The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a season filled with challenges, yet team owner Jerry Jones has struck a note of optimism as the 5-7 Cowboys attempt to claw their way back into the playoff picture.
Despite injuries to key players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive standout DeMarcus Lawrence, Jones sees potential for an improbable postseason push.
In an interview with 105.3 The Fan, Jones shared his excitement over the team’s recent improvements. “I do. I really do [believe in the playoffs],” he said. “Nobody liked where we were three weeks ago. The reason why we’re having the wins is getting me excited. The way our defense is coming around. Seeing guys make those plays. Now, it’s series by series, it’s game to game. That’s what we’re looking out here.”
This renewed hope comes after a dramatic shift in the Cowboys’ trajectory. Once thought to be contenders for a high draft pick, they’ve now put themselves in the conversation for the final playoff spot in the NFC. Much of this optimism has been fueled by players like Micah Parsons, whose vocal leadership has galvanized the locker room. Parsons declared earlier that he wouldn’t allow tanking, instead rallying the team with a message of resilience.
Currently, the Cowboys sit two games behind the Washington Commanders for the coveted No. 7 seed in the NFC. To keep their playoff dreams alive, Dallas must win their remaining games, a task Jones believes is achievable. “The encouraging thing is we can do it,” he emphasized. “We’re getting players back from injury. We see the challenge to potentially get in the playoffs. We’ve got to play even better than we’ve played the last two games.”
One of the reasons for Jones’ optimism is the resurgence of the Cowboys’ defense, which has shown flashes of dominance in recent weeks. Parsons, a cornerstone of that unit, continues to lead by example, contributing impactful plays that have helped keep the team in games. Meanwhile, as injured players return to the lineup, the defense’s depth and effectiveness could be a game-changer down the stretch.
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The Cowboys’ next hurdle is a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite Cincinnati’s subpar record, Jones warned against underestimating their opponent. “It starts and stops with our thought about Cincinnati,” he noted. “They’re a lot better team than the record indicates. We are getting better. I look at it that way.”
Jones also addressed the broader implications of the team’s playoff aspirations. Should the Cowboys succeed in making the postseason, they would enter as significant underdogs, but Jones remains focused on the opportunity. “Should the odds work in our favor about a potential postseason play, then, so be it,” he said, acknowledging the uphill battle that remains.
Despite the daunting path ahead, there is a palpable sense of belief within the organization. Much of this stems from the team’s ability to stay competitive despite adversity. The Cowboys have shown flashes of the grit and determination required to pull off a miraculous playoff run.
The offensive side of the ball, however, will need to step up if the Cowboys are to make noise in the postseason. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush has managed the offense in Prescott’s absence, but the unit must find ways to score more consistently. Jones’ confidence in the coaching staff and players suggests he believes they can rise to the occasion.
For Cowboys fans, this season has been an emotional rollercoaster. The team’s recent turnaround has brought a glimmer of hope to a campaign that seemed lost just weeks ago. As the final stretch approaches, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys respond to the challenge.
The road to the playoffs is far from guaranteed, but if the Cowboys can sustain their momentum and capitalize on returning players, they may have a chance to rewrite the narrative of their 2024 season. And for Jerry Jones, that possibility is enough to keep the faith alive.
