During a recent playoff game, CBS analyst Charles Davis took a playful jab at the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting a recurring issue that has plagued the team at their home stadium. As the Houston Texans faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers, sunlight poured into the stadium, creating a striking visual that caught the attention of viewers and commentators alike.
The game showcased the Texans’ impressive performance, but it was the sunlight streaming into the stadium that sparked conversation among analysts. Lead commentator Ian Eagle noted, “Sun spots have moved now towards the sideline,” before jokingly suggesting he wanted to chip in for some blinds to help out the players. Davis quickly responded, “You know, I think they’re making some in Dallas,” referencing the ongoing issues the Cowboys have faced with sunlight interference during their games.
Dallas Cowboys fans are all too familiar with the challenges posed by the unique design of AT&T Stadium. Built with an east-west orientation and featuring large glass windows behind both end zones, the stadium has become notorious for its sunlight problems. While most NFL stadiums are constructed north-south to minimize glare, the Cowboys’ $1.3 billion venue has struggled with this design flaw since its inception.
Despite being a dome equipped with curtains designed to block out sunlight, the curtains are rarely closed during Cowboys games. This has led to numerous complaints from players, particularly the wide receivers, who have found it difficult to see the ball when the sun is at its peak. Earlier this season, this issue was highlighted during a critical game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In Week 10, Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb completely missed a potential touchdown throw from Cooper Rush, attributing his failure to see the ball to the sunlight. “I couldn’t see the ball. Couldn’t see the ball, at all. The sun,” Lamb lamented after the game. When asked about the possibility of using curtains during games, he emphatically stated he would be “one thousand percent” in favor of it.
The sunlight situation has drawn mixed reactions, including a fiery response from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. After Lamb’s comments, Jones firmly stated, “We do know where the damn sun’s going to be at our own stadium.” When questioned about the idea of closing the curtains, he retorted, “Well, let’s just tear the damn stadium down and build another one? You kidding me? Everybody’s got the same thing… every team that comes in here has the same issues.”
Jones went on to assert that the sunlight in the stadium has often worked to the Cowboys’ advantage over the years. This raises an interesting question: is the sunlight a curse or a blessing for the team? While it has caused problems at times, it is also a factor that opponents must contend with when playing in Dallas.
The ongoing debate about the sunlight issue at AT&T Stadium highlights the complexities of modern stadium design and its impact on gameplay. With the Cowboys’ storied history and passionate fan base, the sunlight problem has become a talking point that transcends the field.
As the NFL playoffs continue, fans will be watching closely to see how the Cowboys address this issue moving forward. Will they consider making changes to their game-day setup? Or will they continue to embrace the sunlight as part of their home-field advantage?
Looking Ahead: NFL Wild Card Weekend Schedule
As the playoffs heat up, the NFL Wild Card Weekend promises to deliver thrilling matchups. Here’s what to expect:
Saturday, January 11:
- No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 pm ET (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 12:
- No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Bills, 1:00 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
- No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 pm ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 13:
- No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN, ABC)
As the Cowboys prepare for the next season, the sunlight debate will likely linger in the background. Will they find a solution to their glare problem, or will it remain a quirky aspect of their home games? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the NFL is never short of drama, and the Cowboys continue to be at the center of it all.
