NFL1 hour ago2 minute read

Cowboys Coach Schottenheimer Owns Up to Costly Mistakes in Rio

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer took full responsibility for the late game mistakes that cost his team a win against the Baltimore Ravens.

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Schottenheimer Admits He Messed Up

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer did not hide from his mistakes after a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro. In a team meeting early last week, he stood before his players and admitted he messed up.

Schottenheimer wanted to show his team that coaches must hold themselves to the same standards as players. According to people in the meeting, the players responded in a positive way. One person in the room noted that real leaders lead from the front. The team was disappointed to lose a game they controlled, but they felt ready to get back on the field against the Houston Texans.

What Went Wrong in the Final Seconds

The trouble started when Schottenheimer over coached quarterback Dak Prescott on the final offensive drive. He instructed the star quarterback to throw the ball away with seven seconds left. Prescott essentially had two options on the final play. He could go through his progressions to guarantee an incomplete pass, or take one read and throw the ball away if a receiver was not open.

The offense chose the wrong option, leaving 14 seconds on the clock after an incomplete pass on third down. Brandon Aubrey kicked a game tying field goal with seven seconds remaining. However, Aubrey booted a touchback on the kickoff. This gave Lamar Jackson and the Ravens enough time to set up Tyler Loop for a 56 yard game winning field goal.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke about the loss on the radio station 105.3 The Fan. He said there was no explanation you are satisfied with for the loss. He explained that the coaches did not have a satisfying explanation either, but the team must evaluate how to avoid making the same mistakes. Schottenheimer told reporters he is man enough to take mistakes and admitted he hurt the team's chance to win.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Fri, 09 Oct): Dallas Cowboys win 77%, Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 23%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 29, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20. Our safest pick: Over 40.5 points.