Stephen Jones Says Cowboys Must Learn to Close After Win in Indy

“We’ve got to learn to win. We’ve got to learn to close,” Stephen Jones said.

The Dallas Cowboys co-owner expressed frustration following a 27-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, saying the team still has much work to do despite the win. The narrow margin of victory mirrored a pattern seen in recent weeks, where Dallas has found itself in tight, high-stakes battles with struggling opponents.

FIRST TAKE | "DAK PULLS DALLAS FROM BRINK!" – Stephen A. on Cowboys' Dramatic 27-23 Win Over Colts

According to reporting from 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), Jones described the game against Indianapolis as feeling “eerily similar” to the previous week’s performance as the contest unfolded. While the Cowboys managed to survive in Indianapolis, the lack of defensive cohesion remains a primary concern for the organization.

The instability on the defensive side of the ball has become a recurring theme for the Dallas defense. Jones specifically pointed toward tackling troubles as a critical area for improvement.

Dallas Cowboys' balanced offensive effort fuels win over Indianapolis Colts | Pro Football Talk

This issue was prominently on display during the third quarter against the Colts, when receiver Ashton Dulin bypassed several would-be tacklers for a 55-yard touchdown reception. This sequence closely resembled the struggles Dallas faced the week prior in a 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Jones acknowledged the team’s current state, calling the roster a “work in progress.”

Arlington texas stephen jones of the dallas cowboys on the field prior to the game against

“Certainly on defense, it feels like we’re making the steps. I thought we ran the ball good yesterday. I thought we made good plays, but we also had some drives that didn’t end up the way you’d like to see them end up in terms of moving the ball down the field and scoring,” Jones said.

The inability to maintain momentum or secure defensive stops during crucial stretches has prevented the team from dictating the tempo of their games. Jones noted that the team is simply not getting the job done when it comes to closing out matchups.

Event Detail	vs. Arizona Cardinals	vs. Indianapolis Colts
Final Score	33-30 (Loss)	27-23 (Win)
Key Defensive Lapse	63-yard TD run (Allgeier)	55-yard TD reception (Dulin)
Outcome	Overtime Loss	Regulation Win

The statistical trend suggests that while the Cowboys can generate offensive production, the defensive lapses allow opponents to remain competitive even when they are statistically struggling. For a team aiming for a deep postseason run, these late-game vulnerabilities represent a major hurdle.

Stephen Jones On The Trade Deadline, Surviving The Colts, Penalty Problems, & More | K&C Masterpiece

Jones confirmed that Coach Brian Schottenheimer shares the sentiment regarding the team’s recent execution. The focus moving forward will likely center on the discipline required to finish drives and secure tackles in space.

“I still think we’ve got a long ways to go,” Jones said.