NFLSep 30
Schottenheimer accepts blame for Cowboys’ late mistakes in Rio loss
Dallas’ coach says he and Jerry Jones remain aligned after reviewing the decisions that helped Baltimore escape with a win.
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Late-game decisions under review
Brian Schottenheimer took responsibility for Dallas’ costly finish against Baltimore after discussing the final 28 seconds with Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Jones expressed frustration with the sequence in Rio de Janeiro, where Dallas settled for a tying field goal before allowing the Ravens to move into position for the winning kick. His focus now is on preventing those mistakes from happening again. Schottenheimer said their conversation was constructive and reinforced their shared outlook. He acknowledged that his decisions damaged the Cowboys’ chances and said he expects to handle those situations better.
Mistakes carried into the kickoff
The review included Dallas’ playcalling after reaching first-and-goal at the 2 and Dak Prescott’s third-down throwaway on a pass intended for George Pickens. Schottenheimer said his instruction pushed Prescott toward an approach that did not fit the quarterback’s usual instincts. Brandon Aubrey then made a 23-yard field goal to tie the game, but Dallas chose a kickoff that went through the end zone rather than a shorter kick designed to consume time. Baltimore started at its own 35, and Lamar Jackson found Zay Flowers for 27 yards before Tyler Loop delivered the winning 56-yard field goal. Schottenheimer said frustration over the third-down play influenced his kickoff decision. He also identified inadequate communication between special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen and game management coordinator Ryan Feder. He defended the defensive coverage call, pointing instead to execution on the Flowers completion.
Houston next amid defensive concerns
Dallas now turns to Houston while managing uncertainty on defense. Safety Jalen Thompson is likely headed to injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard could miss time with a calf strain. Safety Malik Hooker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown could return against the Texans. Despite the uneven defensive play and injury concerns, Jones remains confident in the team’s prospects this season.
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