Cowboys coach Schottenheimer’s function in DC Eberflus’ protection

FRISCO, Texas — As head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer may be pulled in lots of instructions.

Schottenheimer can be the offensive playcaller, which requires a variety of time within the assembly rooms with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, et. al, however given the defensive problems with the workforce, he’s spending a “vital quantity” of time in defensive assembly with coordinator Matt Eberflus.

In an ideal world, Schottenheimer would not do it. He remembers his emotions when head coaches Rex Ryan or Pete Carroll was in his conferences when he was the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks, respectively.

“Having been a coordinator and having had head coaches come and sit in my conferences, it is robust. You do not prefer it. You form of take it just a little, umm, myself personally, I took it private,” Schottenheimer stated. “Like, ‘Why are you in my assembly? Hey, Pete, get out of my assembly. I do not need you in my assembly, Pete.’ ‘Hey, Rex, why are you in my assembly? Get out.’ Flus hasn’t been like that in any respect. And he is been very open to a number of the ideas.”

Schottenheimer was within the defensive conferences in 2022 when he was a guide with the Cowboys. Now with higher accountability, he desires to know what’s going on in conferences when the protection ranks thirty first in factors and yards allowed per sport.

“It is to not get in the best way,” Schottenheimer stated. “It is to supply my experience on what I see and the way I might assault them and issues like that.”

Eberflus was that method as the pinnacle coach of the Chicago Bears, and he sees the advantages of Schottenheimer’s presence.

“When you will get that … it is actually useful as a result of you’ll be able to see it by way of the offensive coordinator’s eyes. You get his perception. Not solely in that assembly, a defensive assembly or a unit assembly, but additionally simply speaking within the workplace collectively. I feel that is actually vital to soak that in.

“Even with the quarterbacks I have been with. I’ve at all times requested them, Philip Rivers, Tony Romo, all these guys I have been round, I’ve at all times requested, ‘What’s robust on you by way of a presentation and what we will do to make it look a sure method?’ that is at all times useful.”

At all times be prepared

Not lengthy earlier than the inactives had been due earlier than the Cowboys performed the Washington Commanders in Week 7, Schottenheimer got here by Malik Davis‘ locker for a quick go to.

“Hey,” the coach stated, “you are going.”

The observe squad working again knew it was a chance since he was elevated to the game-day roster a day earlier, nevertheless it wasn’t a positive factor he would costume for the sport.

“I really went out [to the field] just a little later than I usually would if I knew I used to be enjoying,” Davis stated. “It was like a last-minute form of factor. On this enterprise, that is simply how issues work generally.”

It has labored twice that method for Davis. Launched by the Cowboys in April, he rejoined the workforce on Aug. 8, the day earlier than the primary preseason sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams due to accidents on the place. With out a observe or walkthrough, he completed with 63 yards on seven carries. In the end, he ended up on the observe squad.

“I really feel like I knew what I used to be able to,” Davis stated. “Me on the market on that subject, the present I placed on, that is me, that is who I’ve at all times been. I used to be simply blessed and grateful I used to be capable of showcase that expertise on such brief discover.”

On brief discover in opposition to the Commanders, Davis was credited with three particular groups tackles and was given a sport ball by Schottenheimer and the workers.

“It meant loads,” he stated. “I will show to myself and my teammates that I am presupposed to be right here and I will assist them win video games if I am up.”

Hometown hero, home-field benefit

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has by no means misplaced at AT&T Stadium, going 8-0. He gained three straight state championships (2012-14) with Allen Excessive Faculty, ending 5-0 at AT&T Stadium, the place he additionally gained a Large 12 championship with Oklahoma in 2018 and a pair of NFL video games with the Cardinals.

Though Murray will not begin Monday in opposition to the Cowboys (8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN) because of a foot harm, coach Jonathan Gannon stated he might play a task.

Prescott is conscious of Murray’s success in his stadium.

“I feel that is mad spectacular, … [the] state championships. Do not know what number of common seasons he performed there. Then I am positive he performed just a few in school, enjoying for the groups he performed for,” Prescott stated. “After which what, having gained in opposition to us. Twice? Twice?”

Prescott remembered the 2022 loss, 25-22. He forgot concerning the 38-10 loss in 2020, which additionally got here on “Monday Night time Soccer,” most likely as a result of that was the primary sport after he suffered a dislocation and fracture of his proper ankle.

“It is one thing that I am positive he desires to proceed and construct off of,” Prescott stated, “and I am right here to be sure that does not occur this Monday.”