The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, suffered a demoralizing 24-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. The defeat, which marked the Cowboys’ second in the young 2024 season, left fans and players frustrated, but none more so than team owner Jerry Jones. Known for his hands-on involvement and outspoken nature, Jones made it clear that this setback will not define the season. In his post-game comments, he was adamant that the Cowboys will right the ship.
“We will correct this,” Jones said firmly when asked about the loss. “We have the talent, we have the coaching, and we have the determination to get this right. This is not the way the Dallas Cowboys play football.”
A Slow Start and Missed Opportunities
The Cowboys struggled to find any rhythm in the first half, managing just two field goals. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who entered the game with high expectations, was out of sync with his receivers, leading to several missed opportunities. The offensive line, once a hallmark of Dallas’ success, appeared vulnerable as Prescott was hurried and hit on numerous occasions.
“We couldn’t get anything going offensively,” Prescott admitted after the game. “We didn’t execute, and that’s on me as much as anyone. I’ve got to do better, and we’ve all got to do better.”
The Saints, on the other hand, took advantage of the Cowboys’ sluggishness. Quarterback Derek Carr connected with wide receiver Michael Thomas for a crucial touchdown in the second quarter, giving New Orleans momentum heading into halftime.
“Anytime you let a team like New Orleans get comfortable, it’s going to be tough to claw back,” Jones said. “But we had chances, and we didn’t capitalize. That’s something we need to address immediately.”
A Defensive Collapse in the Second Half
While the Cowboys’ offense struggled, the defense—which had been a strong point in previous games—crumbled in the second half. After keeping the Saints in check for much of the first two quarters, the Cowboys allowed two additional touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, giving the Saints a comfortable cushion.
Dallas’ secondary, featuring standout players like Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore, was uncharacteristically porous. Saints wide receivers repeatedly found space downfield, with Carr finishing the game with over 300 passing yards.
“It’s disappointing,” head coach Mike McCarthy said. “We pride ourselves on defense, and we didn’t live up to that standard today. We’ve got to go back to the film, see where we went wrong, and fix it.”
McCarthy’s comments echoed those of Jones, who expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back but acknowledged the urgency of addressing the defensive breakdowns.
“We’re better than that, and our defense knows it,” Jones said. “We’ve got the talent to be elite, and we will fix what needs fixing.”
Injuries Add to the Frustration
The Cowboys’ frustrations were compounded by injuries to key players. Star linebacker Micah Parsons left the game late in the third quarter with what appeared to be a knee injury. While the extent of the injury is still unknown, any prolonged absence of Parsons would be a significant blow to the Cowboys’ defense.
“Micah is obviously a huge part of what we do on defense,” Jones said. “We’re hoping for the best, but we’ll have to wait and see what the doctors say.”
In addition to Parsons, running back Tony Pollard also left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury. Pollard had been one of the few bright spots in the Cowboys’ offense, rushing for 85 yards before being sidelined.
“We’re going to have to deal with these injuries, but that’s part of the game,” McCarthy said. “Next man up, and we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Jones emphasized that the Cowboys’ season is far from over. With 15 games remaining, he believes that Dallas has the tools to turn things around.
“We’re only a few games in. No one is panicking here,” Jones stated. “We’ve got a long season ahead of us, and I believe in this team. I believe in Dak, I believe in our coaches, and I believe in the heart of these players.”
One area where Jones expects improvement is the offensive line, which struggled to protect Prescott against the Saints’ pass rush. He hinted at potential changes, either through adjustments in the lineup or possibly exploring trade options to bolster the unit.
“We’ve got to protect Dak better,” Jones said. “That’s non-negotiable. He can’t do his job if he doesn’t have the time, and we’ve got to make sure he gets that protection.”
The Cowboys’ next game will be against the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, a team that has also gotten off to a slow start this season. Jones acknowledged the importance of that matchup, stressing that a win could help the Cowboys regain momentum and set the tone for the rest of the year.
“This is the NFL. Every game is crucial, and we know what’s at stake,” Jones concluded. “We’ll correct this, and we’ll be ready for Philly.”
As the Cowboys look to rebound, the pressure will be on Prescott, McCarthy, and the rest of the team to live up to the lofty expectations that come with wearing the star. For Jerry Jones, anything less than success is unacceptable.