The first half of the first game of the 2025 NFL regular season wasn’t one for defensive-minded people. Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles had immediate offensive success, leading to a 21-20 score going into halftime. All seven possessions in the time frame ended with a score, either via touchdown or a field goal.
For the Eagles, an easy answer was the personnel turnover in the defensive unit. Additionally, an egregious move by Jalen Carter led to his ejection before a single snap was played. However, on Dallas’ side, the obvious reasoning for their lack of defensive success was the loss of Micah Parsons, who was traded to the Green Bay Packers. Given the performance at the time, Cowboys fans were quick to blame Jerry Jones for his mistake.
Fans Blame Jerry Jones for Cowboys’ Struggles in Micah Parsons’ Absence
It wasn’t a surprise to see Dallas struggle against Philadelphia. Coming in with over 90 points scored in the Conference Championship Game and Super Bowl, the Eagles were always going to present a mighty defensive challenge.
However, the relative ease with which they moved the ball down the field was a sight to behold. It paved the way for three rushing touchdowns, as Dallas struggled to play better against the run, a significant reason for the Parsons trade.
Additionally, the passing defense wasn’t ideal either, with the Cowboys registering zero sacks in the entire half, while allowing Hurts to complete over 90% of his passing attempts. As a result, it didn’t take long for fans to turn to owner and general manager Jerry Jones for answers.
As one fan alluded with barely hidden irony, “Cowboys could really use an elite defender right now,” another fan said it outright, “I wonder if Jerry Jones is regretting not having Micah right now.”
I wonder if Jerry Jones is regretting not having micah right now.
— Bruce (@BruceWRLD_) September 5, 2025
Another fan believed the scenes of the first half were going to be how the entire season would pan out for Dallas. “I told you the Cowboys defense was terrible man. Even more so without Micah. Also the run game is non existent. Dak is going to be airing it out all year.”
I told you the Cowboys defense was terrible man. Even more so without Micah. Also the run game is non existent. Dak is going to be airing it out all year.
— Richie Rich (@MayMoneZ) September 5, 2025
One fan went the hilarious route in response to their struggles, suggesting, “Looks like it needs someone like Micah Parsons.” However, he wasn’t the only one to share that sentiment. “Man the cowboys really coulda used a guy just like Micah parsons out there in the first half.”
Man the cowboys really coulda used a guy just like Micah parsons out there in the first half
— bunsenburger (@two_cansam) September 5, 2025
The biggest source of regret for the Cowboys, though, had to be the score. Through the first half, Dallas was hanging with the defending champions, drawing them to a 21-20 score. It led one fan to make a painful reminder directly towards Jones.
“I’m sure Jerry hates to hear it, but Dallas is probably winning with Micah on the field. That being said, find a way. #DALvsPHI” Another fan believed the product on display from the Cowboys was a clear sign of Jones’ decline as a general manager.
I’m sure Jerry hates to hear it, but Dallas is probably winning with Micah on the field. That being said, find a way. #DALvsPHI
— Dark Grind (@DarkGrinding) September 5, 2025
Others, of course, went the hilarious route with memes pouring in about the state of the team.
Jerry jones you old sack of garbage. This defense can’t stop anyone because you wouldn’t sign Micah parsons.
— D.West (@DMW184) September 5, 2025
“Jerry jones traded away Micah and the defense got worse. I’m shocked.” The highly passionate section of the fan base, though, resorted to name-calling against their aging owner. “Jerry jones you old sack of garbage. This defense can’t stop anyone because you wouldn’t sign Micah parsons.”
The biggest complaint, though, was the lack of success in the reason Jones gave for the trade. Claiming that the move away from Parsons helped them improve their defense on the ground, the game hadn’t shown that to be necessarily true.
Fans immediately caught on, with one stating, “What was it that king Jerry Jones was saying? They’ll be better without micah, and the run defense will be much better…..” The sarcasm wasn’t lost on anyone with that tweet.
However, he wasn’t the only one to bring up the comments about the running game. “Jerry Jones trading Micah Parsons with an eye toward improving the Cowboys’ run defense, only to then watch his team give up 123 first-half rushing yards to the Eagles 7 days later. Nice.”
Jerry Jones trading Micah Parsons with an eye toward improving the Cowboys’ run defense, only to then watch his team give up 123 first-half rushing yards to the Eagles 7 days later.
Nice.
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) September 5, 2025
Unless the team takes a dramatic U-turn in the second half, it is hard to envision the situation getting better for Jones. But this is just the first game of a long season, and the cycle could get overwhelming for a personality like the Cowboys’ general manager as well if things continue to proceed similarly.
