Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s struggling offense, delivering a sharp critique aimed at head coach Mike McCarthy’s play-calling.
As the Cowboys return from their bye week to face the San Francisco 49ers in a crucial primetime matchup, the pressure is mounting on McCarthy. Despite leading the team to three consecutive 12-win seasons, the Cowboys have stumbled out of the gate this year, prompting speculation about his future.
While Jones is typically reluctant to make midseason changes, having only done so once before with Wade Phillips, McCarthy’s job appears safe for now. Nevertheless, Jones’s recent comments suggest he is closely monitoring the situation.
During his weekly radio appearance on Shan & RJ on Audacy’s 105.3 The Fan, Jones didn’t shy away from criticizing the offense. He stated, “We’re designing bad plays, we’re designing bad concepts.” This kind of admission from Jones is uncommon, particularly when it comes to acknowledging the team’s shortcomings.
Jones’s remarks could signal a deeper issue. With McCarthy in a contract year, placing the blame for the offense’s struggles squarely on the coach’s play-calling may be a strategic move by Jones. By highlighting these failures, he may be setting McCarthy up as the scapegoat for the team’s shortcomings, especially after failing to bolster the roster with significant additions like Derrick Henry or a reliable No. 2 wide receiver.
As the Cowboys prepare to hit the field for Week 8, all eyes will be on whether the offense can show improvement and respond to the mounting criticism under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football.
