Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, has indicated that significant changes may be on the horizon for the team following their disappointing season. The Cowboys concluded the year with a 7-9-1 record, marking their second consecutive losing season, a scenario not witnessed since the early 2000s.
Before the Cowboys faced off against the New York Giants on January 4, which ended in a 34-17 defeat, Jones took the opportunity to discuss the team’s challenges. He suggested it would be an oversimplification to place the blame for their struggles solely on defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Instead, Jones emphasized that the issues extend beyond any one individual, referencing the team’s defensive performance over the past several years.
“I can make the case that we haven’t had a satisfactory defense for five or six years,” Jones noted. He acknowledged that previous decisions regarding coaching and personnel have contributed to the current state of the team, indicating that evaluating Eberflus alone does not capture the broader context of Dallas’ challenges.
Reflecting on the past few seasons, Jones highlighted the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the coaching staff and the defensive strategies employed. He pointed out that Dan Quinn, who recently became the head coach of the Washington Commanders, had success coordinating the unit from 2021 to 2023. However, Jones acknowledged that the defense has struggled to stop the run, which has been a point of concern.
Jones is known for his willingness to make impactful changes, and he hinted that there could be significant moves in the offseason. He suggested these adjustments could lead to improvements more substantial than any the team has experienced in years, stating, “I think we can do some things to maybe make as dramatic a difference as we could have in a long time.”
Overall, while the Cowboys face a critical juncture, Jones’ acknowledgment of the broader issues indicates a desire to rebuild and improve. This positive outlook could inspire hope among fans for a new direction in the upcoming season.