Frisco, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are off to a rocky 1-2 start this season, and fans are pointing fingers.

A recent poll conducted by WFAA-TV in Dallas revealed that over 70% of voters believe that owner and general manager Jerry Jones is to blame for the team's struggles.

In an interview on 105.3 The Fan's "Shan and RJ" show, Jones acknowledged the criticism, stating, “That’s very fair. It’s well known that no decision is ultimately made here without my approval.” He further emphasized his role in decision-making, adding, “I have a huge amount of input in making those decisions, and we've got a lot of people in the Dallas Cowboys that contribute their insights.”

Jones’ Tenure and Fan Frustration

Since assuming control of the franchise in 1989, Jones has weathered intense scrutiny, especially when the team falters. The Cowboys have not tasted Super Bowl success in 28 long seasons, contributing to rising fan frustration. In fact, during the Cowboys' first two home games against the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, visiting fans outnumbered the home crowd, making their presence feel like a hostile takeover.

Reflecting on his tumultuous journey as owner, Jones remarked, “I guess I got baptized when I first came to Dallas and bought the Cowboys, and we won one football game. We had made changes like swapping out coach Tom Landry, which led to monumental criticism.” He expressed surprise at the passionate emotions surrounding the team, elaborating that such fervor can stem either from followers or those hoping to see the Cowboys fail.

Ongoing Issues on the Field

While the focus often lands on Jones, the ongoing issues on the field cannot be ignored. The Cowboys rank dead last in run defense, allowing a staggering 185.7 rushing yards per game, and have conceded a whopping 464 rushing yards over the past two contests. Their running game isn’t faring any better, sitting at 30th place with a mere 73.7 yards per game, while the longest run this season has come from wide receiver CeeDee Lamb—a modest 12-yard gain.

Jones’ Confidence in the Roster

Jones insisted on the potential of the current roster, expressing confidence in the team's ability to turn things around. “We’re disappointed without a doubt and see how we need to get better as a cohesive unit,” he stated. “We’re not firing on all cylinders, and it’s concerning. The key now is coordinating our efforts across defense, offense, and special teams.”

Pivotal Matchup Ahead

The last time the Cowboys started a season 1-3 was back in 2020 during Mike McCarthy’s first year as head coach, which ultimately led to a disappointing 6-10 finish. Although the team faces a pivotal matchup against the New York Giants, Jones hesitated to label it a “must-win,” reminding everyone of the long 17-game season.

He noted, “Every possession counts for us and for each player. It’s about playing each possession as best as you can.”

Final Thoughts

With the Cowboys looking to regain their footing, fans are anxiously awaiting the team's response in what could be a make-or-break game. Will Jerry Jones’ leadership pay off, or are the Cowboys doomed to repeat past mistakes? Tune in Thursday to catch the action and see if the Boys can right the ship!