As play entered week 10, America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys, limped to a 3-5-1 mark through nine games. With the NFL trade deadline looming, they are in a dangerous bind. After a lackluster 27-17 defeat at the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones is under fire. He understands that the moment has come to deepen his bench. With those eight games remaining, the Cowboys are second in the NFC East standings, 3½ games behind the Philadelphia Eagles. Desperate to improve the team’s on-the-field performance, Jones is poised to make moves with impact.
Jones had a deal lined up earlier on Monday, though that one still hasn’t officially gone through. As recently as May, CEQ chair Mitchella expressed optimism about a potential deal, saying at the time, “There is one [trade] that I can do. But there is, without question, one I’m clamoring to do. There is not a single one [completed], but there is a single one that I am able to do.” With the trade deadline around the corner on Tuesday, that urgency quickly comes to life. More than ever, Jones is seeking out several trades to bolster a defense that has battled injuries and covid since the season’s beginning.
New offensive coach Brian Schottenheimer is intent on maximizing potential. Considering that the Cowboys’ first-team offense has struggled mightily, averaging only 13.5 points in their last two contests. Schottenheimer was the first to admit they had plenty of room to improve, adding, “We’ve got a lot of work to do. Beyond that, Coach Ron Smith zoomed in on solutions, demanding his players meet the challenge at a crossroads moment like this.
As the Cowboys prepare for a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against the Eagles, Chiefs, and Lions within a 12-day span, Jones remains cautious about making any rash decisions. He noted, “You’ve got a lot of ground to make up. I’ll grant anybody that,” referencing the team’s current standing at 11th in the conference.
That’s why Jones is keenly aware of the stakes in any possible trade. He said he didn’t want to do things that didn’t make sense just to chase the Super Bowl. He prides himself on keeping a clear long-term strategy. Along the way, he works hard to make sure these personnel moves serve the team’s long-term success.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott spoke to that sense of urgency and reactivity after their dismal performance against Arizona last week. “We know every game is a playoff game we have to win from here on out,” he said, highlighting the urgency of each remaining game.
The Dallas Cowboys 2023 season has been a major disappointment so far. All is not lost – trade smart, focus on the macro and execute plays better to claw back into the game. Jones and Schottenheimer are not afraid to tackle even the biggest challenges. They are committed to finding useful alternatives that will improve their club’s fortunes for the remainder of this season.
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