The Dallas Cowboys earned their first decisive win in Week 5, beating the New York Jets 37-22. Of course, the offense played a large role in the game, but it wasn’t the usual suspects with the highest PFF grades. Let’s take a look at the top two and the lowest performance on this side of the ball. 

Ryan Flournoy, WR, 90.7

We talked about Ryan Flournoy as a key to victory Sunday, and it would seem like the coaching staff would agree. After touting his increasing targets and touch schemed up for him on a sweep, Flournoy had a career day on Sunday. 

By recording nine targets for seven catches and 114 yards as well as two carries for ten yards, Flournoy showed that he’s ready for a larger role even after CeeDee Lamb returns. His three catches for 96 yards on intermediate and deep throws stretched the field and pressured the defense all day, opening up running lanes for Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue. 

With Jalen Tolbert and George Pickens both free agents after the year, it would greatly benefit the Cowboys to continue developing a promising prospect that has two years of cheap team control after this season. 

Javonte Williams, RB, 75.3

Honestly, this grade is lower than I expected after Williams ran for 135 yards and a touchdown while reeling in one catch for a 4-yard touchdown. Especially considering that he received an 84.8 pass blocking grade, a mark that is considered elite for any position, much less an RB.

On the eye test alone, Williams looks rejuvenated, showing the promise he flashed as a rookie in 2021 before a devastating knee injury. Between him and rookie Jaydon Blue’s solid debut, Dallas has to be very excited about their running back room the rest of the season.

Nate Thomas, OT, 45.9

It wasn’t all sunshine and roses of course, as Nate Thomas struggled in his first career start. After posting a promising 57.2 pass blocking grade in 17 emergency snaps in Week 4, Thomas struggled immensely in that facet against the Jets, posting a 29.1 mark while surrendering a hit, hurry, and two pressures.

On a positive note, he followed up a 60.3 run blocking grade in his debut with a 61.5 mark on Sunday, showing that it could be a dependable part of his game moving forward. While you’d obviously like to see his pass blocking improve and stabilize, this was a solid all-around performance for a team’s eighth offensive lineman making his first career start.