The Dallas Cowboys narrow loss 24-20 to the Philadelphia Eagles, on Thursday, has reignited long-standing doubts about whether owner Jerry Jones can guide the franchise back to championship contention.
Quarterback Dak Prescott played well, but the Cowboys once again faltered against elite competition at Lincoln Financial Field. The defeat fits a familiar pattern: strong starts, costly mistakes, and late-game breakdowns that cast serious doubt on their playoff chances and division title push.
Jerry Jones’ Past Mistakes
The departure of linebacker Micah Parsons loomed large. Without him, the defense failed to contain Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who escaped the pocket repeatedly. Critics argue Jones’ handling of star players mirrors past missteps, such as the exits of DeMarcus Ware and Larry Allen, both of whom won championships elsewhere.
“All he [Ware] did was go on to become an all-pro, go to a Pro Bowl player, and help lead a Denver defense that ended up winning a Super Bowl,” Shannon Sharpe said. “That happened, and you let Larry Allen go. Larry Allen was still an all-pro, we went to San Francisco, and went to Pro Bowl, he was still that good.” [Timestamp – 7:24]
Drops by CeeDee Lamb and other miscues negated Prescott’s strong showing. The Cowboys drew few penalties and earned a “B” grade overall, per critics, but the performance was not enough against one of the league’s top teams. Meanwhile, Jones admitted disappointment that head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s effort went unrewarded.
“I give Brian, and I give his staff all the credit in the world, and the leadership, and the guys that had a chance to make some plays,” he said. “They’ll make those plays, they will make those plays, they’re good players, and they’ll make those plays, will bring home some victories.”
However, the burden falls on Schottenheimer, who faces a Herculean task. And without a decisive change in personnel strategy, particularly retaining elite defenders, the Cowboys are at risk of missing the playoffs and finishing with a losing record.
Is Dallas Balanced?
Dallas Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer witnessed the team’s need to bond inside the locker room.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how physical our guys played, the way they competed, and we’re building something pretty special here with the connection of our group,” Schottenheimer said. “And just to hear the guys in the locker room after the game with the accountability and things like that, that paints a very exciting picture for the coach here.”
The offense shone when receiver Lamb returned to practice, and the line protected Prescott well, allowing for effective runs. Fans loved the 53-yard drive that led to a field goal before halftime.
Defensively, the Cowboys adjusted to Jalen Hurts‘ mobility and shut down Saquon Barkley in the final minutes. Injury returns, Kenny Clark and Trevon Diggs performed solidly, while new running back Javonte Williams scored the team’s first touchdown with some impressive runs.
The Cowboys are gearing up for next week’s home opener against the New York Giants, looking to build on their momentum.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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