When your team is 3-3 and severely underperforming, you listen to your franchise's legends – even Jerry Jones has the common sense to.
On Oct. 17, the three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Troy Aikman was a guest on a Texas radio show, 96.7 "The Ticket." During his interview, Aikman was brutally honest about the Cowboys' offense and star receiver CeeDee Lamb.
"I think they run terrible routes. And I've thought that beyond this year. I think CeeDee (Lamb) has got to improve in his route running. As a quarterback, if you're not certain where guys are going to be consistently, it's hard to play the position. That's what I see. I see guys lazy coming off the line of scrimmage," Aikman critiqued.
Aikman went on to praise the Baltimore Ravens (who he would be in the broadcast booth for on "Monday Night Football"), the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers' receivers for the way they run routes.
"Dak [Prescott] may say, 'Hey, I think (their routes) are amazing.' But as a former quarterback watching it, it's gotta get a lot better."
The public criticism didn't stop there. During the Ravens-Buccaneers "MNF" game last night, running back Derrick Henry was having a ridiculous night – 15 carries for 169 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.
During the game, Aikman and Joe Buck subtly made fun of the Cowboys for not pursuing Henry during the offseason – a recurring subject since Henry has been on an absolute tear.
Today, Jones made his regular appearance on 105.3 "The Fan" where he discussed Henry's dominant run and the "bad" play designs on offense. Jones was also asked about his former QB's take on the team.
"Troy's credible, boy. And should be. And not only that. You can imagine he's not just interested in taking a whack at the Cowboys. He feels as much or more than anybody does about the Cowboys," Jones said.
Jones also revealed that he spoke with head coach Mike McCarthy about working on the things Aikman noted last week.
Heading into Week 8, the Cowboys have the worst running game in the league – ranking last in rushing yards per attempt (3.5), rushing yards per game (77.2) and rushing TDS per game (0.3) while their passing attack ranks second in the league with 259.3 PYPG.
The Cowboys will face their historic rival, the Niners (3-4), on "Sunday Night Football." The Niners are coming off a loss in Week 7 and have a few players listed as questionable for the upcoming game – receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, defensive lineman Kevin Givens and cornerback Darrell Luter Jr.
Cowboys will most likely be without edge rushers Micah Parsons (high-ankle sprain) and DeMarcus Lawrence (right foot) as well as WR Brandin Cooks (knee).
