The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a terrible season, one which saw them finish last in the NFC East with a 4-12 record. A lot of it had to do with injuries, as both Dez Bryant and Tony Romo were banged up and missed significant time during the season. But injuries are part of the NFL. Most teams send several players to the IR and still manage to field a functional squad.
So, where does the blame lie? How did the Cowboys fall so far in one year? For many diehard Dallas fans, the blame lies with coach Jason Garrett, who (probably) didn’t maximize his talent to the fullest. Owner Jerry Jones has hinted that Garrett needs to shape up, but also offered a somewhat strong endorsement at the conclusion of the season.
“Let me be real clear: There’s no thought of replacing Jason. At all,” Jones said, via ESPN.com. “I only say that to get ahead of anything that might be said about me addressing coaching. Jason is the ultimate decision-maker regarding the staff. And so that remains for us to sit down and really evaluate the staff.”
And then something happened Tuesday night. Jones was spotted in New Orleans, home to potential coach and GM candidate Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints. Jones played down his presence in the Big Easy, telling The Advocate, “No, no, no,” when asked if he was there for Payton.
But of course everyone freaked out. Photos of Jones and his private plane began circulating on social media.
This is at Lakefront Airport tonight. pic.twitter.com/S2D4wKH7wZ
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) January 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/FinsInsider/status/684734614070554624
https://twitter.com/TheSaintsDish/status/684598773314535424
I'm told that 73-year old Jerry Jones is dancing at the piano bar in New Orleans.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) January 6, 2016
Why Jerry Jones in New Orleans fam? @Saints
— Jody Tha Great (@JAaron225) January 6, 2016
Jerry Jones loves New Orleans. Visits here frequently. I've met him twice. Also, Jason Garrett is his guy. I'm not worried about it.
— Candice, right? (@YesICandice) January 6, 2016
NFL insider Jason La Canfora was quick to shoot down the rumors.
Nothing is cooking between the Cowboys and Sean Payton. Understand the photos of Jerry's plan have some wondering. But nothing to see here
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 6, 2016
Yeah, this is much ado about nothing. Jerry Jones probably makes several mid-week trips to New Orleans right after the football season finishes. Move on, everyone. Nothing to see here. Oh yeah, Sean Payton has a 1 p.m. press conference Wednesday afternoon.
#Saints coach Sean Payton is tentatively scheduled to address media at 1 p.m. today for post-season press conference.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) January 6, 2016
*UPDATE: An UPROXX reader confirmed Jones’ presence at Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans. Sent along this picture.
