Mike McCarthy admits Cowboys' struggles after Jerry Jones raised questions about team's play designs
The situation inside the Dallas Cowboys is becoming more and more interesting to follow. As the team sits with a 3-3 record after six weeks, with the latest game being a clampdown by the Detroit Lions, Jerry Jones has made subtle comments about the work of his coaching staff during the week:
"We’re designing bad plays; we are designing bad concepts. And the facts are that there’s some of that, but there’s also some of execution."
Jones, on his 82nd birthday on Sunday, Oct. 13, had to witness an absolute 46-9 massacre of his team. Safe to say, the owner/general manager wasn't pleased with how his team played on such a special date.
Now, the bye week has ended, and the Cowboys will return for a crucial game against the San Francisco 49ers during Sunday's Week 8 Sunday Night Football. Speaking to the press after Wednesday's practice, coach Mike McCarthy didn't exactly agree with his boss, saying:
“I talk to Jerry all the time. We’ve had time to go through the self-scout. I didn’t see the comments specifically. But I don’t think we have bad concepts and bad plays. But I’ll go back and check. We’re not where we want to be. That’s clear, and that’s ultimately my responsibility and I’m fully aware of that. We’re very diligent. We’re on top of what we want to do.”
The Cowboys have lost three straight games against the 49ers, one of their historic rivals. If they lose on Sunday, the losing record will sting badly, with the Washington Commanders (5-2) and the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) having good advantages in the division.
Jerry Jones does not think the current Cowboys roster is a problem
The Cowboys owner had a rant during a recent radio appearance after being criticized for his roster-building for the upcoming 2024 season. He has doubled down on this opinion, defending what Dallas is constructing:
"I like our talent. I like our young talent, but young talent has few more mistakes associated with it, than if you are dealing with a veteran player."
Many decisions, such as signing Ezekiel Elliott instead of pursuing Derrick Henry, have been questioned by fans and analysts. So far, they haven't paid off.