Jerry Jones addresses Cowboys' urgency to win it all this season

As the Dallas Cowboys opened up training camp on Wednesday, the predominant line of questioning team owner Jerry Jones faced was whether his team is finally ready to get back to the Super Bowl.

In classic Jerry fashion, the 80-year-old businessman provided a winding response, but also a measured one.

“Well, I certainly think, and came to camp with the idea in mind, that if we can have the kind of camp we want to have, that we can have a team that can compete for the top spot,” Jones said to the media on report day in Oxnard. “I don’t want to understate that. There’s a lot of work to be done. We’re going to play a lot of young players. Look at the defense, Dak (Prescott), we have a chance to be a contender.”

With Dak Prescott turning 30 during this training camp, an even greater sense of urgency has fallen over the Cowboys. Jones also noted that he can’t look over the fact that some of the team’s stars won’t be there forever.

Urgency building for Cowboys, Jones

Dallas has had plenty of stars over the last 27 years, but no Lombardi Trophies to show for it.

“There was a sense of urgency in 1989,” Jones said. “I’ve never thought there was a time to slough off… I think that when I look at where we are with Dak, where we are with Tyron Smith, when I see and experienced with players who’ve played great with the Cowboys who aren’t here today, I think we need to get it done now, while they’re here.

“That causes you to really pop up in the morning and be ready to gnaw a leg off. Just getting to be a part of this thing, I’ve often said that made me something I wouldn’t have been if I hadn’t been here. I’m very urgent and aggressive.”

The Cowboys were near the top of the league with both their offense and defense last season but there were still pieces missing. By acquiring wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, they’ve done a lot to fill in their needs. One-year deals for both, and several of their young stars coming up on contract negotiations, signal that the Cowboys’ time to win is now.

Speaking to his own urgency this offseason, Dak Prescott says it’s 1,000% increased.

“One thousand percent,” Prescott told reporters. “Just understanding injuries and what I’ve been throughout my career and understanding that you don’t have forever to play this game. I’m blessed for every moment that I get. Just trying to take it with a sense of urgency.”