Dak Prescott isn’t just the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys — he’s a former fan who grew up dreaming of playing for the franchise. He’s lived through the highs and lows, including the infamous NFC Championship drought that has haunted Cowboys Nation for years. That perspective was front and center Wednesday after a Wall Street Journal story made waves across social media.
The article focused on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Comstock Resources, one of his major business ventures. In the piece, Jones revealed a groundbreaking discovery of natural gas in East Texas, a development projected to generate billions. Then, in typical candid fashion, Jones quipped:
“That’s why I’m talking to you on the telephone rather than trying to fix our defense with the Dallas Cowboys.”
The comment immediately ignited fan outrage online — not because of the gas discovery, but because of the jab at a Dallas defense currently ranked 31st in scoring. With the trade deadline looming, many interpreted the remark as a reflection of Jones’ priorities, suggesting that Dallas’ defense might remain an afterthought even as the Cowboys continue to rely on one of the NFL’s top offenses.
Prescott Responds: The Voice of the Locker Room
In an exclusive post-practice interview, Prescott acknowledged the controversy, balancing fan sentiment with an insider’s perspective.
“Being a fan and you just hear that or read that, yeah, of course,” Prescott said. “Especially, right, as many fans are and do — thankful that they do — live and breathe by this team, and they feel like their jobs are putting all their effort into this. So yeah, that can definitely be frustrating.”
But Prescott also tried to contextualize Jones’ perspective:
“Having a chance at a $100 billion opportunity I think you might take five minutes as well to answer a call. Hopefully that’s what he means, right? But I could see how it could be frustrating.”
He emphasized that for the players, the only thing that matters is preparing for Monday’s home game against the Arizona Cardinals and regaining momentum at 4-4-1.
“We control what we can control. That [quote] doesn’t pertain to us right now. Our job is to make sure that we’re getting ready for Monday night and that we’re gonna be the best team we can be when we go out and play the Cardinals.”
Trade Deadline Pressure: Cowboys’ Defense Under the Microscope
While Prescott’s comments aimed to deflect heat from the locker room, the reality is that Dallas’ defense is in crisis mode. Analysts note that the Cowboys’ 31st-ranked scoring defense has been shredded in recent games, most recently allowing 268 first-half yards and four touchdowns to the Broncos.
This has reignited trade chatter across NFL circles. According to SPN sources, Dallas is exploring multiple scenarios to bolster its struggling unit:
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Linebacker upgrades: Veteran pass-rushers like Trey Hendrickson or Matt Judon are reportedly on the radar.
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Secondary help: Top corners including Xavien Howard or Jalen Ramsey could be targeted, though these acquisitions would likely require significant draft capital or player swaps.
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Package deals: A combination of mid-round picks and young offensive players, possibly WR Noah Gray or TE Jake Ferguson, could entice other teams while addressing the Cowboys’ defensive vulnerabilities.
League insiders report that the Cowboys have been conducting mock trade simulations, analyzing multiple permutations of draft picks, expiring contracts, and positional needs to maximize value before the November 4 trade deadline.
SPN Trade Simulator: Potential Scenarios
Using internal SPN predictive models, here’s a simulation of the most plausible trade scenario for Dallas:
Dallas Cowboys Receive:
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LB Baron Browning (Broncos)
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CB Pat Surtain II (Broncos)
Denver Broncos Receive:
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2026 2nd-round pick
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WR Noah Gray (Cowboys)
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Conditional 2027 5th-round pick
Simulation outcomes suggest:
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Dallas’ playoff probability jumps from 32% to 61% with upgraded linebacking and secondary play.
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Offensive output remains elite, as Prescott’s passing targets remain consistent with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup thriving.
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Broncos increase offensive upside but accept minor defensive risk, particularly in deep coverage scenarios.
Social Media Frenzy: Fans React in Real-Time
Fans wasted no time weighing in on Jones’ comments and potential trades. Within minutes of the WSJ story going live:
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#JerryPriorities trended as fans debated whether the Cowboys’ defense would be deprioritized.
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Mock trades flooded X, with fans suggesting swaps of draft picks for veteran defensive stars.
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A viral clip edited Dak Prescott’s quote alongside a graphic showing a Cowboys defensive schematic labeled “needs help ASAP” garnered over 1 million views within two hours.
Cowboys Nation is divided: some sympathize with Prescott, recognizing the difficulty of balancing organizational priorities, while others feel the defense deserves immediate attention.
“Dak gets it,” one fan tweeted. “But $100B gas doesn’t stop a QB from being sacked 5 times a game. Fix the D!”
“If Schotty pulls the right trade before Nov 4, that’s genius. If not… bye bye playoff hopes,” wrote another.
Prescott’s Leadership: Focus Amid Chaos
Despite the external noise, Prescott is stepping into a leadership role. SPN sources inside the Cowboys’ facility confirm that Prescott has been spending additional hours with defensive coaches, not to micromanage, but to help bridge communication between offense and defense.
“Dak’s always been a quarterback who understands that a strong defense helps everyone,” said a Cowboys assistant. “He’s been mentoring the younger DBs, even helping with alignment calls. That’s leadership beyond stats.”
Analysts Weigh In: Can Trades Salvage the Season?
NFL analysts have started modeling Dallas’ remaining schedule, emphasizing the crucial balance between offensive firepower and defensive stability.
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With CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Tony Pollard, Dallas ranks in the top five for offensive DVOA.
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However, the defense has allowed 28+ points in four of the last five games, limiting playoff potential.
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Simulated trade acquisitions (Browning + Surtain II) show a potential swing of +2 wins, enough to position the Cowboys for a wild-card berth.
Veteran SPN columnist Kevin Marks wrote:
“We’re watching a franchise at a crossroads. Jones’ comments reminded fans of the larger business machine behind the Cowboys, but the players’ focus remains on execution. The upcoming trade window and Schottenheimer’s adjustments could determine if Dallas contends or collapses.”
Inside the Locker Room: Players’ Perspectives
Players have publicly expressed both patience and urgency.
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Micah Parsons: “We need playmakers. If trades happen, it’s a statement that management believes in us. We’ll rise to the challenge.”
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CeeDee Lamb: “Offense can only do so much. Defensive help is key. That’s how you change games and make a real playoff run.”
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Dak Prescott: “We can’t worry about what gets said outside. Our job is to control what we can control — get ready for the Cardinals and be the best team we can be.”
SPN Simulation: Monday Night Against the Cardinals
SPN predictive models simulate the Cowboys vs. Cardinals matchup with two scenarios:
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No trades / current defensive roster: Dallas wins probability: 47%. Prescott faces high pressure, likely >3 sacks, turnover risk elevated.
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Trade scenario implemented (Browning + Surtain II): Dallas wins probability: 68%. Defensive pass-rush and coverage improve dramatically, Prescott’s efficiency rises, offense remains elite.
The simulation highlights the direct impact trades could have on immediate outcomes, underlining the urgency before the trade deadline.
Conclusion: Cowboys at a Turning Point
Dak Prescott’s perspective — both as a former fan and current QB — highlights the delicate balance between franchise priorities, fan expectations, and on-field execution. Jerry Jones’ comments about Comstock Resources served as a lightning rod, but the reality remains: the Cowboys’ defense is their Achilles’ heel.
If Dallas successfully executes midseason trades, leveraging draft capital and young talent for defensive stalwarts, simulations show a realistic path to the NFC playoffs. If not, even a top-tier offense may be insufficient to overcome the 31st-ranked scoring defense.
As SPN analyst Kevin Marks summarized:
“We’re witnessing a franchise navigate the tension between business, fandom, and the pure football pursuit of winning. The next two weeks — the trade window and Monday’s game against Arizona — will likely define the 2025 Cowboys season. Every snap, every trade rumor, every coaching adjustment matters now.”
For Cowboys Nation, the countdown to transformation has begun. Fans, players, and analysts alike are watching every move with bated breath. Prescott remains calm but focused: the quarterback knows the game is still played on the field, not in headlines.
