Cowboys Face Hard Truths, Look Ahead After Tumultuous Season
The Dallas Cowboys are officially on the outside looking in this postseason, and owner Jerry Jones isn’t sugarcoating it. After a season filled with inconsistency and capped by the shocking trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons, Jones addressed the media with a mix of accountability and optimism.
“We all underachieved, really,” Jones admitted. “The fact we’re not in the playoffs says that for you.”
It’s a rare moment of transparency from a front office that’s often bullish on its outlook, but Jones didn’t shy away from the reality: this team didn’t live up to expectations. He acknowledged that management bears a large share of the blame, but he also made it clear that he sees a foundation worth building on - particularly on offense.
“I think we’ve got a team that’s got a top future, as far as next year’s concerned,” Jones said. “Starting with the offense… and I think we’ve got the bones of a heck of a defense out there as well.”
Jones pointed to the team’s cap flexibility and extra draft capital as reasons for optimism. In his eyes, Dallas is positioned to reload, not rebuild.
The message? The Cowboys aren’t starting from scratch - they’re starting from a place of potential.
Coaching Under the Microscope
Naturally, questions turned to the coaching staff, especially after the defense struggled down the stretch. First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who took over after last season’s changes, is under evaluation - but that’s standard procedure this time of year, according to Jones.
“It’s not uncommon to evaluate at this time of year your entire coaching staff,” Jones said. “Obviously, the target’s on him because of our statistical as well as actual play on the defensive side of the ball. But that goes with it.”
Jones emphasized that Schottenheimer’s experience - both as a coach and as someone who grew up around the game - has been valuable in navigating a challenging season.
“I’m really pleased with the job that Brian has done in light of where we are right today,” Jones added. “We get one team that gets to go to that Super Bowl every year… I’m looking forward to next year - getting back in that championship game and maybe beyond.”
It’s the kind of forward-looking statement Cowboys fans have heard before, but Jones made it clear: he wants to be in that conversation again, and soon.
Javonte Williams Emerging as a Key Contributor
Amidst the turbulence, one bright spot has been running back Javonte Williams. In Week 15, Williams posted 91 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, continuing to solidify his role in the offense. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer had high praise for the young back - not just for his production, but for his approach.
“He’s a guy that truly gets it,” Schottenheimer said. “He comes to meetings ready, asks questions, takes great notes, and when something’s off, he wants it fixed. You see the work ethic, the maturity, the intelligence, and then the talent.”
Quarterback Dak Prescott echoed those sentiments, calling Williams an “important piece” to the offense and praising his leadership by example.
“He’s a quiet guy, but when he speaks, it’s definitely heard,” Prescott said. “Anything he does is felt.”
For a team looking to reestablish its identity, Williams’ emergence as a dependable, all-around back could be a cornerstone heading into 2026.
Brandon Graham Returns to a New-Look Eagles Defense
Over in Philadelphia, a familiar face is back in the fold. Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham, who briefly stepped away from the game, has returned to help the Eagles’ pass rush. But even he admits - this isn’t the same team that hoisted the Lombardi earlier this year.
“Last year was special,” Graham said. “We lost a lot of guys. They got paid… But they did a good job of having people, having depth.”
Graham acknowledged the natural turnover that comes with success - new faces, new starters, and a different energy. But what’s impressed him most is how this group has responded to adversity.
“It’s really about making sure that you’re staying working, even through the chaos and the storm that sometimes happens during the year,” he said. “Nobody wavered.”
That kind of resilience is exactly what the Eagles will need as they push toward another deep postseason run. And with Graham back in the mix, they’ve added not just experience, but a steadying presence in the locker room.
As the regular season winds down, the Cowboys and Eagles find themselves at very different crossroads. Dallas is left regrouping, trying to turn potential into progress. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is reloading for another title chase - with a veteran leader back in the trenches.