I Blame Jerry Jones: Two Major Mistakes for the Dallas Cowboys’ Struggles
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of frustration when the team continues to falter in big moments. For years, we’ve witnessed promising seasons end in disappointment, and for a long time, the blame has always seemed to fall squarely on the shoulders of head coaches, players, or even the media. But when you step back and look at the big picture, it’s clear to me that the primary figure responsible for the Cowboys’ lack of success is none other than Jerry Jones. While his legacy as a team owner and general manager is certainly one of ambition, bold moves, and big contracts, the reality is that many of the Cowboys’ recent struggles can be traced directly back to Jones’ decision-making. Specifically, I lay the blame on two key issues: *not moving on from Dak Prescott sooner* and *not signing the best running back in the league, who happens to live in Dallas but plays for Baltimore*.
1. Dak Prescott: The Unfinished Product at Quarterback
There’s no sugarcoating it: Dak Prescott has been far too inconsistent for a quarterback who is paid at the level of a franchise cornerstone. Jerry Jones has stuck by Prescott for far too long, and it’s increasingly clear that this loyalty has cost the Cowboys in terms of playoff success and long-term potential. Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance, no doubt—he’s capable of leading the team to big wins and putting up impressive stats. But when it matters most, Prescott has faltered.
In the NFL, consistency at quarterback is the most important factor for championship success, and Prescott has proven time and again that he isn’t capable of maintaining that level of consistency. His performances in key games—especially in the postseason—have been underwhelming at best. We’ve seen him struggle with turnovers, decision-making, and sometimes, just failing to rise to the occasion when the pressure is on. Yet, Jerry Jones continues to support him with contract extensions and public endorsements, seemingly unwilling to make a difficult decision and move on from a quarterback who has not delivered on his promise.
Instead of sticking with Prescott and allowing him to remain the face of the franchise, Jerry Jones should have recognized that the Cowboys’ championship window is closing fast. He should have looked for an upgrade at quarterback—whether through a trade, a high draft pick, or simply being more aggressive in scouting new talent. Instead, Jones chose to double down on Prescott, keeping him at the helm and further delaying the Cowboys’ pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
2. Not Signing the Top RB in the League: J.K. Dobbins
This one might sting a bit more for those who closely follow the Cowboys’ roster moves and player transactions. Jerry Jones had the opportunity to land a star running back who lives in Dallas but instead allowed him to slip through the cracks. I’m talking about J.K. Dobbins, the running back who plays for the Baltimore Ravens but was born and raised in the Dallas area. Dobbins has proven to be one of the most dynamic and efficient running backs in the NFL since entering the league. He’s explosive, a vision runner, and a game-changer in the backfield. Yet, the Cowboys let him slip away when they could’ve easily made a move to bring him home.
What makes this mistake even more glaring is the fact that Jerry Jones is known for making splashy moves in the offseason. He has the resources, and he’s never been shy about making big trades or signing high-profile players. However, Jones chose to keep faith in a declining Ezekiel Elliott, who, while a fan favorite, hasn’t been the same player he was during his rookie season. Meanwhile, Dobbins—who could’ve been the perfect complement to the Cowboys’ offense—has thrived with the Ravens, and it’s become clear that he could have brought the dynamic spark that this offense so desperately needs.
Imagine the Cowboys with Dobbins in the backfield. He brings everything the team needs: an ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and add an extra dimension to the offense. His presence would have taken pressure off of Prescott, allowing the quarterback to focus more on the passing game and not have to shoulder the entire load. But Jerry Jones, for reasons that still remain unclear, chose to pass on the chance to add Dobbins to the roster. It’s a mistake that continues to haunt the Cowboys, as they struggle to find a true difference-maker in their running game.
Conclusion: The Consequences of Jerry Jones’ Decisions
In the end, the decisions Jerry Jones made (or failed to make) with regard to Dak Prescott and J.K. Dobbins have had a profound impact on the Dallas Cowboys’ ability to contend for a Super Bowl. The franchise has a talent-rich roster, but it’s clear that at key positions—quarterback and running back—they have been held back by Jones’ inability to make the tough, necessary changes.
Dak Prescott, while a decent quarterback, simply isn’t the answer to lead the Cowboys to a championship. And Jerry Jones’ failure to sign a dynamic, homegrown talent like J.K. Dobbins has only further complicated the Cowboys’ chances of success.
As a Cowboys fan, it’s frustrating to watch a team with so much potential continually fall short, especially when the solution to their problems seems so obvious. The question is: Will Jerry Jones finally recognize that it’s time for change before the Cowboys’ Super Bowl window completely closes? Or will he continue to make the same mistakes that have held this team back for years? Only time will tell.
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