FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are looking for answers on defense, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer believes experience and better execution can help the unit regain its footing.
Dallas has spent the week evaluating breakdowns from its loss to Tampa Bay, with particular attention to third-down coverage, explosive plays and defenders straying from their assignments. The Cowboys also have added veteran coaching experience in Mike Pettine, who is expected to provide input across all three phases as the team prepares for its matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Schottenheimer said Pettine’s arrival was the result of conversations that began months ago, not a last-minute response to the team’s struggles.
“The relationships that you have in this business matter,” Schottenheimer said, explaining that Pettine’s connections with him and defensive coordinator Christian Parker helped bring the arrangement together.
Pettine has spent his first few days reviewing film and getting familiar with Dallas’ defensive system. Schottenheimer does not anticipate him working directly with position groups on the practice field every day, but he expects the veteran coach to offer a valuable outside perspective.
“It’s more about just adding a really good football coach that can help us in all three phases,” Schottenheimer said.
Cowboys emphasize discipline on defense
Dallas’ defensive priorities begin with playing within the structure of the scheme. Schottenheimer said some players tried to do too much against Tampa Bay, abandoning their responsibilities in an effort to make plays.
The message this week has been straightforward: trust the assignment and allow teammates to handle theirs.
“My big emphasis this week … is do your 1/11,” Schottenheimer said, referring to each player executing his individual responsibility as part of the overall defense.
The Cowboys also are working to improve their coverage in third-and-long situations. Schottenheimer acknowledged that Dallas occasionally played too far off opposing receivers, even when the defensive call itself was appropriate.
The solution, he said, involves tighter coverage and more consistent execution rather than simply changing the playbook.
Green Bay presents another challenge with its ability to attack downfield. Schottenheimer highlighted quarterback Jordan Love’s willingness to trust his receivers, including Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, making it essential for Dallas to prevent explosive completions.
Schottenheimer summed up the defensive priority with a blunt instruction to keep the ball in front of the secondary: “Stay the frick back.”
The Cowboys hope that discipline will limit the kind of big plays that can quickly change a game.
Run-game consistency remains a priority
Dallas also is reviewing how it uses its offensive personnel, particularly tight ends who have been asked to handle demanding assignments against quality edge rushers.
Schottenheimer said the coaching staff identified several difficult matchups during its review of the team’s recent schedule. Adjustments are coming, although he stressed that the staff remains confident in its players’ abilities.
The running game is another area under examination. Schottenheimer wants Dallas to avoid negative plays that leave the offense facing long-yardage situations and limit its play-calling options.
“When you’re struggling on first down or you’re getting negative yardage runs, you’re looking at your call sheet and you’ve got a little bit of a limited menu,” Schottenheimer said.
Establishing a more efficient ground game would help Dallas remain balanced, keep the offense ahead of the chains and create more opportunities to attack through the air.
Looking ahead to Green Bay
The Packers will test Dallas’ ability to stay disciplined, tackle consistently and execute in critical situations. Schottenheimer acknowledged Green Bay’s effectiveness in collapsing the pocket and praised the work of its defensive coaching staff, while pointing to the Packers’ coverage as a major factor in their pass rush.
For Dallas, the immediate challenge is correcting the details that have undermined its defense.
Pettine’s experience gives the coaching staff another resource, but the Cowboys ultimately must translate their film-room adjustments into better execution on game day.
Schottenheimer expects the changes made during the week to show up when Dallas takes the field at Lambeau Field.
