Dallas Cowboys proprietor and normal supervisor Jerry Jones admits there’s a harsh actuality going through his group after their 27-17 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday evening.
The loss dropped Dallas to 3-5-1, a place Jones didn’t count on to be in after 9 video games.
“We’ve received three ballgames and right here we’re with this juncture,” Jones stated post-game. “So, I do know methods to add. I imply, I’m not making an attempt to be trite, however I can add it up and have a look at the numbers of video games we’ve received left and what potential mixtures of information may get you within the playoffs. We’ve all that down actual good.”
The Cowboys sit second within the NFC East, trailing the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles by 3.5 video games. Within the general NFC standings, they rank eleventh, simply forward of Arizona because of a Week 4 tie with the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
In addition they path two groups which have already overwhelmed them this season – the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.
Following their bye week, Dallas will return to motion on November 17 towards the Las Vegas Raiders earlier than coming into a difficult five-game stretch towards the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, and Chargers, groups with a mixed 26-16 report.
Quarterback Dak Prescott admitted the group’s present predicament means there’s little room for error.
“Each sport is a must-win going ahead,” Prescott stated. “You say that, and you’re feeling that within the NFL and you must really feel that. However once you put your self able or behind like now we have, it’s much more in order that’s the case. … Having all these video games to play, you’ll be able to catch a scorching streak and be proper within the combine.
“That’s nice. However you bought to get a streak going and in case you don’t get a streak going, you’re simply placing your self increasingly behind the 8-ball, so it’s now or by no means.”
Commerce Deadline Looms
With the NFL commerce deadline approaching, Jones indicated that roster modifications are beneath severe consideration.
“If you’ve received solely three video games at this juncture, then you definitely recognise you’ve received numerous floor to make up,” Jones stated. “And I’m very conscious of that. And, sure, I might agree with you. It’s an uphill battle.
“Can now we have the sorts of issues we have been relying on? I used to be definitely hoping we’d have a pair extra wins on the win column earlier than we began making the most of any alternatives to vary the roster. And in order that’s nonetheless there into account.”
Defensive points have been a significant concern all through the season, with accidents plaguing a number of positions. The Cowboys are reportedly evaluating commerce choices at defensive position, linebacker, and within the secondary.
“There may be one [trade] that I can do. With out query, there’s one I can do. There may be not one [completed], however there’s one which I can do,” Jones stated. “And I’m leaning towards doing it.”
Whereas the transfer might not be on the identical scale because the 2018 commerce for huge receiver Amari Cooper, which helped spark a turnaround that season, Jones stated any addition may nonetheless make an affect.
“I wouldn’t need to get into it. It’s simply the character of everyone concerned within the commerce,” Jones stated. “However something is critical if it’s someone that’s going to be energetic within the video games, on the sector, that kind of factor.
“So I don’t need to diminish the commerce. However we definitely, for what a participant was going to convey to the desk, for no matter occurred tonight, we’d like that participant to convey that to the desk, it doesn’t matter what occurred tonight. However does it make sense?”
Season on the Line
With eight video games remaining, the Cowboys face a essential stretch. Even a commerce or two may not be sufficient to salvage the season if the group doesn’t enhance in key areas.
“You’ve received numerous floor to make up. I’ll grant anyone that,” Jones stated. “Can we get there with higher play, much less errors? Can we get there with that? Are we going to have some personnel?
“We’re going to have the chance to have some totally different personnel than the primary a part of this season, both shopping for by way of a commerce or gamers that we’ve had coming [back from injury]. You guys have been listening to about that and studying about that right here for weeks and weeks and weeks.
“The previous Parcells quote, ‘You might be what you’re,’ proper at present. We’ve received to try it, and also you received’t be upset that I didn’t get carried away, get illogical and do one thing that was all betting on us profitable the Tremendous Bowl. I don’t assume you’ll be upset.”