FRISCO, Texas – Jerry Jones won't go as far as calling the 2024 season as a success for the Dallas Cowboys, but acknowledged that there is an opportunity to build positive carryover, a stark contrast to what carried over into the start of this season.
"I don't know that I would go as far as saying this season is a success…" the owner and general manager said on 105.3 The Fan. "There's no question that you can carry over good play from one season to the next. Potentially we even did that, we carried over not-so-good play against Green Bay that we had in our last game in the playoffs last year."
"I think it's naive to think that you don't have carryover."
After a 3-7 start to the season, Dallas' two division wins in five days lit a spark under the team, with confidence high paired with a "mini bye week" of 11 days separating the Cowboys' Thanksgiving win from their next game on December 9.
"I do, I really do," Jones said when asked if he feels re-energized by the Cowboys' last two victories. "Nobody likes that road we were on three weeks ago, to say the very least our fans, I think the reason why we're having the wins has really gotten me excited as anything."
What is one of the reasons for those wins in Jones' mind? Dallas' defense, which has forced six turnovers over the course of the last three games and has seen the emergence of playmakers like DeMarvion Overshown.
"When I look at the way our defense is gelling, the way it's coming around, getting to see guys make those plays," Jones said. "Not only being where they're supposed to be but comfortable enough to be out there and be a playmaker at the same time."
"All of that really bodes well for this game coming up against Cincinnati."
Another reason for the Cowboys' turnaround in these last two games has been the team's continued belief in Mike McCarthy, who Jones gave a lot of credit to for keeping the locker room together despite the tough losses and injury struggles.
"Quality of character, quality of football character, he's steady as a rock…" Jones said of McCarthy. "He's genuine, he's no BS with these players, and I've never thought for one second that the team had quit recognizing what an outstanding coach he is."
It's a longshot, but mathematically the Cowboys do still have an opportunity to make the playoffs in 2024. It's a challenge that Jones acknowledges is difficult, but still attainable if Dallas continues to improve week to week.
"I think we see the challenge, there's no question about it, to potentially get in the playoffs. That's a challenge…" Jones said. "We've got to really play even better than we've played the last two games."
"What's encouraging is that we can, it starts and stops with our thoughts about Cincinnati, they're a lot better than their record says they are."
With Cincinnati posing one of the best passing duos in the league in Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, it's another chance for the defense to show growth and build that positive carryover, regardless of what the result does for the end of the season.
"This gives us great opportunity to get better, and we are getting better, and we can be improved…" Jones said. "Should the outlandish odds work in our favor about a potential postseason play, then so be it."
