Jerry Jones Unfazed by Cowboys' Loss to Broncos, Focused on Long-Term Improvement

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed frustration after his team’s 44-24 loss to the Denver Broncos, but he made it clear that the defeat would not influence his approach to the trade deadline. Jones emphasized that if a trade made sense for improving the team in the long term, he would consider it regardless of the team’s performance in a single game. Despite ongoing trade discussions, Jones doesn’t see the Cowboys’ defense as needing just one player to turn the tide. The loss, which marked the second time this season the Cowboys allowed more than 40 points, only added to the growing concerns about their defensive struggles.

Jones pointed out that the Cowboys’ defense, which has been inconsistent all season, is not a simple fix. The Broncos dominated on the ground, rushing for 179 yards and averaging 6.4 yards per carry. This came on the heels of a game in which the defense gave up more than 400 yards for the fourth time. The Cowboys’ defense is ranked near the bottom of the league in both yards and points allowed, a troubling trend that the team has yet to address fully.

Despite the mounting issues, Jones remains committed to evaluating any trade options on their own merit rather than reacting to the latest loss. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, refused to single out the defense, instead attributing the loss to overall team play.

As the Cowboys head toward the trade deadline, Jones continues to stress the need for better execution rather than expecting a single player to resolve their defensive woes.

1. Jones Defends Long-Term Strategy Over Immediate Moves

After the loss to the Broncos, Jerry Jones was firm in stating that the Cowboys would not let a single game dictate their approach to the trade deadline. “If I saw a proposition for us to help this team, no matter what this score was today, then I would look at it on the merits of helping the team,” Jones explained. He made it clear that any trade decisions would be based on how it would help the Cowboys both in the immediate future and in the longer term, not simply as a knee-jerk reaction to their recent struggles. The Cowboys have reportedly explored trade possibilities, with interest from other teams, but no deal has been made yet. Jones acknowledged that while he doesn’t believe the team is one player away from turning the defense around, he would still consider a trade if it offered a genuine opportunity to improve. However, he remains unconvinced that the defense’s issues can be fixed by a single acquisition. “I think we’re more than that away," Jones said, “but what we’re closer to than it looks, in my mind, is executing better on defense.” The team’s struggles have been evident throughout the season. The loss to the Broncos was the fourth time the Cowboys allowed more than 400 yards of offense and the second time they gave up 40 points or more. Jones is well aware of the pressure to improve the defense, but his focus is on helping the players execute better rather than making a quick trade. This long-term view reflects his belief that the team’s issues are rooted in execution, not just a lack of talent. Despite Jones’ stance, the Cowboys’ performance this season—particularly defensively—has left many wondering if a midseason move could provide the spark the team needs. However, Jones is holding firm to his belief that improvement can come from within.

2. Defense’s Inconsistent Play Continues to Raise Concerns

The Cowboys’ defense had another rough outing against the Broncos, allowing a total of 426 yards and four touchdown passes. This marked the second time this season the Cowboys have given up more than 40 points, underscoring the ongoing struggles of a unit that was once among the league’s best. The Broncos also dominated on the ground, rushing for 179 yards at an average of 6.4 yards per carry, exposing further vulnerabilities in the Cowboys’ defensive line and run defense. Despite the poor performance, Jones did not cite lack of effort as the main issue. Instead, he pointed to a lack of execution and consistency. “I don’t see lack of effort,” Jones said. “I see guys that could be surer, more firm in their execution.” This comment reflects Jones’ belief that the team’s defensive woes are less about physical talent and more about players not executing at a high enough level. The absence of key players on defense certainly didn’t help. The Cowboys were without their top three safeties—Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, and Juanyeh Thomas—due to injury, and their defensive depth was tested even further when cornerback Alijah Clark was injured during the game. Despite these setbacks, the defense’s overall lack of execution allowed the Broncos to control the game. Coach Brian Schottenheimer, however, refused to place all the blame on the defense. “I don’t think any of us coached and played well enough,” Schottenheimer said, acknowledging that the team’s performance as a whole contributed to the loss. With the trade deadline looming, the defense’s struggles will likely be a focal point for Jones and the coaching staff, but Schottenheimer’s view suggests that improvements must come from all areas of the team, not just the defense.

3. Prescott’s Confidence in the Roster Amid Trade Talk

Quarterback Dak Prescott, when asked about the possibility of a trade to spark the team’s season, voiced his trust in the current roster. “I trust and I like the guys that we have,” Prescott said. “Honestly, I do. And that’s not just a political answer." Prescott, who has been leading the offense despite its own inconsistencies, expressed confidence that the team is capable of turning things around without needing an external addition. He also pointed out that the players on the roster have the ability to improve through better execution. “We’ve got to be better in everything that we do,” Prescott said, echoing Jones’ sentiment that the issue lies more in execution than in a lack of talent. Prescott’s focus is on internal improvement, and he believes the solution is for each player to step up rather than rely on outside reinforcements. “Do more,” he urged, encouraging his teammates to focus on their own play rather than speculating about potential trades. Prescott’s leadership will be key as the Cowboys move forward. Despite their recent struggles, including the loss to the Broncos, Prescott’s message reflects a belief that the team can improve with the current roster. However, with the defense continuing to allow big plays and the team underperforming overall, the pressure will remain on the Cowboys to either make changes internally or explore trade options to strengthen the team.