The Dallas Cowboys jumped out to an early 10-0 lead over the Baltimore Ravens in their international showdown in Brazil on Sunday, but the good vibes didn't last. Since that fast start, it's been all Baltimore, and Cowboys fans are pointing the finger squarely at head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Schottenheimer's play-calling has raised eyebrows throughout the game. Early on, Dallas leaned heavily on the pass, and while it worked initially, the offense stalled when the Ravens adjusted. Then, in an attempt to pivot, Schottenheimer dialed up run plays that were promptly stuffed by a swarming Baltimore front. The result: 14 unanswered points for the Ravens, who were driving for more as the Cowboys' defense struggled to keep up.
Fans took to social media to vent their frustration, and the sentiment was clear: Schottenheimer's feel for the game is lacking.
"If this was any other team, Brian Schottenheimer would not finish the season," one fan wrote. "However, this is the Cowboys we're talking about. Jerry Jones would never."
Another added, "Schottenheimer has no feel."
A third fan expressed a deeper concern: "Emotion and everything aside, I'm getting tired of Schottenheimer. He just gets way too conservative, will randomly go away from what is working, trust his defense way too much a lot of the time. He just not the guy man, I hope he can turn things around but man it's hard to watch."
The criticism isn't new. Schottenheimer has faced questions about his decision-making for two seasons now, and some fans believe he's cost the team points week after week. "Brian Schottenheimer has been legit bad for 2 seasons straight now," one fan tweeted. "He had more of a case to be fired than Matt Lafleur. This offensive success is because of Dak. Schotty costs them 7-14 points every week."
While fans may appreciate Schottenheimer as a person, his in-game management is wearing thin. The Cowboys' early success in Brazil quickly evaporated, and if Dallas can't mount a comeback, the scrutiny on Schottenheimer will only intensify. With the season just three weeks old, the pressure is already mounting in Dallas.
For more on the Cowboys' international adventure, check out how players were confined to their hotel while the Ravens explored Rio, and the NFLPA's criticism of the field conditions. Also, don't miss the cheerleaders' samba performance that added some flair to the historic trip.
