Following Jerry Jones’ “bad” accusation, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy boldly responds with a five-word message.
FRISCO: With a 3-3 start and a six-game sample size, the Dallas Cowboys have finally had a week off to assess themselves. In his summary of the investigation, owner Jerry Jones used the term “bad” to characterize the situation in a way that seemed to be a direct jab at coach Mike McCarthy and the staff. “We’re designing bad plays, we’re designing bad concepts,” Jones said this week. Here at The Star, McCarthy responded to his boss’s charge on Wednesday in a fairly audacious manner. McCarthy stated, “I speak with Jerry frequently.” We’ve got time to complete the self-scout. Specifically, I didn’t notice the remarks. However, I don’t believe that our plays and conceptions are poor.
“We’re not where we want to be,” the coach added. That is obvious, and I am well aware that I am ultimately responsible for it. We work really hard. We’re doing exactly what we want to.” The run game has been one area in particular that has required careful consideration. The Cowboys have struggled more than any other team in the NFL to develop a ground presence. League-worst statistics and little motivation for improvement entering the second half of the season are the outcome of a summer in which they showed little interest in reevaluating the position. In terms of yards per game (77.2) and yards per rush (3.5), the Cowboys are currently in last place. Despite Jerry Jones’s obvious “blow it up” aspirations, there is still optimism that this bunch can compete. They are also not far from postseason contention when considering the NFC environment.
