DETROIT — Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy was a bright spot Thursday. The second-year pro had his second 100-yard receiving game of the season.
On a night when Jalen Tolbert — a former third-round pick — was inactive and Jonathan Mingo — whom Dallas acquired for a fourth-round pick — had no catches and one target, it was Flournoy who stood out. He was asked after the performance if it was bittersweet, considering the fact the Cowboys ultimately lost a pivotal game 44-30 to Detroit.
Flournoy didn’t hesitate with his response.
“Oh, not sweet, it’s bitter,” Flournoy said. “I did all that to win. None of those stats really impress me. I really just want to go out, play with these guys, have fun and just win.”
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Even if Flournoy doesn’t look at it this way, Thursday was an important marker in his development as a professional receiver. Flournoy took a winding path to get to this point. He played at Central Missouri, Iowa Western Community College and Southeast Missouri State. He eventually impressed enough to be a sixth-round pick last year.
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In his rookie season, Flournoy looked the part of a player still adjusting to the NFL game. He had 10 catches for 102 yards last year. On Thursday, he eclipsed that yard total alone.
Flournoy’s numbers on the season aren’t eye-popping. He now has 349 receiving this year. What’s been more impressive is how he’s responded when he’s been needed. He stepped up against the New York Jets earlier this season when the Cowboys were without CeeDee Lamb, finishing that game 114 yards. He stepped up again on Thursday after Lamb left with a concussion. His new career high in receiving yards included a 42-yard touchdown pass where he got wide open against the Lions’ defense.
“It’s just me wanting to win,” he said.
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