Blogging The Boys
Every week, we gather to discuss the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have David Howman, Jess Haynie, Tom Ryle, RJ Ochoa, and Sean Martin.
Despite a tough 24-20 loss to the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles, Brian Schottenheimer’s first outing as head coach injected new life into the Cowboys’ offense and provided plenty of optimistic takeaways. Schottenheimer implemented a modernized offensive scheme, featuring motion on 42% of snaps, heavy use of play-action, and dynamic motions. These added layers helped keep the offense moving, avoiding any three-and-outs and maintaining an 81.5% drive success rate.
Schottenheimer’s clock and situational management earned high marks—a well-timed timeout late in the half and a smart choice to let the play clock wind toward the two-minute warning late in the game. The team looked lively, well-prepared and competitive, even against a championship-caliber opponent.
Tom: B+, and it is tempting to up that. He had the team ready to play, particularly on offense. It is only one game, but already the harsh criticisms of his hire are looking a bit overbaked. Get a couple of wins next and we may be seeing him discussed in completely different terms.
Jess: Straight up “A.” The team was ready to go just a week removed from a franchise-altering, locker room-rocking trade. Other than dropped passes, execution looked good. The lack of penalties against Dallas felt miraculous. We’ll see how it goes as opponents get more tape on the Schottenheimer-Adams offense, but Schotty put respect on his name.
RJ: Schotty was fantastic in a lot of ways. I know we are tired of talking about Micah Parsons, but that he was able to have the team ready and focused amid all of the drama was really impressive as far as his head coach duties are concerned. As an offensive play-caller he was the right kind of aggressive and had the team ready to go immediately. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the weather delay really messed with a lot of that (on the Eagles side as well) so I am very pleased with everything that we saw.
Howman: A+ in my book. The offense was everything we’ve been wanting in terms of scheme and tendencies, with the only thing stopping them being the hands of Miles Sanders and CeeDee Lamb. I also loved the flawless execution of the offense right before halftime, getting the ball set in time to spike it and kick the field goal. Schottenheimer had this team prepared very well for situational football.
Sean: I feel like an old head saying you have to win the game to grade anywhere in the “A’s”, so I will join Tom giving Schottenheimer a B+ for week one. The team was able to ramp up the intensity from the preseason to the hostile road environment and execute a solid gameplan for four...
