Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Mike McCarthy held the Dallas Cowboys annual “state of the team” press conference on Wednesday morning. It was the most anticipated press conference for many reasons. The main reason was that this was the first time we have heard from Jerry since the draft and since the social injustice protests started back in late May/early June. 

Grace

When Jerry was asked about allowing his players to kneel when the season began, Jerry wouldn’t commit one way or the other on what the policy will be but he said there will be “grace” with whatever decision is made when it’s made. He said there has been very limited conversation to this point. 

Jerry on the importance of playing games in 2020

“I think it’s important. I think it’s important individually. I think it’s important for the country. The NFL can be an inspirational part of how we address COVID, not only this year but how we go into 2021,” Jerry said on Wednesday. 

Why didn’t a deal get done with Dak Prescott? 

The million dollar question after a deal was not reached with Dak before the July 15 deadline was, “why didn’t that deal get done?” Jerry and Stephen continued to say that they think Dak is the future quarterback of the Cowboys. 

Jerry Jones on Dak Prescott: “We think he’s outstanding. We think he’s our quarterback of the future.” Jones mentioned the complications of navigating through COVID-19. “This was just a less than stable time to be talking about generational dollars.”

Stephen Jones says he and #Dak had a “good visit” at the deadline and he is “more convinced than ever” that we will get a deal done. He added that both sides realize the importance of getting a deal done in January.

Jerry Jones plans to have fans in the stands 

Jerry made it clear that he is very confident that they will be able to safely allow fans in the stadium when the season begins. He wouldn’t speculate on how many fans will be able to attend but says that stadium is well suited to accommodate groups. 

“We’ll adhere to all protocols. We’ll adapt them to the uniqueness of our stadium. I think we’re going to be able to have a great experience.”

Stephen Jones on the state of roster, position battles and adjustments they will have to make in the scouting process

Stephen said the additions of Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe along with filling out the rest of their roster made it an easy decision to draft Ceedee Lamb in the first round. 

Stephen admitted he was anxious about trimming the roster down to 80 from 90 but that the exemptions took care of that. He added that he feels as good about this roster as he has felt about any other Cowboys team the past 5-10 years. He feels that there will be some great position battles in terms of depth on the roster. Mike McCarthy also feels there will be a lot of competition that will spark a lot of conversations about the construction of the roster.

With the uncertainty around college football, Stephen believes in their personnel and scouting department. He says they may have to go back and look at old tape to evaluate players. 

Joe Looney is taking first team reps at center 

Two of the position battles that are taking place in camp are at center and left guard. McCarthy said Wednesday that Joe Looney has started camp taking the first team reps at center and Connor Williams and Connor McGovern are switching in and out at left guard. I expect this to be fluid throughout camp. Williams is still working his way back in the mix after his injury.