The Dallas Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams did not go according to plan, and first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer was quick to pinpoint the team’s biggest issue: a lack of discipline.
Dallas suffered a 31-21 loss, and while the outcome isn’t a final judgment on their season, Schottenheimer was quick to address the clear areas in need of improvement.
From the very beginning, it was apparent that the Cowboys were not firing on all cylinders. Mistakes piled up, and penalties quickly became a major talking point after the game. Dallas was flagged 11 times throughout the contest, which is a concerning statistic for any team.
With high hopes for the season ahead, the Cowboys need to clean up their act and avoid self-inflicted wounds like those they experienced in this preseason loss.
Schottenheimer’s reaction to the penalties
In his post-game press conference, Schottenheimer didn’t mince words about the team’s performance. He emphasized the importance of discipline and explained how penalties can derail an entire game. For him, it’s clear: mistakes like these are costly, especially in key situations. The Cowboys committed several penalties in the red zone, which ultimately stalled their offensive progress and limited scoring chances.
“I think of the six – two, I know for sure, maybe three, were in the red zone,” Schottenheimer said. “It’s like, ‘OK, why are we over two in the first half on scoring touchdowns in the red zone offense?’ Well, we get down there and we push ourselves back, so that was definitely addressed.” These penalties, according to Schottenheimer, directly impacted the Cowboys’ ability to finish drives and get in the end zone.
The frustration was understandable. Penalties not only give away yards but also disrupt the flow of the game, leading to lost opportunities. While sloppy play wasn’t exclusive to penalties, the mistakes in critical areas were a glaring issue. Schottenheimer stressed that this was a teaching moment and one that could be corrected with the right focus during practice.
The penalties weren’t the only problem for the Cowboys, but they were the most visible. When teams are penalized repeatedly, it sends a message of undisciplined play, something Schottenheimer is determined to eliminate. If the Cowboys want to reach their potential this season, they must address this issue head-on.
The preseason is meant to be a time for teams to work out kinks and iron out problems, and Schottenheimer is keen on addressing this discipline issue as they continue their preparations. He knows that penalties and undisciplined play won’t be tolerated moving forward.
As the Cowboys head into their next preseason game, it’s clear that discipline will be a central focus for Schottenheimer and the rest of the coaching staff.
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