Jerry Jones said the Cowboys' 37-20 victory over Washington has left him optimistic about the team, while also identifying the running game as an area that needs to improve. The owner and general manager said he would be willing to spend money to strengthen the roster.
Jones said defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark have played at a high level to begin the season. He described Williams as one of the league's top players and said Clark's consistency gives Dallas a strong presence in the middle of its defense. Jones also said Williams is not dealing with an injury after appearing slow to rise following a few plays against Washington.
Dallas passed for 266 yards and ran for 66 yards in the game. Javonte Williams carried 12 times for 30 yards. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the game plan called for spreading Washington's defense and throwing the ball, although he did not expect the rushing total to be 66 yards.
The Cowboys are preparing to face Baltimore in Rio de Janeiro, where the game is scheduled to be played at Maracanã Stadium. Questions have been raised on social media about the condition of the field after Flamengo played there, but Schottenheimer said the team's operations staff has been communicating with the league and that he has no concerns about the surface.
