This scenario is all too recognizable. The Cowboys have once again faced a humiliating defeat. These setbacks come in various forms—whether it’s a major blowout, a missed kick, poor coaching, or subpar quarterback performance. This time, the result was a staggering 47-9 loss to Detroit.

Do you?

While I wouldn’t call Jones an idiot, it is evident that he has lost his edge.

This observation isn’t merely about his age; many remarkable individuals continue to excel well into their 80s. It’s something deeper.

The franchise seems directionless in today’s football landscape. Off the field, Jones has the operation figured out, but on the field, the team appears sluggish and disoriented. During Jimmy Johnson’s tenure from 1989 to 1993, when he was the real tactical mind behind the Cowboys, the team was sharp and quick to adapt. Johnson is not just a distinguished Hall of Fame coach; he is also regarded as one of the finest general managers in the league’s history. Unfortunately, the way Jones manages the football side of things pales in comparison to Johnson, and he hasn’t been able to mirror Johnson’s success.

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The difference is stark on the field, especially considering how the Cowboys have functioned under Jones since Johnson. The Lions, in this recent game, played with ease against the Cowboys, executing trick plays and deep throws, seemingly without fear or respect for their opponents.

This contest emphasized how lost the Cowboys are, and it’s a reflection of Jones’s own confusion.

While there are others who help run Dallas’s front office, everyone knows that everything ultimately boils down to Jones’s decisions.

From the outside, the Cowboys appear modern, boasting evaluations worth billions and a state-of-the-art stadium. Yet, when it comes to the actual football operations, the team feels outdated, almost prehistoric, relying too heavily on Jones.

If your argument is that Jones’s extensive football knowledge comes from his lengthy career, that has some merit, but how much? If you had to choose between the current Cowboys front office and coaching staff or that of the Lions, which would you pick?

Some might say Jones lost his edge a long time ago, but that’s not entirely accurate. The shift is subtler for those who haven’t tracked Jones throughout his entire journey. When he first entered the league and for many years thereafter, he was a genuine innovator. He disrupted the status quo, frustrating long-time owners like the late Wellington Mara of the Giants, who viewed Jones as self-serving and indifferent to the well-being of the sport.

However, Jones was actually propelling the league into the future. If there’s one individual who can be credited for elevating the NFL to its current status as the wealthiest league in the country, Jones is undoubtedly towards the top of that list, perhaps even at No. 1. It’s not the commissioner or any other owner—it’s Jones.

This is in stark contrast to the ongoing struggles on the field. The Cowboys are not a terrible team; they recorded 12 wins last season. However, Jones hasn’t grasped the essence of pure football—the cash flow, the salary cap, or revenue sharing don’t equate to understanding the game itself. This includes coaching strategies and locker room dynamics.

Just as the league seemed slow to adjust to Jones’s relentless pursuit of profit, he now appears slow to adapt to an ever-evolving NFL that is quick to change; one that, if you’re not vigilant, can leave you far behind.

If you want to see the ideal model for the Cowboys, look no further than the Lions team that just defeated them. They have an astute front office and a savvy head coach. Their drafting is impressive, and they are stacked with talent. The team’s culture is thriving, exhibiting agility akin to a boxer with quick feet and even faster hands. They may not have secured Super Bowl wins yet, but they stand as an exemplary model for how a franchise should be structured and operated.

Indeed, this scenario has become too familiar. Jones facing the media, discussing another significant loss—another disheartening outcome. The truth remains: Jones is still the biggest hurdle. The situation won’t improve until he addresses it.