The Cowboys dropped to 1-2 on Sunday after a second straight home defeat. Sunday’s game against the Ravens included a late comeback attempt but it was defined in large part by another poor showing against the run. 
Baltimore amassed 274 rushing yards during the win, one which followed a blowout loss to the Saints including major production on the ground. Struggles in that department – along with an ineffective rushing attack – have led to renewed questions about changes in the lineup or on the sidelines. When speaking after the the game, though, owner Jerry Jones confirmed no such moves are imminent.
“I don’t have any concern about our players buying into the coaching staff, or the staff buying into the players,” Jones said (via WFAA’s Ed Werder). “That’s not it.”
Dallas leads the league in passing yards per game, but the team ranks 29th with an average of less than 74 yards per game on the ground. Defensively, the team sits at or near the bottom in a number of categories; that includes the NFL’s worst run defense (186 yards per contest allowed).
Plenty of work therefore needs to be done by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Co. during his first year back as the Cowboys’ defensive play-caller. Head coach Mike McCarthy is of course in a lame-duck season at the moment, and continued struggles could lead to increased calls for a change on the sidelines. Jones’ remarks illustrate his confidence in the veteran staffers, however.
With respect to personnel, a similar mindset is in place. No major in-season move is currently being contemplated, something which could of course change closer to the trade deadline. With nearly $24MM in cap space, the Cowboys have more financial flexibility than most teams at the moment. Jones is confident Dallas’ in-house players will be able to rebound from a disappointing start and render a midseason addition unnecessary.
“Well, I love out quarterback, highest paid guy in the NFL,” Jones added (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “Love our receiver,” a reference to CeeDee Lamb. “Like our offensive line. And, frankly, I like some of the things we’re doing on the defensive line… I say ‘all-in’ on personnel… I don’t see personnel changes out here. I see everybody doing better. Getting better.”
The Cowboys’ offseason consisted of few outside additions while negotiations with Lamb and Prescott took place. The former landed the second-highest AAV for receivers ($34MM) while the latter agreed to a record-breaking $60MM-per-year pact hours before Dallas’ first regular season game. An accord similarly moving Micah Parsons to the top of the edge rush market is expected for next offseason. In the meantime, the incumbent staff members and players will be counted on to deliver another postseason appearance after a slow start to the campaign.
Coach should be packing up his office right now
There’s more to it than this, but on the offensive side of the ball, they need their young linemen to get some seasoning and clean up their game. Personnel changes aren’t going to solve that. On the defensive side of the ball, they’re once again too soft against the run up the middle, but bringing in more 30-something DTs to try to make up for Mazi Smith’s failings isn’t going to fix that either. Few things worse in team building than when you reach to draft for need and then the guy isn’t even good at the need.
That’s great that Jerry likes his players. What he should be doing is hiring a football staff and asking them what they think of the players.
Need someone to ask Jerry why he gave his QB outside the top 10 the most money in the NFL
That’s not fair. You can argue that Dak is in the lower tier of the Top 10. Saying that, yes the contract is still questionable though.