But Jones does not believe that the Cowboys are far from making an extended postseason run.
“We’ve got a team that I think has got a top future, as far as next year’s concerned,” Jones said. “Starting with the offense, starting with that as we stand here tonight. And I think we’ve got the bones of a heck of a defense out there as well.
“And so, I think that as we do things that are directed toward making us better, period, no matter who we do it with, as we do those things, we’re starting [from a] real good spot. And I like what we’ve done with our cap. We’re able to spend money if we need to. And we’ll be able to draft with the picks we got. So, I can give you all kinds of reasons why we can change up what we’re doing out here tonight.”
The Cowboys have a 4,000-yard passer (Dak Prescott), a 1,000-yard running back (Javonte Williams) and two 1,000-yard receivers (CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens) for just the second time in franchise history. The other time it happened came in 2019, with Prescott, Ezekiel ElliottAmari Cooper and Michael Gallupand the Cowboys also missed the playoffs.
Jones feels good about the interior of his defensive line, with tackles Quinnen Williamswho did not play against the Chargers because of a neck issue, Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa. Jones sees promise in linebacker DeMarvion Overshownwho suffered a concussion in the first half Sunday, and rookie edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.