.jpg)
10 hours ago
2
The Dallas Cowboys and self-inflicted wounds. Name a better duo. I'll wait.
Under Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys were one of the most penalized teams in football during his tenure, and through eight games of Brian Schottenheimer's first year as head coach, Dallas has a whopping 67 penalties per statmuse.com, ranking them second behind the Denver Broncos, who have 68.
In 2024, Dallas was fourth in penalties (128); in 2023, third (115); in 2022, ninth (104); and in 2021, first (127).
So, over the last four years, the team has been outside the top five for penalties just once. Under Schottenheimer, already with 67, they are on track to once again be top of the pile or close to it.
It does make you wonder why this team, which had three 12-5 win seasons under McCarthy, was such a highly penalized team, and for Schottenheimer, who has preached fundamental football all offseason, is already up to a huge number of penalties just eight games in.
This Cowboys team isn't exactly built to be a Super Bowl contender, possibly not even a playoff team, but there is talent on this roster. Once again, ill-discipline appears to be what will sink this ship faster than anything.
It's been four years of bad discipline, and year No. 5 is looking just as bad.
More: 1 crucial thing is holding Cowboys back
Cowboys' season on the line vs. Cardinals
At 3-4-1, it is gut-check time for the Cowboys, and forget all the trade talk to make this team better; they need to get to a point where making a trade helps them push for playoff football.
Lose to the Arizona Cardinals and drop to 3-5-1, and things will get rather uncomfortable at The Star, and the defense simply has to show up. Yes, injuries plagued the secondary against the Denver Broncos, but the unit has to show more than it did at Mile High.
Offensive, Dak Prescott and Co. have to get their mojo back and cut those self-inflicted wounds out of their game. Averaging eight per game isn't acceptable, and this Dallas team isn't built to overcome those sorts of mistakes.
Dallas desperately needs a win in Week 9, but perhaps even more so, needs to limit the laundry as well.
English (US)