The Cowboys dropped to 1-2 on Sunday after a second straight home defeat. Sunday’s game against the Ravens included a late comeback attempt but it was defined in large part by another poor showing against the run. 
Baltimore amassed 274 rushing yards during the win, one which followed a blowout loss to the Saints including major production on the ground. Struggles in that department – along with an ineffective rushing attack – have led to renewed questions about changes in the lineup or on the sidelines. When speaking after the the game, though, owner Jerry Jones confirmed no such moves are imminent.
“I don’t have any concern about our players buying into the coaching staff, or the staff buying into the players,” Jones said (via WFAA’s Ed Werder). “That’s not it.”
Dallas leads the league in passing yards per game, but the team ranks 29th with an average of less than 74 yards per game on the ground. Defensively, the team sits at or near the bottom in a number of categories; that includes the NFL’s worst run defense (186 yards per contest allowed).
Plenty of work therefore needs to be done by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Co. during his first year back as the Cowboys’ defensive play-caller. Head coach Mike McCarthy is of course in a lame-duck season at the moment, and continued struggles could lead to increased calls for a change on the sidelines. Jones’ remarks illustrate his confidence in the veteran staffers, however.
With respect to personnel, a similar mindset is in place. No major in-season move is currently being contemplated, something which could of course change closer to the trade deadline. With nearly $24MM in cap space, the Cowboys have more financial flexibility than most teams at the moment. Jones is confident Dallas’ in-house players will be able to rebound from a disappointing start and render a midseason addition unnecessary.
“Well, I love out quarterback, highest paid guy in the NFL,” Jones added (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “Love our receiver,” a reference to CeeDee Lamb. “Like our offensive line. And, frankly, I like some of the things we’re doing on the defensive line… I say ‘all-in’ on personnel… I don’t see personnel changes out here. I see everybody doing better. Getting better.”
The Cowboys’ offseason consisted of few outside additions while negotiations with Lamb and Prescott took place. The former landed the second-highest AAV for receivers ($34MM) while the latter agreed to a record-breaking $60MM-per-year pact hours before Dallas’ first regular season game. An accord similarly moving Micah Parsons to the top of the edge rush market is expected for next offseason. In the meantime, the incumbent staff members and players will be counted on to deliver another postseason appearance after a slow start to the campaign.