Jerry Jones Says Cowboys Must Buy into New Defensive Scheme After Struggles vs. Giants

Despite Sunday's dramatic 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys are still facing concerns regarding their defensive struggles.

During a radio appearance on Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he feels it all comes down to players embracing their new defensive scheme under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

"As much as anything, it's a buying into the scheme," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "You've got to handle your responsibilities. You can't just be out there trying to make a play. Make sure your [responsibilities are covered first]. You can't be a lone ranger out there."

The Cowboys surrendered 506 yards of offense to the Giants on Sunday, but they managed to avoid their second straight loss to start the 2025 season thanks to a game-winning 46-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey as time expired in overtime.

▶️ Full Giants-Cowboys Recap

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Dallas has now given up a combined 61 points in two games and ranks 30th in the NFL with an average of 404 yards allowed. Still, Jones doesn't feel urgency to make new additions, as he didn't seem interested when asked about the possibility of signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

The Cowboys will meet the Chicago Bears in Week 3 on Sunday, and they will certainly be hoping for a better defensive showing when they take the field.