Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed heightened motivation as his team prepares to face the Green Bay Packers this week at AT&T Stadium. The anticipation surrounding the game is amplified by the recent trade of linebacker Micah Parsons, who was sent to the Packers on August 28, 2023.
In an interview on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, Jones acknowledged his admiration for Parsons while emphasizing the competitive stakes of the upcoming match. “Yes, I do,” he stated when asked if he felt more driven to win against Green Bay. “I might say, ‘I wish him well,’ except it’s obvious I don’t this weekend in terms of Green Bay winning the game. And so, it makes for an exciting time.”
Trade Details and Defensive Strategy
Jones clarified that the decision to trade Parsons was not personal. The Cowboys received defensive tackle Kenny Clark and multiple first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 in exchange for Parsons. “It was nothing personal,” Jones said. “I told you, I liked Micah. There was no issue regarding feelings relative to the negotiations. It was just par for the course.”
The trade was also motivated by a need to enhance the Cowboys’ run defense, which has shown improvement this season, allowing just 3.7 yards per carry. Despite this progress, the team still ranks 17th overall in run defense. “Over the years, when I saw Micah mitigated, when I saw teams play him pretty well… then obviously we’ll be looking to try to run those kinds of plays,” Jones mentioned, referring to the Cowboys’ offensive strategy.
With star receiver CeeDee Lamb sidelined due to a high ankle sprain, the Cowboys may need to rely more heavily on their running game led by Javonte Williams. The absence of Lamb adds pressure on the team’s offensive approach as they look to secure a win against the Packers.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Jones reflected on the Cowboys’ defensive struggles in past playoff games, where they allowed over 400 yards rushing in losses to the Packers and the San Francisco 49ers in recent seasons. “We weren’t about to give up in terms of stopping the run had we not made the changes we made,” he stated, underscoring the importance of continuing to improve their defensive lineup.
The Cowboys had not achieved a run defense ranking better than 16th during Parsons’ four seasons with the team. Jones emphasized the necessity for the organization to continually seek improvements in this area, especially as playoff vulnerabilities have historically stemmed from issues in stopping the run.
When asked about the timing of the Parsons trade and whether it could have occurred earlier to yield extra draft picks, Jones defended the decision. “We needed this timing. We need to be right here at the beginning of the season… Because draft picks become the most valuable timing-wise,” he explained, highlighting the strategic considerations behind the trade.
The upcoming game against the Packers presents a unique challenge for the Cowboys, offering an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability in the face of recent changes. With both teams eager for a win, fans can expect an intense matchup at AT&T Stadium.
