The Dallas Cowboys enter their bye week with a 3-3 record, following a humiliating 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. As frustrations mounted, owner Jerry Jones urged everyone in the organization to “look in the mirror” instead of seeking outside help.
When asked about potential roster changes, Jones emphasized the need to focus on the players already on the team. “I’ve seen these players execute like you want the plays to be executed and do their job within the role,” he said. “That didn’t happen the other day and we paid the consequences.”
Injuries have certainly taken a toll on the team, with defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland, as well as wideout Brandin Cooks, all on injured reserve. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is also working to return. The situation has been compounded by the absence of star players like linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive end Sam Williams, who suffered a torn ACL during training camp.
Assistant defensive line coach Greg Ellis noted that while injuries are challenging, teams won’t cancel games. “Excuses will fall on deaf ears,” he stated, underscoring the need for role players to step up in the absence of key starters.
Jones expressed confidence in the team’s talent, saying, “We just made our quarterback the highest-paid player in the NFL. We’ve got outstanding personnel.” However, he acknowledged that players must perform at a higher level.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 5, it seems unlikely the Cowboys will make high-profile acquisitions. Instead, they aim to increase production from the current roster. Executive vice president Stephen Jones stated, “We’ve gotta get players back… but there’s more to it than that. We need to execute, protect the ball, and create opportunities.”
With the hope of returning players boosting the team, the Cowboys will need to focus on improving their overall performance if they wish to turn their season around.
