The Dallas Cowboys have spent three decades searching for another Super Bowl appearance, and Troy Aikman believes the explanation for that drought starts at the very top of the organization.

But co-host Rob Parker disagrees with Aikman’s assessment. Speaking on The Odd Couple podcast with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, Parker called the former Cowboys quarterback's argument too simplistic while discussing Jerry Jones' role in Dallas' postseason failures.

“Troy Aikman was wondering why Jerry never asked him to get involved with the Cowboys because this is a lazy take,” Parker said. “Troy Aikman, I get it. Jerry Jones should have turned this football program over to football people a long time ago. I'm with you. But to just say that it's all Jerry Jones's fault doesn't make sense.”

Aikman had made his remarks earlier this month on the Dallas Dialogue with Dale podcast. The Hall of Fame quarterback said the Cowboys' inability to reach another Super Bowl since his playing days ultimately reflects on Jones.

Speaking on The Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington podcast on August 21, Parker agreed that Jones could have stepped away from football operations years ago. But he argued that Dallas has drafted well and assembled enough talent to win games.

“They draft well. They get good players. They've been pretty good,” Parker said. “Have they failed in the postseason? Absolutely. Maybe they haven't had the right coach. Maybe. I'll give you that.”

He pointed to the Cowboys' three straight 12-win seasons from 2021 through 2023 and five double-digit-win seasons over the past nine years. Parker said coaching, execution and postseason failures also deserve blame.

Dallas has gone 30 seasons without another Super Bowl victory. The Cowboys have made the playoffs 13 times since winning Super Bowl XXX after the 1995 season. They have won only five postseason games and have not returned to the NFC Championship Game.

Aikman's comments drew attention because of that history. The debate over who deserves the blame is still unresolved. But an NFL analyst believes the Cowboys have a chance to change the conversation in 2026.

NFL Analyst sees Cowboys as real Super Bowl contenders in 2026

According to a report by NFL Network's Bucky Brooks, he recently argued that the Cowboys could finally meet their Super Bowl expectations in 2026.

Brooks identified Dak Prescott as an underrated MVP candidate and highlighted an offense featuring CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Jake Ferguson. He also pointed to Javonte Williams and an offensive line led by Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker.

On defense, Brooks cited new coordinator Christian Parker and the additions made throughout the offseason. Rashan Gary, Von Miller, Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, Caleb Downs, Cobie Durant and Jalen Thompson have given Dallas more options at every level.

For Brooks, the upgraded roster could change the conversation around the Cowboys.

Whether that talent can finally translate into postseason success is another matter. That's the question hanging over Jones, Prescott and the entire franchise as Dallas tries to end one of the NFC's longest droughts.

Written by

Evince Das