The Dallas Cowboys are returning from their bye week and face one of the NFL’s toughest schedules going forward.
Seven of Dallas’ remaining 11 games will be against teams that are currently above .500, and the remaining schedule as a whole is the ninth-toughest in the league, according to Tankathon’s strength of schedule measurement.
“Boy, do we have a tough schedule ahead of us,” team owner Jerry Jones told Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan Tuesday morning. “It’s going to be week-to-week.”
The Cowboys currently sit in second place in the NFC East and are tied for the third-best record in the NFC.
“I look at where we are, 4-2, I will take it for sure,” Jones reflected. “We’ve got better football ahead of us. I don’t doubt that at all. No one should doubt that.”
Dallas has been led by its defense this season as the offense tries to play complementary football. However, the team remains a work in progress in terms of scoring. The team opens the second half of the season with a favorable schedule, but it gets progressively more difficult, emphasizing the need for improvement and consistency.
“I think we have a group that is evolving,” Jones said. “I think we have a coaching staff that can make the adjustments that need to be made — not only week-to-week but in the ball game — and I think we’ve got the flexibility in our repertoire of plays on both sides of the ball to make adjustments during ball games.”
The defense has been dominant most of the season, but injuries have tested its depth as four defenders remain on injured reserve after the bye.
With the NFL Trade Deadline approaching next week, Dallas could make a trade to bolster its roster, but Jones said talks of any potential move would have to be initiated by the other team.
“The initiation of an opportunity to make a trade at this time that would help us principally has to start over on the other end,” Jones explained. “… I like where we are with our personnel today, so I’m not thinking in any way that we need to upgrade the roster.”
Although he is not aggressively shopping for upgrades, Jones said he was aware of the team’s need for improvement as it moves forward.
“I have areas of the team that, if certain circumstances happen, you might improve,” he added. “… Your best chance to get it done is when it comes by you, and you grab it.”
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EXTRA POINTS
— Jones also explained that the current success of the Texas Rangers helps amplify all the sports franchises in the metroplex and around North Texas.
— The Cowboys have filled their four open practice squad spots.
— Denver Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson has been suspended for four games for repeated illegal hits.
— New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was arrested for reckless driving.
— The Philadelphia Eagles have traded for Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard.
— Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross has been charged with a felony.
