Despite another loss for the Cowboys, Jerry Jones says he’s still all in and can rebuild the roster.

ATLANTA — Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones talking to the media outside the team’s locker room is part of the routine…at AT&T Stadium. On the road—win or lose—Jones doesn’t usually talk to reporters after a game.

After loss with a score of 27-21 fell to the Atlanta Falcons Cowboys to 3-5, Jones spoke for almost 10 minutes.

“I’m very sorry that we’re having to have this season for our fans,” Jones said when asked why it was so emotional for him. “However, I’ve seen too many times when this thing looks dark, I’ve seen the positives rise and fall from there. … There are a lot of guys in this room who can do it. I believe in them, the coaches and everyone.”

Jones described his message to the team after the game as “a very emotional message.”

“I talked to the team about how I got my ass kicked a few times, I was around men who got their ass kicked,” Jones said. “I saw them come back and lift the trophy. There is a time for everything. We all know we have to play better than we did today or we’re not going anywhere.”

Jones also discussed his plans for Tuesday’s trade deadline, his confidence in head coach Mike McCarthy and whether he’s still “all-in” for the 2024 season.

“We’ll go for it”

Jones’ public tone around Tuesday’s trade deadline has changed over the past few weeks – even in the last day. As the Cowboys entered their bye week with a 3-3 record, Jones said, “We have a great staff. I’m proud of our staff.” He said the Cowboys “weren’t thinking about it” in terms of taking action before the deadline.

During an appearance Friday on 105.3 The Fan, Jones seemed more open to the idea, saying, “We’re looking for anything that can improve our team.” In his radio interview before Sunday’s game, Jones said, “It could be a really busy time if it comes up.” Speaking after the game, Jones talked about future opportunities.

“Personally, I’m far from disappointed with our team this year,” Jones said. “Not upset. I’m worried. We should be concerned. We’ll probably do a couple of big things this week if everything goes the way we’d like. The point is, if you knew exactly what to do, this wouldn’t be the game it’s in. NFL. … It takes two to tango, but we have something. … Men and ladies, we will always do whatever it takes to improve this team. And if, in our opinion, if what you have to give up will help improve it, we will do it. I know everyone understands, I don’t think I need to say this, but we’ll go for it.”

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Jones was later reminded that his last “bold” trade at deadline day was to acquire Amari Cooper in 2018.

“Don’t look for it,” Jones said. “Don’t look for such things, okay? … We think we have a chance to improve our lineup.”

Some of the Cowboys’ biggest moves have come when they were least expected, so they can’t be completely ruled out, but it appears that even if the Cowboys do make a move at the deadline, there won’t be any major spikes.

Still all in

Nothing Jones and the Cowboys have done since the start of last offseason indicates that the team has truly gone all in, at least not in the way most people are interpreting it. However, this was a self-imposed mantra for the front office. The Cowboys are now 3-5 and looking at… Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans And Washington commanders over the next three weeks. They are also looking at potentially being without their starting quarterback. Dak Prescottwhile their top four defenders remain sidelined and arguably their best defender has suffered a setback in his recovery and has yet to play this season.

Is Jones still all-in in 2024?

“I am,” Jones said. “I am. You’d say, man, this thing is looking pretty bleak here. Honestly, I’ve seen situations that have looked bleak (and) changing. We’ve got a tough schedule ahead of us. It was a game against a good Atlanta team, but for us it’s a winning game. Very disappointed for our fans, players and everyone involved.”

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Given the trajectory DaRon BlandAs he recovers from a foot injury suffered in training camp, it would be foolish to try to give him a return date. Jones said Micah Parsons is approaching, although he didn’t practice at all last week and had no real chance to play in Atlanta.

Jones can maintain his all-in stance, but his trade deadline actions, or lack thereof, will speak louder if that’s the case – and even more so if this 2024 iteration of the Cowboys is even worthy of being all-in for.

“I feel good with Mike”

The Cowboys have had problems that many would blame on McCarthy, whether he was the head coach or the player in charge of the game. There was a lack of discipline and there was a ridiculous number of penalties on Sunday. The Cowboys failed to gain 1 yard on two attempts on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 to extend the early drive. There was a curious call on a fake punt early in the third quarter with the Cowboys trailing by four points and at their own 38-yard line.

However, Jones expressed confidence that McCarthy will be the man to turn things around this season.

“I have a good relationship with Mike,” Jones said. “I know how hard he works. I like his football mind. I know how well it works. In my opinion, he has an outstanding coaching record. He gets along really well with the players. They think highly of him. He has a lot of fire in his belly. … I’ve had instances where you’ve asked questions and maybe thought about doing it differently. But I had a good experience there.”

(Top photo by Mike McCarthy: Kevin K. Cox/Getty Images)