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Never let the absence of Jerry Jones fool you; he's never far away.
Over the last two days, most NFL teams were represented in press conferences at the Indianapolis Scouting Combine. Despite some Cowboys fans insistence that Jones is the only GM that speaks regularly, there were many who spoke yesterday; their quotes just don't make the rounds. Dallas was represented by Head Coach Jason Garrett who spoke on a variety of topics. Today, Jerry had his turn at center stage aboard his brand new theme park on wheels.
Jones spoke to a variety of subjects to the media during what was reportedly a two-hour session. Here's a snapshot of some of the key points he covered as relayed by those in attendance.
Spent 2 hours with Jerry Jones on Cowboys bus. He talked to media about many things from play-calling, Romo/Spencer contracts & Austin.
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) February 23, 2013
Jerry on his role as General Manager:
Jerry Jones doesn't believe he has undermined Jason Garrett at all, saying Garrett hired staff and HC will decide whether he calls plays
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) February 23, 2013
Jerry Jones said general manager has not done a good job relative to the team's record. But he will remain the general manager.
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) February 23, 2013
Jones said it would be "a facade", it would be "deception" if he hired another gm knowing that he would still be calling the shots
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) February 23, 2013
Jones said going 8-8 past 2 years is among the 3 most worst times as owner. The others:1994 champ game and inaugural loss to Texans in 2002
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) February 23, 2013
Jerry Jones puts Jason Garrett on notice: "There's a lot of resolve here, but not a lot of patience. Jason senses that."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 24, 2013
Jones on Miles Austin staying with the team:
Jerry Jones said Miles Austin is in the Cowboys' plans for 2013. But it sounds like changes in his contract will be made to help cap.
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) February 23, 2013
Jones on Romo's situation with contract and in general:
Jerry Jones said no real talks have occurred in Tony Romo negotiations but the owner didn't sound concerned a deal would get done.
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) February 23, 2013
Jerry Jones says he expects Tony Romo to be the Cowboys' starter beyond next season and to spend entire career with franchise
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) February 23, 2013
Jerry Jones says Tony Romo's improvisational abilities leave him more willing to play behind lesser offensive line to have best receivers
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) February 23, 2013
The point Jerry is making about Romo's mobility is that you can't have it all with salary cap and Romo prefers concession on OL than WR-TE
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) February 23, 2013
OK, this threw me for a second until the second tweet on the subject from Werder. Is Tony the one that concedes the O-Line in favor of high-skill targets? Does that count for the draft? Because... those guys are cheap for five years. *KanyeShrug*
Jerry on Jason Garrett calling plays:
jerry jones say its garrett's decision who calls the plays. All he has done is no longer make it a prerequisite that Garrett call plays
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) February 23, 2013
It was a requirement of Jones in the past but not anymore. Not after back to back 8-8 seasons. Jones just wants immediate improvement
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) February 23, 2013
Jones on Spencer:
Jerry Jones on pending UFA Anthony Spencer, who is likely to leave team: "The number I have in mind is much less than he's going to take.''
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) February 23, 2013
When asked about retaining free agent Anthony Spencer, Jerry Jones said, "You can't have it all."
— Rainer Sabin (@RainerSabinDMN) February 24, 2013
As I mentioned on Twitter, it's the right time to be negotiating in the media, but man is that a gut shot to Spencer and Jordan Woy. The ball's in your court now, fellas.
Jones on C Phil Costa:
Jerry Jones believes Phil Costa can be effective center as long as one of the two guards next to him is a high quality player.
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) February 24, 2013