Cowboys vs. Jets: Could Sam Darnold’s return to the field spark a struggling offense?

The NFL season is a roller coaster of ups and downs and wins and losses. The Cowboys have experienced some highs with their 3-0 start to the season, but have since dropped two consecutive games against teams with winning records. Needless to say, the team needs to get back on track as soon as this weekend.

The Jets have not gotten off to the best of starts under new head coach Adam Gase. Sam Darnold has missed a chunk of the first quarter of the season due to mono, and the quarterback play has been less than inspiring in New York. Even with Darnold expected to be back on Sunday, the Jets are limping into Sunday with an 0-4 record.

Still, the Jets have a few players that have the ability to put points on the board, especially with Darnold back in the fold — headlined by one of the better running backs in football.

Here are three offensive players to be aware of for week six.

Robby Anderson

With Sam Darnold expected to be back on the field for the first time since week one, Robby Anderson has a chance to make an impact in the passing game for the Jets. The speedy deep threat has developed a strong relationship with the former third overall selection, which makes Anderson a potential dangerous weapon with Darnold behind center.

Anderson averaged 15 yards per catch in 2018 as he and Darnold connected 50 times for 752 yards and six touchdowns. Many were expecting Anderson to take the next step in the Jets offense this season, but Darnold’s illness and below average QB play has put those expectations on hold for the time being.

The Cowboys’ secondary has done a pretty solid job against the pass this season — ranking in the top-10 in pass defense this season. The defensive backfield must be prepared for Anderson’s speed and ability to stretch the field on Sunday.

Le’Veon Bell

The Cowboys have allowed Saquon Barkley (120 yards rushing on just 11 carries) and Aaron Jones (182 yards rushing and four touchdowns) to have their way with the defense on the ground. Whether the blame can be attributed to the weakness at the interior of the defensive line or the linebackers being out of position and missing tackles, the Cowboys have been gashed at times already this year.

The Jets have a pretty good running back in their own right in Le’Veon Bell, who signed with the franchise after holding out the entire 2018 season in Pittsburgh.

Through four games this season (the Jets had their bye week in week four), Bell has accounted for 372 yards from scrimmage in an offense that has been mediocre to say the least. Bell is averaging over six yards per catch, but less than three yards per carry on the ground.

The Jets offense needs to get going at some point if they want to put together any kind of a season together, and Bell has the talent to give defenses headaches as both a runner and a receiver.

Jamison Crowder

Robby Anderson has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Sam Darnold, but he is not the only wideout in this offense that has the ability to hurt defenses. Former Washington wideout Jamison Crowder is a slot receiver that can cause problems for opposing teams.

Crowder joined the Jets this offseason on a three-year deal worth $28.5 million with $17 million guaranteed. Through four games this year, Crowder is averaging nearly eight yards per reception. The Duke product has averaged over 11 yards per reception for his career, showing that he is a weapon that can consistently get first downs when needed. Crowder’s ability to move the chains, as well as be a dangerous element in the return game, makes him somebody to watch out for on Sunday.