**Jerry Jones Opens Up on Cowboys' Struggles Ahead of Crucial Falcons Matchup**

The Dallas Cowboys have faced a tough start to their 2024 NFL season, struggling to a 3-4 record ahead of their Sunday clash with the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team’s performance has been less than stellar, with quarterback Dak Prescott, who recently signed a four-year contract extension in September, posting a career-low passer rating of 84.5 through seven games. Additionally, the Cowboys' offense ranks last in the league in rushing yards per game (74.1) and has committed 13 turnovers, placing them fourth in the NFL for most turnovers.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones candidly addressed these issues during a Friday radio interview on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “Well, I think we're having a rougher go than I anticipated,” Jones admitted. “But having me in the loop has to be there. It is rougher, and I did not anticipate the challenges that we're having with this team, but I am reminded of teams that I've seen that have had a lot of success and put themselves in position to take a shot and they were 3-4."

Jones pinpointed the team's inexperience, particularly along the offensive line, and their high turnover rate as key factors behind their rocky start. “When I look at the whys that we’re here, I really have a tough time getting past just sheer youth, sheer inexperience on the offensive line. And I have a tough time getting past that turnover [ratio] .... It really is a plus that we've won three games," he remarked.

As the NFL trade deadline approaches at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jones has one last opportunity to potentially bolster the Cowboys' roster. Known for making significant midseason deals in the past, such as the Amari Cooper trade in 2018, Jones suggested earlier this month that the Cowboys wouldn't be very active at the deadline. However, his comments on Friday appeared to indicate a change of heart. "We look for all meat and bone out here that can improve our team,” Jones stated.

The upcoming game against the Falcons, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, has been labeled a "must-win" by Prescott, echoing the sentiments of his boss. With just days left until the trade deadline, the performance against Atlanta could play a pivotal role in shaping the remainder of the Cowboys' season.