Jerry Jones is certain – unequivocally – that Micah Parsons wasn’t taking shots at Mike McCarthy after the Cowboys’ latest disaster.
Dallas’ season is in a freefall, with the Cowboys on a four-game losing streak. Their latest setback was another embarrassment at home, getting smacked 34-6 by the Eagles. Following the game, Parsons reacted to the state of the team in a way that raised more than a few antennas.
"That's above my pay grade about if Mike is coaching again next year,” Parsons said. “All coaching aside, Mike can leave and go wherever he wants, but guys I kind of feel bad for (are) guys like Zack Martin and guys who might be on their last year or on their way out. That's who I wanted to hold the trophy for.
“You want to win games and do great things with those type of legends who put in more time and work that Mike McCarthy ever did. Those are the kind of guys that I have so much sympathy and hurt for.”
The remarks were widely portrayed as a shot at McCarthy – whose seat undoubtedly must be heating up, even if Jones is against midseason firings – more so than a defense of players like Martin.
At the absolute least, Parson’s comments could have been framed better. But Jones said Tuesday in his weekly appearance on Shan & RJ that he knows what Parsons meant.
“I know those kinds of things happen," Jones said. "I know that his deference, and I’m serious about this, this is a fact, it was not meant – no matter how it sounded – it was not meant as a critique of the coaches, or the coach. It was meant as a concern for the veteran players such as a Zack Martin that might not have that much more in their career left. And he meant as a concern to them because they don’t have the length of time to right the ship as much as a player like Micah or the younger players. That's how it was meant. There’s no doubt in my mind it was meant that way."
Even if Parsons was just trying to support a teammate, comments directly invoking the head coach like that are going to stir suspicion that said coach has lost the locker room.
Jones insisted Parsons’ comments are not a reflection of how he feels about his coach.
“There is no game Micah does not feel a lack of appreciation, of all people, our head coach, Mike,” Jones said. “That’s just not the case. I can tell you for a fact that is not the case, and I’ve visited extensively with everybody involved here. That is not the case. It was an expression of being more concerned about a teammate.
"It’s really informing to know that they have sensitivity about guys that are at the end of their careers – and of course Zack Martin has been an influence on that team for a large degree. … Believe you me, (Parsons) does understand completely and is sensitive about the fact that the coaches are having to deal with what they’re wearing.”