial aspect of New York’s first win of the season. However, there were a couple of guys who didn’t make huge waves, but played pivotal roles in the win.
With that being said, here are four unsung heroes from the game.
Brian Poole
Poole continued his quiet dominance against the Cowboys, leading the Jets in tackles with nine.
It’s rare that a nickel cornerback is as physical and willing to help out in run support as Poole is. He’s been throwing his body around with reckless abandon and making plays near the line of scrimmage all season long. Week 6 was his peak, making several key stops for New York.
Poole isn’t going to get a lot of recognition regardless of how well he plays. That’s life as a slot corner. There’s no denying he’s been an unsung hero for the Jets all season and one of New York’s most impactful offseason acquisitions, though. His performance against the Cowboys was the latest example of that.
Kyle Phillips
If it weren’t for Quinnen Williams’ standout performance, odds are Kyle Phillips would be getting a lot more love for what he contributed against the Cowboys.
The undrafted free agent out of Tennessee turned in a career performance against Dallas, racking up seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs and one big quarterback hit on Dak Prescott.
Phillips took full advantage of a crack at increased playing time with Henry Anderson sidelined. It remains to be seen what his role will be moving forward, but his play against the Cowboys certainly did not go unnoticed.
Chuma Edoga
Chuma Edoga’s NFL career got off to a rough start, but he redeemed himself with the way he played against the Cowboys in Week 6.
Inserted at tackle in place of Brandon Shell, Edoga played an integral part in a much-improved offensive line that slowed down a dangerous Dallas pass rush featuring Demarcus Lawrence, who did not record a single sack or quarterback hit.
It was undoubtedly a group effort slowing down the Cowboys in the trenches, but Edoga was key to making it happen. Credit the USC product for flipping the script and getting back on track against Dallas.
Ryan Griffin
With Sam Darnold back under center, the Jets opened up their offensive playbook and turned to Ryan Griffin, who had yet to do much of anything in 2019, on multiple occasions.
Griffin hauled in three passes for 28 yards and a key touchdown. New York seldom used its tight ends with Darnold on the mend, but Griffin factored into the offense with regularity with the USC product back at quarterback.
With Chris Herndon returning soon, Griffin’s role will be reduced in the coming weeks. That doesn’t take away from what he accomplished against the Cowboys, though.
