ATLANTA – In the aftermath of Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke to the players, coaches, medical staff, and support staff inside the locker room.
With the Cowboys’ third straight loss leaving them with a 3-5 record, Jones wanted to send some reassurance that all was not lost in the 2024 season.
“Well, I really don’t want to get into that because it was a very emotional message,” Jones said. “But I spoke to the team about having my butt kicked a few times and been around men who’ve had their butt kicked, and I’ve seen them come back and hold the trophy up … Now there’s times for all things. We all know we’ve got to play better than we’ve played tonight or we’re not going anywhere.”
In 2018, the Cowboys were 3-4 when they traded a first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Amari Cooper. Although the Cowboys lost their first game with Cooper, they won seven of their last eight to finish 10-6, win the NFC East, and advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.
The trade deadline is Tuesday, and Jones said the Cowboys “have some things in the mill.”
Asked if the Cowboys would make a bold trade, like the one for Cooper six years ago, Jones said, “Don’t look for those kinds of things, OK.”
“The point is,” Jones said, “we got a shot, we think, to improve our roster.”
The Cowboys have plenty of needs, such as wide receiver, defensive line, and offensive line. Jones said the returns of edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) are “close.” Wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is eligible to have his practice window opened on Monday and has improved markedly in the past week.
“We’re going to do everything we can, at all times, to improve this team, and in our judgment, if what you have to give up helps improve it, we’ll do it,” Jones said. ”I know everybody understands. I don’t think I have to say it, but we’ll go for it.”
Jones backed head coach Mike McCarthy, invoking Jimmy Johnson and 1989, when the team started 0-8 on its way to a 1-15 season.
“I’m good with Mike,” Jones said. “I know how hard he works. I like his football mind. I know how good he works. He’s got, in my mind, an outstanding coaching record. He’s really good with the players. They think highly of him. But he’s got a lot of fire in his belly. And so I’m just giving you this: I like the positives I see.”
Jones appears ready to stick with running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was inactive due to disciplinary issues and did not make the trip to Atlanta. Sources said Elliott has missed meetings and there have been issues brewing.
“Zeke’s situation is clearly a team discipline situation,” McCarthy said. “We’ll pick up Monday and see where we are.” Jones lauded Elliott as a teammate despite his missing meetings.
“I look at the whole body of work. I look at his entire time that I’ve known him with the Cowboys, with his history in athletics,” Jones said. “And I’m good with these things, but you’ve got to have attendant consequences here. And that’s what got him.”
In the offseason, Jones said the Cowboys would be “all-in” this season; however, that did not lead to moves that would improve a roster that lost key players from last year’s 12-5 team.
“Well, I am. I am,” Jones said. “And you say, ‘Boy, things are looking pretty bleak right here,’ but candidly, I’ve seen situations that look bleak turn around.”
Time.news Interview: The Dallas Cowboys’ Road Ahead with NFL Expert Todd Archer
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, everyone, to this exclusive interview on Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Archer, ESPN’s renowned NFL reporter and Dallas Cowboys expert. Todd, thank you for joining us!
Todd Archer: Thanks for having me! Excited to discuss the Cowboys and their current situation.
Editor: The Cowboys are currently struggling with a 3-5 record after their recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons. What’s the mood like in the locker room following this three-game skid?
Todd Archer: Well, it’s definitely tough. After the loss, owner Jerry Jones spoke to the team, and you could tell it was an emotional moment. He wanted to reassure everyone that despite the setbacks, all hope isn’t lost this season. He shared experiences of overcoming adversity, which is something that resonates deeply in sports.
Editor: That’s interesting. Jones is known for being a passionate figure in the franchise. Can you give us more insight into his approach during this difficult time?
Todd Archer: Absolutely. He emphasized the importance of resilience. He has been around the league long enough to witness teams rebound from dire situations. The message was clear: they need to play better if they want to turn the season around, but there’s still a path to success. Jones also hinted that the Cowboys are considering potential trades before the deadline, which can be pivotal.
Editor: Speaking of trades, you mentioned that the Cowboys have a history of making impactful moves, like trading for Amari Cooper back in 2018. Do you think they’ll make a significant trade this time?
Todd Archer: It’s possible but also complicated. Jones hinted that while they’re looking to improve, he cautioned against expecting blockbuster deals like the one for Cooper. The team does have several needs, especially at wide receiver, defensive line, and offensive line, so they have to be strategic. However, if they see a clear opportunity that can improve the roster, they’ll consider it.
Editor: What about the injuries? Players like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland are returning soon. How much can their return influence the Cowboys’ performance?
Todd Archer: Their return would be huge. Micah Parsons is a game-changer on defense, and DaRon Bland has been solid in the secondary. Additionally, Brandin Cooks is also on the mend. If they can get these key players back on the field, it could drastically change the dynamics of their play and hopefully help the team start winning again.
Editor: With such a pivotal moment approaching, what’s your outlook on the Cowboys’ season? Is there still a chance for them to turn things around?
Todd Archer: The short answer is yes, there’s still a chance. The season is not lost, and the NFC East is still very competitive. If they can make smart moves, get their key players back, and rally as a team, they could potentially turn things around. It’s going to be challenging, but not impossible—especially with Jerry Jones pushing for improvement.
Editor: Great insights, Todd! Before we wrap up, what should fans be keeping their eye on in the coming weeks?
Todd Archer: Fans should watch for any trades leading up to the deadline and the health of the injured players. Also, keep an eye on how the team responds to this emotional moment. Resilience is key at this point, and how they bounce back will define their season moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Todd, for sharing your expertise and insights on the Dallas Cowboys’ current situation. We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how the season unfolds.
Todd Archer: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk football.