FRISCO, Texas — With the Dallas Cowboys preparing for their season opener against the New York Giants, head coach Brian Schottenheimer continues to emphasize a message that has become central to his approach: preparation comes first.
Dallas will travel to MetLife Stadium for Sunday night’s NFC East matchup, the first game of the 2026 regular season. The Cowboys enter their second season under Schottenheimer, while the Giants begin a new era under head coach John Harbaugh.
For Schottenheimer, however, the focus inside The Star remains on the work immediately in front of the team.
“We have to win the day,” Schottenheimer told reporters Wednesday.
The Cowboys’ preparation has included a heavy emphasis on their own execution rather than becoming consumed by the opponent. Schottenheimer described the approach as roughly an 80-20 split — 80 percent focused on Dallas and 20 percent on the opposition.
The reasoning is straightforward: eliminate mistakes before they have a chance to become costly on Sunday night.
“If you understand what you’re doing, your self-inflicted wounds should be very, very low,” Schottenheimer said.
Offensive line faces early test
One of the biggest questions entering Week 1 is how Dallas will handle an offensive line missing Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith, who is expected to miss four to six weeks after thumb surgery. T.J. Bass is expected to step into the starting left guard role against New York.
Schottenheimer stressed that offensive-line success cannot rest on one player.
“It’s always going to be about all five guys working together,” he said.
That collective approach will be tested immediately against a Giants defensive front that features several talented pass rushers. Schottenheimer specifically pointed to New York’s defensive personnel as a significant challenge.
The matchup could ultimately be decided in the trenches.
A versatile Cowboys defense
Dallas also enters the opener with a revamped defense and increased flexibility in the secondary.
Schottenheimer said the Cowboys view several of their safeties as legitimate starters, giving defensive coordinator Christian Parker the ability to move players around depending on the matchup.
That versatility extends beyond the safety position. Schottenheimer pointed to players such as P.J. Locke and Malik Hooker as experienced defenders who understand the system and can help Dallas adjust to different personnel groupings.
Rookie safety Caleb Downs also figures prominently in the defensive plans. Downs, a former Ohio State standout, was selected by Dallas after the Giants passed on him in the draft. He now prepares for his first NFL game against the team that was on the clock before the Cowboys selected him.
Schottenheimer has been impressed with Downs’ approach.
He described the rookie as someone who prepares differently, embraces coaching and brings an uncommon competitive edge.
Managing the Texas heat
The Cowboys have also adjusted their practice routine as they balance preparation with the demands of the Texas heat.
Schottenheimer said the team’s sports-science and performance staffs are heavily involved in determining when the team should work outdoors and when it makes more sense to practice inside.
Recovery has become a major component of the Cowboys’ weekly routine, with players utilizing additional resources designed to help them remain fresh throughout a demanding season.
For Schottenheimer, there is no reason to follow a routine simply because it has always been done that way.
If the team believes practicing outside provides the best preparation, they will go outside. If conditions make indoor work more productive, they’ll stay inside.
Communication remains a priority
Perhaps the clearest theme from Schottenheimer’s Wednesday availability was communication.
The Cowboys have experienced significant roster movement over the offseason, and Schottenheimer said he wants his players to understand why decisions are made — even when they may not agree with them.
“They don’t have to like the decision,” he said. “But that they can trust me.”
That philosophy extends to how he manages players throughout the season. Schottenheimer believes honest communication can prevent players from creating their own explanations when they don’t understand a decision.
The Cowboys now have four days before facing the Giants.
But Schottenheimer isn’t interested in looking too far ahead.
The opponent is important. The season opener matters. But the preparation happening inside The Star on Wednesday matters first.
For Dallas, the season begins with the Giants.
For Schottenheimer, it begins with winning the day.
