Stephen A. Smith shuts down Jerry Jones and his Cowboys

Stephen A. Smith did what he does best: stir the pot. This time, his target was Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, whom he accused of having a “delusional” view of the team’s actual playoff chances. During his appearance on ESPN’s First Take, the outspoken analyst didn’t hold back. He also slammed Jones for blindly backing defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, despite the unit’s poor performance.

According to FirstSportz, Stephen A. Smith criticized Jerry Jones for continuing to defend Eberflus, who arrived in Dallas after being fired by the Chicago Bears with a 14-32 record. For the commentator, the Cowboys’ defense isn’t just ineffective—it’s one of the worst in the league. After six weeks, Dallas is allowing an average of 29.7 points and 411.7 yards per game, ranking near the bottom in almost every defensive metric.

A striking contrast

Offensively, things look better. Dak Prescott leads the NFL in completions and attempts, and ranks second in passing yards and touchdowns. All this, even without his top target, CeeDee Lamb. But as Stephen A. Smith pointed out, the issue isn’t moving the ball—it’s stopping the other team.

“I think Jerry Jones is off his rocker.”

—@stephenasmith on the Cowboys’ owner saying Dallas is “still in it” 😅 pic.twitter.com/pRu287lYRt

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 15, 2025

The root of the problem, according to Stephen A. Smith, lies in Jerry Jones’ decision-making. After a disappointing 2024 season, Jones fired Mike McCarthy and his entire coaching staff, opting for a rebuild led by Brian Schottenheimer as head coach and Eberflus on defense. He also named Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator, another rookie. For Smith, that “summer purge” hasn’t paid off, and the team remains stuck in a cycle of mediocrity.

Harsh criticism

“Are you really going to war with Eberflus?” Stephen A. Smith asked live on air. “That’s not trying to escape purgatory—that’s choosing to stay in it.” The comment was as blunt as fans have come to expect from him, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

The schedule won’t help either. In the coming weeks, the Cowboys will face explosive offenses like the Broncos, Chiefs, and Lions. If the defense doesn’t improve, their playoff hopes could vanish before December.

While Jerry Jones insists that “adjustments will come” and says he has “great confidence” in his staff, Stephen A. Smith made it clear that, in his view, that faith is misplaced. And as always when it comes to the Cowboys, the debate is far from over.