The Dallas Cowboys' frustrating season hit another low with Sunday's overtime collapse against the Arizona Cardinals, but veteran linebacker Von Miller isn't pointing fingers at the coaching staff. In fact, the eight-time Pro Bowler went out of his way to defend Brian Schottenheimer and his crew after the 33-30 defeat.
Miller, who notched his first sack in a Cowboys uniform during the game, took issue with the growing criticism aimed at Dallas' coaches. He offered a unique perspective, drawing a parallel between coaching and parenting.
"I'm a parent, I got three kids," Miller said, via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "Sometimes you raise your kids a certain way and you teach them lessons. You expect them to act a certain way when they go out."
He continued, "And sometimes the kids just go out there and do things that are not a reflection of who you are as a parent. And I use that reference for our coaching staff. We have amazing coaches that keep us prepared, ready to go mentally, physically, emotionally. They breathe life into us, and just for whatever reason, that's the product."
Miller: 'The Buck Has to Stop Somewhere'
The former All-Pro acknowledged that in the NFL, blame is inevitable, but he insists the coaches shouldn't shoulder it all. "The product that went out there is not a reflection of our coaching staff. This is pro sports. This is not parenting. So at the end of the day, the buck has to stop somewhere. Somebody's going to get the blame," he said.
Miller, a 16-year veteran, pushed back on the narrative that the coaching staff is the problem. "But my opinion, this is just me, I don't know nothing about football. I only played 16 years. We've got great coaches. We've got a great coaching staff. And that's not a reflection of how they coach us and get us ready every week."
While Miller's loyalty is admirable, the comparison between parenting and coaching has its limits. Unlike children, professional athletes are expected to execute and be accountable. The disconnect between preparation and performance is a puzzle that Dallas has yet to solve, a theme that echoes in Dan Quinn's recent staff moves in Washington.
Struggles Continue in Dallas
The Cowboys now sit at 3-5, having lost three of their last four games. The loss to Arizona was particularly painful, as Dallas squandered a lead and fell apart in overtime. It's a familiar story for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency for over three decades, regardless of who is coaching or playing.
Miller's defense of the staff might not silence the critics, but it shows leadership in the locker room. Whether the team can turn things around remains to be seen, but the veteran's words carry weight. As the Cowboys search for answers, the spotlight remains on Dallas, with other teams making defensive changes and coaching rumors swirling elsewhere.
For now, Miller stands by his coaches, and he's not afraid to say it. Whether that translates to wins on the field is another matter entirely.
