JUST CHILL: Deciphering Jerry Jones’ softened stance on QB controversy

Five thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys, who are 3-1 after beating the San Francisco 49ers:

Deciphering Jerry

There is no tougher job than trying to translate Jerry Jones speak. But as a Cowboys beat writer since 1997 I’ve got years of experience trying to do so. So Jones’ sudden softened stance on the looming Dak Prescott-Tony Romo quarterback controversy piqued my curiosity. Jones has gone from being unequivocal in his rhetoric about this being Romo’s team whenever he returns from a fractured bone in his back to the more diplomatic approach of just being happy the Cowboys have two good options at quarterback. That was his stance after Sunday’s game against the 49ers and it was one he repeated during his radio show on KRLD 105.3 FM “The Fan” on Tuesday. “We feel really good about [Prescott],” Jones said. “So, I think we can have a successful season [with him]. I think we can have a very successful season with Romo as quarterback.” Of course, considering Jones’ penchant for salesmanship, the topic keeps the Cowboys in the news locally and nationally. As Jones likes to say, that lifts all boats. The universal Jones translation to that is cha-ching at the cash register.

Garrett vs. media

Coach Jason Garrett is suddenly angry with the local media about the events of last week when he got blowback for covering up for receiver Dez Bryant, who missed multiple meetings and medical exams. Garrett was less than truthful, which is his right. But it’s also right for the media to call him out. Why did he continue the fight by going into full Bill Belichick-mode with minimalistic answers during the Monday news conference? He then blew off the normal post-news conference walkoff. Why is he being overly sensitive? This is an opportunity to spread your feathers like a peacock about the type of team you have built. It’s a storyline the media is seemingly ready to eat up. Whatever happened to being your best regardless of circumstance? Are those words to live by or just something for the players in the locker room?

The Dez rules

The Cowboys have no problem with Dez Bryant. Why should we? The Cowboys entered into this marriage with their eyes wide open. They knew of Bryant’s issues with tardiness before the 2010 NFL Draft. They drafted him anyway. They knew of issues of tardiness and absences since entering the league — something that prompted the much-chronicled Dez Rules that included a driver to get him to the facility on time — before they signed him to a $70 million contract extension in 2015 that came after the Dez rules and regulations ceased to exist. The Cowboys decided long ago that Bryant’s issues were something they were willing to live with. As long as he produces at a high level, it’s all good with the Cowboys.

Leary watch

At first glance, the loss of La’el Collins for the season with surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right big toe is a huge setback for the offensive line. But it might be more about a blow to the depth of the line than a huge drop-off in play in the starting lineup. Collins took over the starting job from Ron Leary as a rookie last season. But there are those within the organization who think the veteran Leary is still the superior player from a technique and consistency standpoint. Leary was the team’s starter at left guard in 2013-14 when DeMarco Murray rushed for a team-record 1,845 yards. If Sunday’s game against the 49ers is any indication when Elliott gained 138 yards, there certainly won’t be any drop-off. The bulk of the running game was between the guards. As Bill Parcells used to say, that was some of Leary’s work.

Big 12 title game

AT&T Stadium is in talks with the Big 12 about not only hosting the conference championship game when it’s brought back next year, but for the long haul, according to sources. But how do you negotiate a long-term deal, per the sources, with the uncertain status of Oklahoma and Texas? How much is the contract worth if Texas and Oklahoma leave when the Big 12’s grant of broadcast rights deal, which binds the 10 schools together, expires in 2025. Oklahoma and Texas will most likely be wooed by the Pac-12, the Big Ten or the SEC. That’s the real elephant in the room right now for AT&T Stadium and the Big 12.

This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 5:48 PM with the headline "JUST CHILL: Deciphering Jerry Jones’ softened stance on QB controversy."