Jerry Jones drops cryptic quote after Dallas Cowboys’ win over Commanders, and it’s bound to raise speculation
The Dallas Cowboys owner’s pre-prepared line to reporters came after a game that showcased both his team’s offensive ceiling and defensive floor.
Jerry Jones knows how to command a room. Following the Dallas Cowboys’ 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 2, Jones walked up to reporters in his usual postgame tunnel spot and delivered a line that was clearly pre-prepared.
“There is nothing more dangerous than an old man with money,” Jones said via a video captured by Nick Harris from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “That is my quote for the day.”
Those were the first words out of his mouth to open his media availability window. It’s a peculiar thing to say, but the comment has people talking about whether the Cowboys owner is foreshadowing a roster move he has alluded to since the team showed up to training camp in Oxnard, California. Jones has indicated he’s willing to deal away top picks in the future to help this year’s squad. And while Dallas has made some moves since then (signing Von Miller in free agency, for example), the Cowboys have yet to pull off something bigger.
Is this comment about his age and money a sign something is ahead?
Jones’ cryptic message follows another night of Cowboys defensive struggles
What makes Jones’ words so compelling is the context. The Cowboys’ offense exploded against Washington. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned in a 153-yard performance with two touchdowns. Dallas showed what it looks like when the passing attack reaches its ceiling.
On the other side of the ball, though, the defense delivered another flawed performance. It was better than Week 1, sure. But there is still significant room for improvement. The Cowboys generated some pressure on Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, but it rarely translated into tangible results. Daniels escaped with his legs consistently, racking up 69 rushing yards in the first half alone before exiting in the second half due to an elbow injury.
Edge rush and injury concerns add weight to Jones’ words
The pass rush was a recurring issue. Cowboys second-year edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku generated pressure on multiple occasions but could not finish with a sack. Instead, the door opened for Washington to connect on big plays, and the Commanders took advantage of several of those reps.
Dallas is also dealing with a wave of injuries at linebacker and in the secondary. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown missed the game entirely, while linebacker Jaishawn Barham and safety Dee Winners both had to exit at various points. In the secondary, the Cowboys were already without starting safety Malik Hooker. His replacement, PJ Locke, suffered an injury during the game. Cornerback Cobie Durant went down as well. Both defensive backs were ruled out by the start of the third quarter.
The mounting hits to the starting lineup add real weight to what Jones cryptically said to reporters.
Is a move coming? The trade market is usually inactive this early in the season. Teams are not inclined to sell when the trade deadline is still weeks away in November. Jones’ postgame quote fits the pattern of things the Cowboys owner says to get fans and media buzzing.
The question is whether something tangible follows the words this time.
