'We’re Not Getting the Job Done There': Stephen Jones Sends Strong Message About Cowboys' Biggest Problem

Cowboys Defense Among NFL’s Worst Through Week 3

Jones’ criticism is backed up by the numbers. The Cowboys rank 30th in total defense, giving up an alarming 397.7 yards per game, according to Fox Sports. Their pass defense has been even worse, sitting dead last in the NFL, surrendering 288 passing yards per game along with seven touchdowns through the air.

The Cowboys also rank 27th in scoring defense, giving up 30.7 points per game, and sits dead last on third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert 53.7% of the time. Those figures show why the Cowboys have not been able to close out games, including last week’s 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears.

The defensive issues have only been magnified by roster changes and key injuries. The loss of star pass rusher Micah Parsons, now with the Green Bay Packers after a blockbuster trade, left the Cowboys without their most dominant defensive playmaker. 

On Sunday, Parsons will return to AT&T Stadium in Green Bay colors, making the matchup even more personal for the Cowboys.

Meanwhile, Dallas will also be without wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3, along with starting right guard Tyler Booker. The offense is already thin, leaving the defense with even more pressure to keep games close.

The return of cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland provides some relief, but the Cowboys will need immediate impact from their secondary if they hope to slow down the Packers’ attack.

Jones Calls for Urgency

Jones made clear that changes have already been discussed inside the building. 

“I think they’ve done a great job this week of really doing some things that I think will make it easier for our guys to execute and play and play at a high level,” he said.

But the numbers paint a sobering picture. If Dallas cannot fix its defense quickly, it risks falling deeper into a hole in a competitive NFC. 

With Parsons on the other sideline and Lamb out of the lineup, Sunday night’s primetime game against Green Bay will test whether Jones’ call for adjustments can translate into results.