Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys’ latest setback against the Cardinals has revealed the cracks in the team. With 5 losses so far, the problems are many. But the main issue lies in their defense, which currently sits at the bottom of the league. It is ranked 32nd overall per PFF. And finally, Jones is admitting the mistake. Here’s what he confessed when he was asked what the front office may have misjudged so far this season.

“I’ve errored over the last three years with the changing of defensive coordinators or defensive philosophies or the adjustments there. When I look back, if I see one thing that I had to do over again, I would’ve tried not to change our coordinator every year over the last three years. Continuity, I know better,” Jerry Jones told 1053 The Fan. True indeed.

Since Mike McCarthy became head coach in 2020, the Dallas Cowboys have cycled through multiple heads of the defense that ultimately undermined the unit’s effectiveness. The instability set in early when Mike Nolan’s one-year reign ended with one of the worst defensive performances in franchise history. He was replaced by Dan Quinn in 2021, who steadied the unit, leading the league in takeaways for three consecutive seasons. But he moved to the Washington Commanders after getting a head coaching job in 2024.

Before Quinn moved to the Commanders, the Cowboys improved continuity with three straight 12-5 seasons and playoff berths. His departure paved the way for Mike Zimmer. He was with the Cowboys for a short stint before leaving this year. In January, the Cowboys announced who their 10th HC would be: Brian Schottenheimer, with Matt Eberflus as the DC. Together, the two bring 42 years of coaching experience. But is it showing on the field? Not really.

As the team continues to search for a breakthrough this season, it’s clear that constant changes have disrupted their core fundamentals. Beyond coaching, the trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers added to the instability. But it looks like Jerry Jones is not ready to give up.

Jerry Jones is spending dollars to reinforce his defense

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has shown flashes of resurgence despite significant setbacks. Against the Cardinals, cornerback DaRon Bland recorded 14 tackles, out of which 6 were solo. And Jerry was quick to praise him. 

“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on 1053thefan said he has absolutely no regrets about signing CB DaRon Bland to a contract extension before the season. “Boy, I like what he does. I’m glad we’ve got him,” Jon Machota reported on X.

This season, the CB signed a four-year, $92 million contract extension with $50 million guaranteed. His $23 million yearly salary ranks him as the sixth-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. While his 2024 season was hampered due to injury, he still played in 7 games last year.

In 2025, Bland returned to form with 46 total tackles, one interception. He has also scored one touchdown so far. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Mazi Smith has struggled. The Cowboys drafted him in the first round in 2023. He failed to match his 2024 form and now faces trade rumors. Jones has recently given his take on Smith.

“Jones also said he still believes DT Mazi Smith can be the player they drafted in the first round in 2023,” wrote Jon Machota on X. Given his performance this season, it doesn’t look good. In 5 of the games he played in, Mazi has just recorded 3 assisted tackles.

As the trade deadline nears, one can guess that this might be Smith’s last in the Cowboys before being traded. But Jerry, being Jerry, anything can happen.