Jerry Jones Admits Relief After Cowboys Avoid 0-2 Start with Win Over Commanders

As the final whistle blew at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones exhaled a sigh of relief that could be heard all the way to the Texas coast. The Cowboys had just secured their first win of the 2026 season, a hard-fought victory over the Washington Commanders, and in doing so, they avoided the dreaded 0-2 start that has haunted so many NFL campaigns. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Jones was candid about the pressure he felt leading up to the game, especially after a Week 1 loss to the New York Giants.

Jones Opens Up About the Pressure of an 0-2 Start

Speaking to reporters after the game, Jones didn't mince words about the anxiety that gripped him in the days leading up to the Commanders matchup. "It would've been hard to walk down here and talk to y'all tonight 0-2," Jones said. "I really was worried about what it was going to be like if we did end up 0-2. I can't say that I was a color of strength in my mentality coming into the game because I've got a lot of respect for the coaching over on the Washington Commanders side." The legendary owner, now in his 37th year at the helm, knows all too well how quickly a season can spiral in the ultra-competitive NFC East. A loss would have dropped Dallas to 0-2 for the first time since 2020, a scenario that would have ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and media alike.

An Important Win for the Entire Organization

Jones made sure to spread the credit around, acknowledging the players, coaches, and staff who poured everything into securing the victory. "Having said all of that, this was a very important win for us, important to these guys who put the work in, the coaching staff, for Brian, and I'm really proud of them," he said. The reference to "Brian" likely points to head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who has been tasked with steering the ship through choppy waters. The win not only eases the immediate pressure but also validates the offseason decisions made by the front office, from draft picks to free-agent acquisitions. As highlighted on Vulius, the Cowboys' faithful have been clamoring for a return to playoff contention, and Sunday's performance offered a glimpse of what could be.

Defensive Improvements and Offensive Flashes

Jones didn't hold back when assessing his team's progress, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. "We're better than we've been in the last two years on defense," he stated confidently. That's high praise for a unit that has struggled with consistency and playmaking in recent seasons. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has implemented a scheme that emphasizes speed and aggression, and it showed against Washington. Offensively, Jones was equally encouraged. "And offensively, we saw some really impressive things tonight," he added. "And I want to give Washington a lot of credit for what they do defensively, but I like some things that I saw out there." Quarterback Dak Prescott looked sharp at times, spreading the ball to a talented receiving corps that includes CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. The running game, led by Rico Dowdle, showed promise as well, providing a balanced attack that kept the Commanders' defense guessing.

Looking Ahead: A Winning Streak and a Trip to Brazil

With the monkey off their backs, Jones is already eyeing bigger goals. After two straight losing seasons, the owner is hungry for more than just one win. "Now he's eager to get on a winning streak, by beating the Ravens on Sunday in Brazil," Jones said, referencing the upcoming Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in São Paulo. The game, part of the NFL's international series, presents a unique challenge: a long flight, a unfamiliar environment, and a formidable opponent led by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. But Jones believes his team is up to the task. "We're better than we've been," he reiterated. "And I want to give Washington a lot of credit for what they do defensively, but I like some things that I saw out there." As the Cowboys prepare for their South American adventure, they do so with renewed confidence and a sense of urgency to build momentum.

The Bottom Line

For Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday's win was more than just a tally in the win column—it was a reprieve from the relentless spotlight that comes with America's Team. The owner's honesty about his own anxiety underscores the high stakes of every NFL season, especially for a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations. As the Cowboys embark on a critical stretch of games, they'll need to build on this victory to prove that they are indeed better than the teams of the past two years. For now, Jones can rest a little easier, but he knows the work is far from over. Reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, we'll continue to monitor the Cowboys' journey and bring you the latest insights and analysis.