Jerry Jones believes Joey Porter Jr.’s absence from Thursday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a factor in the Dallas Cowboys‘ unexpected loss at AT&T Stadium.

“I think it made a difference,” Jones said of the absence of the cornerback Dallas acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During his Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), the Cowboys’ owner also discussed Jake Ferguson’s struggles catching passes against the Buccaneers. Here are some highlights of what Jones had to say about Porter and Ferguson, edited for clarity:

How much do you think Joey Porter Jr.’s absence affected Christian Parker’s game plan last night?

Jones: “I think it made a difference. I say that because of how he came in right off the street, so to speak, in Houston. But I think that impacted it. We’re hurting as far as our numbers are concerned. There is help on the way there, but still, the guys that were out there, we are good enough. It didn’t look like it last night, but we’re good enough to play with that talent level and have much better success. Get the talented guy out there, and the rest will happen. I think he (Porter) could have helped. Because his ability, he would have understood how to do it and he’d help us cover.”

A lot of people, Jerry, have been kind of disappointed with Jake Ferguson’s play. Have you been frustrated with the volume of lapses that Ferguson’s had?

Jones: “No, that is not typical of him, to have those kinds of opportunities and not come up with it. He’s the opposite. He’s got as good a heart and as good inside as you could expect in a player, and so those were plays that aren’t typical for him.”

Ferguson caught three passes on six targets for 19 yards against the Buccaneers. He had two uncharacteristic drops, the second of which led to a game-sealing interception. Even so, Jones showed support for his tight end.

“If you look at Jake Ferguson, you don’t see enough that you would not be happy to have him out there,” Jones said. “This is a cold [Friday] morning to be talking about those drops for him, but still, I’m satisfied that I like to see the ball going his way. I really do, and I can say that in the face of what we had yesterday.”