Dallas in Denial? 'Not An Issue!' Cowboys' Stephen Jones Shuts Down 'Culture Problem' Talk

Dallas in Denial? 'Not An Issue!' Cowboys' Stephen Jones Shuts Down 'Culture Problem' Talk

With the Dallas Cowboys continuously coming up short in the playoffs despite a wealth of talent, many onlookers have attributed their postseason failures to off-field issues instead.

One particularly prevalent talking point has been the notion of a "culture issue" throughout the organization. Whether it be a lack of accountability or an overall fragile mindset, any criticism for the Cowboys one could think of has already been made a thousand times over.

To those on the inside, though, that notion is nothing short of ridiculous. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones firmly denied the idea of their being a "culture issue" in the organization.

“From the organization on down, we feel good about our culture. You always want to be better; I will say that,” Jones said. “If your results aren’t winning the Super Bowl, everybody (wants to) ultimately be the last guy standing. 

"But I think overall, between organizationally, and between our coach, personnel department, I think our leadership on our team is outstanding. You know you are always going to have somebody who is going to say something.

“You know, if it’s not, it might be their particular thought process on why we may come up short. But personally, I don’t think it’s an issue.”

Our Mike Fisher at CowboysSI.com has long suggested that Dallas' marketing-first approach is indeed an issue. (See "#53Brands.) ... and further, Fish wonders if Stephen's quickie dismissal of the question offers proof that Dallas is in denial here.

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The Cowboys have infamously not made the NFC Championship Game since 1995, and until they find a way to not only get over that hump but win the Super Bowl as well, they will always be a magnet for criticism. Until then, they'll unfortunately have to deal with it.