Brian Schottenheimer's Future After Cowboys Collapse

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Brian Schottenheimer’s Future in Dallas Could Depend on Winning the NFC East

Brian Schottenheimer’s future in Dallas is under scrutiny after another ugly Cowboys loss. Dallas followed a home loss to the Bucks as a 12.5-point favorite by blowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead against the Cardinals as a 6.5-point home favorite. Gardner-Minho came off the bench and tore apart a Cowboys defense that appeared to think the game was already over.

Schottenheimer could ultimately be fired, but that decision likely will not come until the end of the season. Jerry has invested too many resources to pull the plug now, especially with the NFC East still looking winnable. The Commanders and Eagles are not going anywhere, while the Giants remain a coin flip.

If the Cowboys do not win the division or make the playoffs, Schottenheimer is likely gone. However, the team’s problems cannot be placed entirely on him. He may not be an elite leader, but he is not a horrible head coach. The defense has been the biggest Achilles heel of the entire operation and remains the primary issue.

Christian Parker has not solved those defensive problems, and neither have the veteran additions. Quinnin Williams has not fixed the run defense, while Joey Porter Junior and Caleb Downs have not solved the pass defense. Every addition has failed to correct the same recurring weaknesses.

For Cowboys fans, this season appeared to offer a clear opportunity to win the division and reach the playoffs. The Eagles are done, the Commanders are busted and broken, and other divisional circumstances have created an easier path. Dak said it was Super Bowl or bust for this roster, but the Cowboys may not even make the playoffs.

The offense should not carry the blame when it scores around 30 points. The defense failed to show any killer instinct in the fourth quarter and could not shut down an offense led by Gardner-Minho and Tyler Algier. The responsibility belongs with a defense that has been consistently poor and continues to let the team down.