The Dallas Cowboys have stumbled out of the gate in the 2024 season, starting with a shaky 1-2 record, and fans are already pointing fingers in search of a scapegoat. Despite opening the season with a promising win over the Cleveland Browns, the Cowboys have since dropped two consecutive home games, allowing a troubling number of points in the process—44 points to the New Orleans Saints and 28 to the Baltimore Ravens.
The losses have left fans frustrated, and much of that frustration is being directed toward owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
A recent fan poll showed that 70% of Cowboys fans believe Jones is primarily responsible for the team’s early struggles. The criticism seems to stem from his decision-making in the offseason, particularly the timing of quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract extension. Jones waited until the eve of the 2024 season to sign Prescott to a record-breaking deal, a move many fans and analysts viewed as too little, too late.
When asked about the poll during an interview on 105.3 The Fan, Jones didn’t shy away from the criticism. In fact, he embraced it. “That’s very fair,” Jones said. “It’s well known that no decision is ultimately made here for what I either have acquiesced [to] or approved. That’s very fair. How could you think otherwise, whether it be who’s out there coaching, who’s out there playing, or even the stadium you’re walking into? That’s the way it is.”
Jones acknowledged his deep involvement in all aspects of the Cowboys’ operations but was quick to add that many other voices contribute to the decision-making process. “Do I have a huge amount of input in making those decisions? Yes. But we’ve got a lot of people in the Dallas Cowboys organization who provide valuable input, and we make decisions collectively,” he explained.
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However, some of Jones’ decisions—or lack thereof—during the offseason have drawn sharp criticism, particularly after the Cowboys’ loss to the Ravens. Jones made waves when he claimed the team “could not afford” to acquire Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry, a comment that sparked debate among fans and analysts. ESPN’s Get Up! host Mike Greenberg didn’t hold back in his assessment of Jones, arguing that the owner’s financial choices are part of the problem.
“You made bad financial decisions,” Greenberg said, directing his frustration at Jones. “That’s what his leadership has done. Maybe if you had treated the offseason like it started before September 1, you would have been able to make some of these moves.”
Greenberg’s criticism wasn’t the only source of tension in the Cowboys’ camp. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis added fuel to the fire by taking an apparent shot at the coaching staff after the Ravens game, suggesting the team was “not detailed in their work.” While Lewis didn’t name names, his remarks appeared to be a direct criticism of the coaches’ preparation and attention to detail—a significant concern for a team looking to regain its footing.
If the Cowboys are going to right the ship, they’ll need to do so quickly. Their upcoming schedule is one of the toughest in the league, with a Thursday Night Football showdown against the New York Giants, followed by challenging matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans.
The pressure is mounting, not just on Jones, but on the entire organization. Jones’ willingness to shoulder the blame is admirable, but actions will speak louder than words in the weeks to come.
Whether it’s roster adjustments, better financial decisions, or improved coaching strategies, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them if they hope to turn their season around before it’s too late.
