Stephen A. Smith Sends Message to Jerry Jones Amid Cowboys’ Struggles

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is once again turning up the heat on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, urging him to fix what he calls a “broken defense” before it’s too late. 

Speaking with 105.3 The Fan this week, Smith didn’t hold back as he pointed out the glaring difference between Dallas’ explosive offense and their league-worst defense.

“I’m just sitting here looking at how explosive this offense is,” Smith said. “Dak has been playing like an MVP candidate. We know what CeeDee [Lamb] and George Pickens bring, and Javonte Williams has been a pleasant surprise. But if you can’t find a way to get to the quarterback, who the hell knows what could happen?”

Smith’s frustration echoes what much of Cowboys Nation has been feeling this season. Despite boasting one of the most dangerous offensive units in football, Dallas sits at 3-4-1, struggling to stay afloat after a 44-24 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 8.

Dallas Cowboys’ Offense Deserves Better Support

Behind quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys lead the league in passing yards per game (263.8) and rank second in both total yards per game (383.1) and points per game (30.8). Prescott has completed 70.3% of his passes for 2,069 yards and 16 touchdowns, ranking first in the NFL in QBR (79.5).

Wideouts CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have each posted strong starts, with Pickens already at 685 receiving yards and six touchdowns in just eight games. Running back Javonte Williams has also emerged as a reliable threat in both the running and receiving game.

The problem, however, is that their high-scoring offense has been forced to carry the entire load. Dallas’ defense ranks 31st in total yards allowed (404.6) and 31st in points allowed (31.3) per game. The unit has recorded just 10 sacks all season, and the absence of former All-Pro Micah Parsons, traded to Green Bay before Week 1, continues to haunt the team.

“Defensively, y’all are awful,” Smith said bluntly. “Just take the ‘D’ outta Dallas. That’s what you are right now.”

Parsons has been thriving with the Packers, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October after recording 4 sacks and 6 quarterback hits in three games, while the Cowboys' defense continues to crumble without him.

Stephen A. Smith to Jones: “You’ve Got to Do Something”

Smith’s message wasn’t just about the team’s on-field issues, it was also aimed directly at Jerry Jones’ recent priorities. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Jones made headlines for saying he was more focused on business investments than the Cowboys’ struggling defense.

“There’s $100 billion present value with gas out there,” Jones told the paper. “That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense.”

That statement did not sit well with Smith or Cowboys fans.

“What kind of ignorant statement is that?” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take. “If the Cowboys miss the playoffs because they didn’t improve a defense that was clearly compromised once Micah Parsons was gone, they’re going to hold onto that quote, Jerry. You couldn’t have kept that to yourself?”

Smith also reminded Jones that time is running out. “Jerry’s my buddy, but the man ain’t getting younger, he’s 83. The clock’s ticking. You can’t be standing pat, talking to the Wall Street Journal about gas deals, while your defense is straight trash.”

With the NFL trade deadline just days away, pressure is mounting on Jones to make a move. Several defensive players around the league, including Arden Key and Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, have been rumored as possible trade targets for Dallas.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport even suggested that Simmons, a three-time Pro Bowler, could be on the Cowboys’ radar if they remain in playoff contention after Week 9. However, sources say Jones may be reluctant to give up valuable draft picks or take on another large contract.

Still, Smith insists that doing nothing would be the bigger mistake.

“You’ve got an offense that can win it all,” Smith said. “You just need a defense that’s average, not great, just middle of the road. You’ve got to help your offense somehow, someway.”

The Cowboys will try to bounce back when they face the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football, a game widely viewed as a must-win. But for Smith, the real issue goes beyond one game. His challenge to Jerry Jones is clear: take action before another year of promise turns into another year of regret.

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