Entering Sunday’s game against Atlanta, the Cowboys’ season through the first eight weeks of their 2024-25 NFL campaign has not exactly gone according to plan.
In each of their last three seasons, Dallas only lost five games, and they have already accumulated four losses before we’ve even reached the midway point of the NFL calendar. The sheer number of early losses, combined with the nature of those defeats (multiple being massive home blowouts) have brought the Cowboys’ roster and coaching staff into question.
In a recent appearance on “K&C Masterpiece” on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), Jones addressed the Cowboys’ struggles and what they worked on during their recent bye week.
“I think the big thing is the guys understanding what coach Zimmer is trying to accomplish. It was important that they get their hands around that. Obviously it’s hard to have the continuity when you’re missing a lot of starters on that side of the ball,” Jones said.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys are currently missing All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive back DaRon Bland and defensive tackle DeMarcus Lawrence among a myriad of other injuries. However, Parsons and Lawrence were present for the team’s first four contests, including their blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints at home.
When asked about quarterback Dak Prescott’s early season struggles, Jones pointed to Prescott perhaps forcing things and his end of the game against San Francisco.
“Dak is as fierce a competitor as there is. And of course, when you’re having a season like we’re having right now, where we’re not playing to the level that we felt like we can play … I think all competitors push, and he’s pushing to make plays. He’s obviously made some really good plays. I thought he did a great job in the fourth quarter, bringing us back last night. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to keep this group together and they’re going to keep working to get better and better each week.”
Jones then referenced Prescott’s track record of success for Dallas, “He’s done it, had a high level. Right now we’re going through some adversity, and we’ve just got to keep going to work every day.”
The Cowboys take to the road for a game against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at noon. Atlanta is in the bottom half of the league for passing yards allowed per game to opposing quarterbacks, representing a good opportunity for Prescott to bounce back. However, the Falcons boast a top-10 ranked offense in yards totaled per game behind veteran QB Kirk Cousins and former Texas Longhorn Bijan Robinson, which will put defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the banged-up Cowboys’ defense to the test.