yahoo
After the Dallas Cowboys suffered a 24-16 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home on Thursday night, owner Jerry Jones was asked whether the team would consider changing play callers, as several other NFL teams have done just five weeks into the season. NFL Network's Jane Slater posed the question to Jones, and his response was succinct: 'premature.'
Any such alteration would directly impact head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who handles the offensive play-calling duties himself. With the Dallas defense also struggling throughout his two seasons at the helm, a change on either side of the ball would strip Schottenheimer of some control over the team's operations.
The Cowboys' defensive woes were on full display Thursday, as they entered the game ranked 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed and proceeded to give up 241 yards on 39 carries. Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving torched them for a career-high 165 yards. Tampa Bay's opening touchdown drive consumed 10 minutes and 58 seconds, marking the longest such drive in the NFL in 19 years.
Offensively, Dallas running back Javonte Williams found the end zone on the opening series but managed only seven carries by halftime. Trailing 24-10 with 1:46 remaining in the third quarter, the Cowboys handed the ball to Williams once before throwing three consecutive incompletions, the final one on a failed fourth-down attempt in their own territory. Quarterback Dak Prescott finished the night completing 24 of 42 passes for 316 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Schottenheimer had previously stated earlier in the season that juggling play-calling, game management, and head-coaching responsibilities does not overwhelm him. He made those comments following the Cowboys' 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro. 'No, it doesn't get overwhelming. But, no, I mean, it moves fast,' Schottenheimer said at the time. He also took responsibility for the Ravens game, admitting, 'I didn't do very good in the last 28 seconds.'
Key Analysis
Jones's use of 'premature' leaves the door open for future changes, as it addresses timing rather than ruling out a move altogether. With the Cowboys having lost three of their first five games under the current setup, pressure could mount if struggles persist. Thursday's loss came against undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, who completed 19 of 25 passes without a turnover in just his second career start. For now, Jones's answer ensures both play-calling roles remain unchanged heading into Week 6, but it also starts a clock on the decision.
Originally reported by yahoo.