Fitzgerald Cecilio

Whether or not it even exists at all, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is worried entering the 2012 season that the title window for his current roster is about to slam shut.

Down in Atlanta for the owners meetings, Jones talked about the disappointment he felt last season in his team's failure to make the playoffs and how the New York Giants' march to the Super Bowl title is serving as inspiration.

"Well, my window is getting shorter. Time goes by," Jones told the NFL Network. "I do feel real pressure because we do have players not only in (quarterback) Tony Romo, but (tight end) Jason Witten (and outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware, to leave out several that are (also) in the prime of their career. And we need to strike and strike soon with those guys."

Jones said he is not the only one in the organization that shares this view and that the time is now.

"(Coach) Jason Garrett feels exactly the same way about it and understands how urgent it is," Jones said. "Candidly, you're looking through rose-colored glasses if we all don't realize that now is the time to compete on the field."

A powerhouse in the 90's when they won three Super Bowls, the Cowboys have only one playoff victory in the last 15 seasons. Dallas has failed to reach the playoffs the last two seasons.

Dallas was in the running for the playoffs last season until a New Year's Day loss to the New York Giants with the NFC East title on the line.

The Giants won, knocking the Cowboys out of the playoff picture and then went on to win the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots.

"When we see a team like the Giants come back with nine (regular) season wins and be world champion, then we know it's there for most clubs," said Jones. "That's not taking anything away from the Giants. That's just inspiring the Cowboys a little bit."

Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Sees Title Window Closing - NFL 2012