Stephen A. Smith makes urgent demand to Cowboys’ Jerry Jones about tragic defense
The Dallas Cowboys got burned for 44 points, but owner Jerry Jones hasn’t given up on that side of the ball. However, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith made an urgent demand to Jones about the tragic defense.
A trio of rookie players helped the Denver Broncos to a 44-24 rout of the Cowboys on Sunday. Running back R.J. Harvey, receiver Pat Bryant, and cornerback Jahdae Barron helped leave the Cowboys in shambles.
And the Cowboys’ defense took the brunt of the blame, according to ESPN.
“What if you went out and got [Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson] for those late first-round picks, which are really second-round picks?” Smith said. “You got that brother in your stable. What could that do for you?”
Cowboys’ defense needs improvement
Smith said the Cowboys can definitely make strides with the right trade. Hendrickson is the case in point, but also Maxx Crosby and others. He scoffed at the notion that a trade wouldn’t help.
“You telling me nothing?” Smith said. “With (DeMarvion) Overshown coming back. With some of the other cats you’ve got in place. DaRon Bland and those brothers. You trying to tell me you can’t do anything?
“You got to try something when you have an offense this prolific. You don’t need a prolific defense. You need a decent defense. Literally, a middle-of-the-road defense could propel the Cowboys to their first NFC Championship game in 30 years. That could happen, OK?”
But are the Cowboys really a quick one-man trade fix?
Quarterback Dak Prescott said soul-searching is needed, according to ESPN.
“Just the old saying: ‘Adversity reveals character and also builds it,'” Prescott said. “And so, who are we? And I just challenged everybody, myself included, to look in the mirror. Are we giving enough? Are you giving enough through the week, through your preparation, and particularly on game day, to make sure that you're giving your best performance? I know the coaches. I know the men in that building. I know how pissed we all are from this, and I know the way we're going to get back to work and be ready for Monday night.
“So it's a hell of a business we're in. It's a tough business, but I wouldn't choose anything else. Wouldn't choose any other men than those guys in that locker room and those coaches.”
Taylor Swift Surprises Serena Williams with Heartfelt Gift After Super Bowl Support
Tennis legend Serena Williams received a surprise gift from pop superstar Taylor Swift on Monday, as part of the promotional rollout for Swift's latest album, The Life of a Showgirl.
The package included a personalized box set and a handwritten note expressing Swift's admiration for Williams, highlighting a rare cross-industry exchange between two high-profile figures.
Williams shared her excitement publicly, acknowledging her status as a longtime
The note accompanying the package read, "If you are reading this, someone who I love, someone I admire... Ultimately someone I would love to celebrate with and welcome The Life of a Showgirl into the world. Hope you like these & react! With Love, A Showgirl."
A gift with deeper meaning
This thoughtful gesture marked a continuation of the supportive relationship between the two celebrities. It comes just weeks after Serena received a personal gift from another friend of hers,
The moment is particularly noteworthy given Williams' previous public defense of Swift during a challenging event earlier in 2025.
At the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Swift
Williams, who had performed in Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, publicly encouraged Swift not to be discouraged, tweeting, "I love you
The Life of a Showgirl, Swift's 12th studio album, was released on October 3, 2025 and has already broken streaming records on platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The album features tracks such as "The Fate of Ophelia," "Elizabeth Taylor," "CANCELLED!," "Father Figure," and "Eldest Daughter."
Alongside the album, Swift also released a companion film, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, which opened at the top of the North American box office with $33 million in its first weekend.
The 89-minute production includes a new music video and behind-the-scenes footage, offering insight into the creative process behind the album.
Strengthening bonds across industries
Williams revealed in April that she had intentionally avoided meeting
Following the Kansas City Chiefs' loss to the Eagles, she recognized the heightened emotions surrounding the game and chose to give Swift space, demonstrating an understanding of both public perception and professional boundaries.
The recent gift underscores a continued mutual respect between Williams and Swift. It reflects not only Williams' enthusiasm as a fan but also Swift's acknowledgment of influential figures outside the music industry.
The album itself has been praised for its showgirl-inspired aesthetic, with costume design contributions from Bob Mackie, whose work has defined iconic performance wardrobes for decades. The visual presentation, combined with the music, reinforces
As both Williams and Swift continue to exert influence in their respective fields, this exchange serves as a reminder of the bridges that can form between different areas of popular culture.
The gift and accompanying message exemplify the admiration and respect that public figures can hold for one another, creating a narrative that extends beyond their individual accomplishments and resonates with fans worldwide.
