EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Have a day, Ryan Flournoy. The last time the No. 19 was seen dominating a team to the degree in which Flournoy did against the New York Jets was when Amari Cooper was in North Texas, but his explosive outing against Gang Green felt much more of the Miles Austin variety, for those who know.
That's because Austin essentially and effectively "came out of nowhere" to establish himself as a credible threat to opposing NFL defenses, but those who knew in advance weren't surprised.
Count All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott in the category of the latter after seeing the second-year receiver reel in 114 receiving yards on six catches, the best game of his young career by a huge margin, a stat line that included 104 receiving yards in the first half alone.
"You know, going back to those Atlanta trips and just those offseason times, just spending time together and getting to know somebody, that guy has got what an old coach used to say: sh-t in his neck. He wants to be great. Every opportunity and responsibility, he wants to make the most of it, and I think tonight was just an example of just that — of him getting that opportunity and making every play that came his way."
One of those many plays was a 46-yard gainer down the right side on the fourth offensive drive by the Cowboys during a free play, and there were several critical possession catches mixed in as well that moved the chains when Dallas needed it most.
And on more than one occasion, his blocking ability was put on full display, one of the most physical receivers on the roster, as seen in the 26-yard touchdown catch-and-run from Jake Ferguson that saw Flournoy sealing his defender to the sideline to help clear the road for the Pro Bowl tight end.
In all, even mixing in some handoffs in the backfield, it was a pretty sweet day for Flournoy.
"Man, it's so sweet, man," he said, his huge smile beaming, then speaking to the patience he's exercised to this point.
After all, it wasn't long ago when the 2024 sixth-round pick was waived as the Cowboys worked through some final roster maneuverings before clearing waivers and re-signing to Dallas' practice squad — then placed back on the active roster due to injury at the position.
The current injuries that have sidelined both CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin has since created a void the Cowboys need filled until further notice and, one week after it was Jalen Tolbert making the highlight toe drag play to help force a tie against the Green Bay Packers, it was Flournoy taking the Jets out back and flattening their defensive tires — leaving them on the tarmac without so much as a warning that, on Sunday, they wouldn't stop him from taking off.
"It's hard, but, you know, you gotta let the food cook." Flournoy said of waiting his turn. "I knew once I got my opportunity, I gotta run with it. I just had to stay patient, honestly."
The moment wasn't too big for the Southeast Missouri State product, and he wasn't afraid to say why, either.
"I play for the Lord," said a humble Flournoy. "That's all I do, just a One Man crowd. I just go out there and play and showcase my talent that He gifted me, for sure."
Thanks to Flournoy's efforts, Prescott was able to help lead the Cowboys to a convincing victory that complemented and rewarded the defense for what wound up being that unit's best game of the season as well.
Combined with the 108 rushing yards from Javonte Williams in the first half, the WR-RB combo became the first duo in any game since 1978 to have both a 100-yard receiver and 100-yard rusher in the first half of a single game.
Is that good? Seems good.
"Man, all glory to God, first and foremost," said Flournoy. "Without Him, I wouldn't even be here and have this opportunity to go out and do what I love, man. It's special, you know? And the way I play, I play for Him. It's in Colossians 3:2, that in whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, and that you are working for the Lord, not for men.
"And that's just how I go out and play every Sunday."
