Tensions are running high in Dallas as the Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, find themselves mired in a disappointing season marked by mounting losses and growing frustrations. At the center of the storm is team owner Jerry Jones, whose fiery remarks about a proposed solution to the stadium’s glare issues have only added fuel to the flames.
Jones Rails Against Curtain Suggestion
Following the Cowboys’ latest defeat, a 34-6 drubbing at the hands of their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, Jones was asked about the possibility of installing curtains over the windows of AT&T Stadium to mitigate the glare that has been affecting players. His response was nothing short of explosive.
“Well let’s tear the damn stadium down and build another one? Are you kidding me? Everybody has got the same thing. Every team that comes in here has the same issues,” Jones said of the $1.2 billion stadium.
The exchange highlights the growing tension surrounding the Cowboys’ struggles, particularly at their home stadium. The team has yet to win a game at AT&T Stadium this season and has now lost four straight overall, leaving them with a disappointing 3-6 record.
Glare Affects Crucial Plays
The glare issue came to a head during Sunday’s game when Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb missed a catch in the end zone that could have given the team the lead. Lamb, who was wide open on the play, later attributed the missed opportunity to the sun being in his eyes.
When asked if he would be in favor of installing curtains to address the problem, Lamb responded enthusiastically. “Yes, 1,000%,” he said, although he expressed hesitation about personally asking Jones to foot the bill for the modifications.
Jones Dismisses Playcalling Based on Sun Position
Jones also bristled at the suggestion that head coach Mike McCarthy should adjust his playcalling based on the position of the sun, arguing that the team should be well aware of its location.
“I’m saying, the world knows where the sun is. You get to know that almost a year in advance,” Jones said. “Someone asked me about the sun. What about the sun? Where’s the moon?”
Offensive Struggles Continue
The glare controversy is just one of many issues plaguing the Cowboys this season. The team’s offense, in particular, has struggled mightily, managing just 146 total yards against the Eagles—their worst offensive performance at home since AT&T Stadium opened in 2009.
With starting quarterback Dak Prescott sidelined by injury, backup Cooper Rush has struggled to find a rhythm, completing just 13 of 23 passes for 45 yards and losing two fumbles in Sunday’s game. Third-string quarterback Trey Lance, despite seeing his first regular-season action for the Cowboys, fared no better, throwing an interception in limited playing time.
Jones Demands Better Play
When pressed about whether Rush and Lance would remain the team’s quarterback options for the remainder of the season, Jones was non-committal, instead emphasizing the need for improvement across the board.
“Well, we’re gonna have to play better than we’re playing right now. I don’t know that there’s answers outside the organization, but we’re flat gonna have to play better at all positions than we played tonight,” Jones said.
The Cowboys’ once-dominant home-field advantage has evaporated, with the team having now lost five straight games at AT&T Stadium dating back to last season. The skid began with a 48-32 playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, a stark contrast to the Cowboys’ 16-game home winning streak over the previous two seasons.
As the losses mount and the frustrations build, it remains to be seen whether Jones and the Cowboys can find a way to turn their season around. With the glare issue adding an unexpected wrinkle to their struggles, the pressure is on for America’s Team to find a solution—both on and off the field—before their 2024 campaign slips away entirely.
