Jason Kelce recently delivered a pointed message to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who found himself in a rather unusual “war” with the sun. On the latest episode of their podcast, New Heights, Kelce and his brother Travis humorously dubbed the situation “the war we didn’t know we needed.” This lighthearted take comes in the wake of the Cowboys’ disappointing performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, where the sun’s glare at AT&T Stadium became a hot topic of discussion.
The backdrop to this playful banter was the Cowboys’ recent 34-6 loss to the Eagles, a game that left fans and players alike scratching their heads. Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb notably missed a crucial touchdown catch, citing the sun’s glare as a significant factor. “I couldn’t see the ball because of the sun,” Lamb explained, highlighting a recurring issue at the stadium that has drawn criticism and concern.
After the game, reporters sought Jones’ thoughts on Lamb’s comments regarding the glare. In a moment of frustration, Jones snapped back, “Well let’s tear the damn stadium down and build another one? Are you kidding me?” His reaction, while perhaps exaggerated, underscored the challenges the team faces in their home environment.
The Kelce brothers couldn’t help but chuckle at Jones’ fiery remarks. Jason Kelce pointed out, “The world knows where the sun is, and so do architects and people who build stadiums.” He emphasized that typically, stadium designs aim to mitigate such issues, especially in crucial game situations. “Usually, you try to avoid the fact that the sun might be directly in your receiver’s eyes,” he added, shedding light on the architectural considerations that should be taken into account.
However, in a twist of perspective, Jason acknowledged that, in Jones’ defense, the Cowboys should be leveraging this situation to their advantage. “You would think the Cowboys would know this is an issue and they can use it to their advantage,” he remarked, suggesting that perhaps the team could turn this challenge into a strategic opportunity.
Jones later expanded on his post-game comments during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, stating, “Of all the things that we need to improve, that (the stadium) is way down the list of improvement.” He defended AT&T Stadium, calling it “the largest air-conditioned space in the world” and pointed out that every venue has its quirks that can create advantages for the home team. “It should be an advantage to the home team,” he asserted, emphasizing that understanding the sun’s position is part of the game.
The Cowboys’ struggles this season have left them with a disappointing 3-6 record, putting them in a precarious position for playoff contention. Adding to their woes, the team recently lost quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending hamstring injury. Prescott, who signed a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract extension just this past summer, underwent surgery this week, leaving fans anxious about the team’s future.
In the wake of these challenges, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. With the season slipping away, the pressure is mounting not just on the players but also on the coaching staff and management. How will they respond to these setbacks? Can they turn the tide and capitalize on the remaining games to salvage their season?
As the Cowboys navigate this tumultuous period, the spotlight remains on Jones, Kelce, and the team as they grapple with both on-field performance and the unique challenges presented by their home stadium. The interplay between the sun and the game has sparked a conversation that extends beyond mere frustration; it raises questions about strategy, design, and the very essence of home-field advantage in the NFL.
In the end, the story of Jerry Jones versus the sun is more than just a humorous anecdote from the Kelce brothers; it reflects the broader struggles of a storied franchise trying to reclaim its place among the NFL elite. As fans, we can only watch and hope that the Cowboys find a way to shine, even when the sun is glaring down on them.
