5 surprises from Week 1 of Dallas Cowboys training camp

1. Owner Jerry Jones on attack mode to start camp

Jones was in the headlines multiple times this offseason. Whether it was about the Cowboys’ partnership with Blockchain, the issues with former executive Richard Dalrymple, his paternity lawsuit, his car accident, or his trip to Europe, he couldn’t seem to stay out of the news.

With the job security of McCarthy in question all offseason, Jones took it upon himself to address it early on in the opening press conference of training camp.

What was surprising to see was Jones addressing, what seemed to be, a list of media headlines questioning the Cowboys after the 2021 season and comments he has made. It was as though he kept track every time the Dallas media talked negatively about him.

However, this is no fault of the media. After signing defensive coordinator Dan Quinn back after the 2021 season, Jones was open about the fact that Quinn is “head coach material for the Dallas Cowboys.” Then, with former Saints head coach Sean Payton stepping away, it only created more speculation as to what would happen to McCarthy if the Cowboys didn’t have success in 2022.

Jones reiterated that McCarthy is the right guy for the Cowboys. In the same sentence, he also mentioned that “he had choices” for a head coach. It would have been better for the Cowboys’ owner to stamp his seal of approval on McCarthy and then move on to talking about the team.

The opening presser could have been a one-time instance, but if things do not start to go right in Dallas this season, there could be a war against the media brewing if Jones is asked difficult questions.