The Cowboys finally got pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney to The Star this week, but whether we see him on the field when Dallas plays the Bears in Chicago this week is another story. Clowney, who was released by the Panthers in May, has not had a training camp but has said he’s ready to take the field.
After owner Jerry Jones said there’d be a chance Clowney plays earlier in the week, his son and team VP Stephen Jones said it’s not quite sure that will be the case.
“Right now, it’s gonna be a gametime decision,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Friday. “But we’re seeing how he does, he did more today. I know Jerry mentioned he’d have a chance to play but after practice, and talking about it today, it’s probably a final gametime decision but leaning toward him not playing this week.”
Jadeveon Clowney Arrested
Clowney, it was revealed this week, was arrested on a trespassing charge shortly before signing with the Cowboys. The incident occurred on September 12 back in his hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the charge was a misdemeanor. Clowney was apparently trying to park in a lot that was closed and said he was detained for about 20 minutes.
He termed the situation, “frustrating.”
“Nobody knows what happened, they just going off (the report) and (police) always get the last say,” he said. “It happened and it was just a parking situation more than anything, and it escalated and if you know anything about South Carolina and where I’m from, you know how that can go. It can go left very fast and it went left.”
Cowboys Could Have Clowney on the Field
As for playing, Clowney that being a pass rusher is not all that complicated. “It’s just football,” he said. He feels ready to play, but will kick back if the Cowboys want to give him another week.
“I’ve been practicing, we’ll see how it goes,” Clowney said. “It’s not my first time. I’ve done it about three times. Whoever they got playing man, I’m just looking forward for the opportunity to get out there and get going.”
Cowboys Defense Badly Needs Improvement
Obviously, the Cowboys need to improve their defense after giving up 450 yards passing to Russell Wilson and the Giants last week. Their pass rush currently ranks 17th in the NFL by Pro Football Focus grades, and their injury-riddled secondary ranks 22nd.
“The pass rush is going to get better,” Jones said. “We’re not going to solve it overnight with one player, but getting Clowney in, I think, helps it.”
The overall defense should get better, too.
Said Jones: “I think it is a work in progress. Obviously, you can’t do that, give up the yardage we gave up and the points we gave up, the big plays, the explosive plays. Everybody on the staff, our team, the organization is aware you don’t win many football games doing that. We’ve got one of the best in the business in Matt Eberflus and I’ve got all the confidence in the world we’re gonna do what we need to do to shore that up.”