In Week 16, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24 in a back-and-forth Sunday Night Football matchup. Following the win, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had high praise for his team and the coaching staff’s commitment to the season, despite being in a position where the playoffs are impossible. As a result, many fans have taken to social media to discuss the comments, with some on each side of the debate.
The Cowboys’ record improved to 7-8 on the campaign, something that sees them currently residing in third position in the NFC East and in the 10th spot in the NFC. Throughout the campaign, many Cowboys players and coaches, namely quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy, have been at the forefront of the criticism thrown at Big D.
What Did Jerry Jones Say About the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy?
Following the massive win on Sunday Night Football, Jones explained how impressed he was with the team he owns and potentially gave a glimpse into the direction of the franchise.
“Those guys came out and played as though they were fighting in the championship game to go to the Super Bowl. So, I can’t tell you how proud I am of them and the coaching staff. It really shows me something,” stated Jones.
Jerry Jones on Mike McCarthy and effort of Cowboys players: “Those guys came out and played as though they were fighting in the championship game to go to the Super Bowl. So, I can't tell you how proud I am of them and the coaching staff. It really shows me something.” pic.twitter.com/kkHE45lzcU
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) December 23, 2024
Social Media Reaction to Jones’ Postgame Comments
In response, social media began discussing what the Cowboys should do in the future regarding the coaching and management staff.
One user explained how they “Agree with Jerry on this. This has been McCarthy’s best coaching year performance as Cowboys HC.”
Agree with Jerry on this. This has been McCarthy’s best coaching year performance as Cowboys HC.
— Kyle Yarbro (@TXKyleYarbro) December 23, 2024
Another individual was more reserved in their assessment of the Cowboys’ win over the Buccaneers.
“HAHAHAHA. Proud that a mediocre coaching staff beat another mediocre team.
The biggest difference is the Bucs are playing better than the talent on their team,” they stated.
HAHAHAHA
Proud that a mediocre coaching staff beat another mediocre team.
The biggest difference is the Bucs are playing better than the talent on their team— Mo Ca (@MoCa39109583) December 23, 2024
One person detailed a new path forward, one that did not involve changing the coach.
“If he really wants to excite the fan base he should hire a new gm not a coach,” they outlined.
If he really wants to excite the fan base he should hire a new gm not a coach.
— paul whitney (@lastvonerich) December 23, 2024
One X user shared a similar sentiment about the need for a new general manager.
“Cowboys need a GM, but he’s right about that,” they stated.
Cowboys need a GM, but he’s right about that.
— Kevin judice (@kevin_judice) December 24, 2024
Another individual explained that Jones may be overplaying the significance of the win on Sunday Night Football.
“They played a meh team,” they detailed.
They played a meh team
— International man of (@KINGOX7_8) December 23, 2024
Finally, one person kept it short about what they thought of the Jones comments.
“Too funny…,” they said.
Too funny…
— Tjsteeler (@Tj58381042) December 24, 2024