The Dallas Cowboys' 37-22 win was pleasing for a host of reasons, but perhaps none more so than seeing a young player step up and take his chance with both hands.
Receiver Ryan Flournoy did just that.
With no CeeDee Lamb or KaVontae Turpin, coupled with George Pickens expecting to be clamped by Sauce Gardner, it was time for Dallas' role players to step up - enter "Flo."
Ryan hauled in six receptions for 114 yards to lead the Cowboys in both categories and to announce to Brian Schottenheimer and the coaching staff that he deserves more snaps going forward.
It was a breakout game if there ever was one, and for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it isn't surprising.
“He's really shown at times his just sheer natural instincts, and boy did they show up real good on a couple of those plays,” Jerry said on 105.3 The Fan. “But he's a receiver that his unique skills [are] just something you can't coach. Of course he's got great size, and this will do wonders for him. It'll do wonders for the confidence of everybody around him.
"It was good to see, and we needed him. He's a great addition to what our options are out there at receiver.”
More: 'Fair' to compare Cowboys' MVP-caliber Dak Prescott to Tony Romo
Has Flournoy overtaken Jalen Tolbert in depth chart?
After Sunday's performance, you could make the case, absolutely, but ideally, we would see Flournoy continue this form in the absence of Lamb and Turpin, with both expected back in the near future.
Tolbert didn't take his chances at MetLife, not totaling a single reception and only one target, so who knows, there might be movement.
But Tolbert has the experience, plus his blocking chops which Dallas loves, but he's never had a game like Flournoy's. Yes, there was the game-winning touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season that was his "breakout" moment, but Flournoy has more tricks up his sleeve.
We even saw Schottenheimer use him on a couple of running plays (two attempts, 10 yards), something Tolbert can't do.
Nothing will change based on one game, but it is definitely a "watch this space" moving forward.
More Cowboys news:
- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones facing $250,000 fine from the NFL | Sporting News
- Jerry Jones delivers positive injury update on Cowboys' injured offensive linemen | Sporting News
- Cowboys predicted to trade for 26-year-old edge rusher with 24 sacks in 5 seasons | Sporting News
- Cowboys' Brian Schottenheimer responds to Rico Dowdle's 'buckle up' comment | Sporting News