Cowboys Headlines: MVP buzz for Dak Prescott; young LB adds 'Hawaiian Punch' to defense

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys flew into New York and downed the Jets, with a host of lesser-known backups supplying some of the game’s biggest moments. After the 33-27 win, it was the efforts of four fill-in O-linemen, a sixth-round wideout, a pair of very young linebackers, and a training camp afterthought who made up a large part of the “Victory Monday” headlines. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer gave himself a mid-game do-over in the playcalling department, even as officials missed what should have been a critical do-over for the Jets. And Dak Prescott is already hearing the MVP buzz after another brilliant performance, but he’s trying hard to quiet the noise.

If there’s anyone who understands the impact an unknown depth guy can make when called upon, it’s Prescott, and that’s precisely the message he delivered this week to his makeshift offensive line; they in turn practically built a wall around their QB. On the defensive side, Juanyeh Thomas had an emotional day going against his brother, and Marist Liufau may have a new nickname after his “Hawaiian Punch” forced a game-changing fumble.

And could Jerry Jones see punishment from the league office for flipping off New York fans? Certainly seems possible.

The Jets, however, have bigger problems to worry about, like their historically bad 0-5 start that has some already calling for either the job of head coach Aaron Glenn or the starting spot of quarterback Justin Fields. Breece Hall stews over his costly miscue, Gang Green brings back a wide receiver they just cut two days prior, and even their former head coach’s brother is weighing in on the team’s recent nosedive.

Across the league, the Mark Sanchez story takes another serious turn as the former QB now faces very real jail time after being stabbed in Indianapolis. Ex-Cowboys assistant Sean Payton passes ex-Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells on the all-time list, and the Raiders axe a marquee-name linebacker as things get ugly for Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. The Cowboys take another small step in the power rankings, the Eagles‘ weakness may have been exposed in their first loss, and why do professional football players keep dropping the ball before crossing the goal line?

Dallas Cowboys Top Headlines

Brian Schottenheimer ‘back in my bag’ as Cowboys win big without multiple starters :: The Athletic (Link)
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott refuses to take MVP debate bait as fan chants grow :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Here’s who, what Dak Prescott credited for Cowboys’ offensive explosive vs Jets :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Dak Prescott’s epic message ignited Cowboys’ makeshift offensive line :: SI.com (Link)
Cowboys victory was forged in this key sequence, potential 21-point swing vs Jets :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
‘Deserving of the ball’: Sixth-round pick’s breakout game no surprise to Cowboys teammates :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
James, Liufau gasoline for smoldering young Cowboys’ LB corps :: The Mothership (Link)
Schottenheimer praises Dak, defense, and “next man up” mentality after Cowboys’ win :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
‘That’s what he does’: Marist Liufau’s punch gives Cowboys game-shifting energy vs. Jets :: Dallas Morning News (Link)
Juanyeh’s emotional day in Cowboys win over younger brother, Jets :: The Mothership (Link)
How Cowboys’ James Houston went from training camp tryout to team’s sack leader :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)
Report: Batted pass that hit skycam in Cowboys-Jets game should have been do-over :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s Cowboys GM Jerry Jones flipping the bird to a Jets fan :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
‘They gotta buckle up’: Ex-Cowboys RB already hyping Week 6 rematch after monster day :: Cowboys Wire (Link)

New York Jets News & Headlines

Jets coach Aaron Glenn under fire after making brutal history :: Newsweek (Link)
Breece Hall, during a dynamic game, has a mistake take the wind from his sails :: NewYorkJets.com (Link)
Should the New York Jets bench starting QB Justin Fields? :: Jets Wire (Link)
Jets reunite with WR after sudden Week 5 release :: SI.com (Link)
Robert Saleh’s brother shades winless Jets one year after coach’s firing :: New York Post (Link)
Aaron Glenn: I have no idea why Skycam interference rule was misapplied :: ProFootballTalk (Link)

News & Headlines from Around the NFL

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is now facing a felony charge in Indianapolis altercation :: Associated Press (Link)
NFL power rankings Week 6: Top-10 teams tumble, last unbeatens fall as new No. 1 emerges :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
Sean Payton passes mentor Bill Parcells on career coaching wins list with victory No. 173 :: CBS Sports (Link)
DeVonta Smith: Eagles pass game not on ‘same page’ in 1st loss :: ESPN (Link)
Emari Demercado joins dubious list. Why do NFL players keep committing goal-line goofs? :: The Athletic (Link)
Raiders release veteran LB Germaine Pratt after not making trip to Indianapolis for Week 5 game :: NFL.com (Link)