The Dallas Cowboys have struggled through the first eight weeks of the 2024 season, limping to a 3–4 record as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Cowboys’ performance thus far has been anything but smooth. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who signed a four-year contract extension in September, has been unable to find his rhythm, registering a career-worst passer rating of 84.5 through seven games.

Prescott’s mobility, once a hallmark of his game, seems to have diminished, raising questions about his ability to adapt and lead the offense. The struggles extend beyond Prescott, as the Cowboys’ offense ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging just 74.1 yards. Turnovers have also been a major problem for Dallas, with the team coughing up the ball 13 times—the fourth-most in the league.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones took to the airwaves on Friday, addressing his team’s lackluster performance during a candid radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. Jones, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of the Cowboys.

“Well, I think we’re having a rougher go than I anticipated,” Jones admitted. “Let’s put it like that… But having me in the loop has to be there. It is rougher, and I did not anticipate the challenges that we’re having with this team, but I am reminded of teams that I’ve seen that have had a lot of success and put themselves in position to take a shot, and they were 3–4.”

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Jones pointed to the Cowboys’ youth and inexperience, particularly on the offensive line, as significant factors contributing to their struggles. “When I look at the whys that we’re here, I really have a tough time getting past just sheer youth, sheer inexperience on the offensive line. And I have a tough time getting past that turnover [ratio],” Jones explained. Despite the challenges, Jones remained somewhat optimistic, highlighting the fact that the Cowboys have still managed to win three games. “It really is a plus that we’ve won three games,” he added.

With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, Jones has one last opportunity to make some moves to bolster the Cowboys’ roster for the remainder of the season. Although he has made big midseason deals in the past—such as the Amari Cooper trade in 2018—Jones had previously indicated that the Cowboys would not be too active at the deadline this year. However, during his radio appearance on Friday, the 82-year-old seemed to soften that stance.

“We look for all meat and bone out here that can improve our team,” Jones said, suggesting that the Cowboys could still make a move if the right opportunity presents itself.

The Cowboys face a critical test on Sunday as they take on the Falcons at 1 p.m. ET. The matchup is being viewed as a must-win by the team, with Prescott calling it just that during a press conference on Thursday.

Jones echoed Prescott’s sentiment, understanding the importance of the game in turning around the Cowboys’ season. If Dallas wants to keep their playoff hopes alive, a win against the Falcons is crucial.

As the Cowboys prepare for what could be a pivotal game, the pressure is mounting on Prescott, Jones, and the entire organization. A victory over Atlanta could help the Cowboys regain some momentum, while a loss would only amplify the concerns surrounding the team’s direction this season.

For Jerry Jones, the stakes are high, and he’s willing to explore every possible avenue to get the Cowboys back on track—even if that means making moves before the trade deadline. Sunday’s showdown will provide a glimpse of whether the Cowboys can overcome their early-season struggles or if their issues will continue to hinder their path forward.