With a depleted O-line and barrage of injuries, Cowboys’ ‘culture’ shines in win
When Brian Schottenheimer took the stage in the lobby of The Star in Frisco in January to be introduced as the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach, the word “culture” was one of the first to come out of his mouth.
Just a few months later, he was spotted on social media doing a Greek dancing routine in a room full of players and their families. It was a unique scene, but it was exactly what he was talking about.
“It’s just being together,” Schottenheimer said in June. “We spend time in the building. When you do something outside the building, it’s different. There’s a different feeling. You’re more engaged to be around the different people. That’s what’s life is about, man.”
Fast forward to Sunday, he needed that culture more than ever.
On a warm afternoon in New Jersey, Schottenheimer’s Cowboys took the field without five starters and three crucial rotational players to try and get a much-needed win after a couple of weeks when his team couldn’t find one.
Even though it was against the winless New York Jets, the lack of starters available, along with a continuous struggle defensively in the first four weeks of the season, created a reality where the Jets were favored by 1.5 points when Brandon Aubrey sent the ball downfield for the opening kickoff.
That would be the last time that it really felt like the Jets had a chance.
The Cowboys (2-2-1) used a big second quarter to take a 23-3 lead at halftime that would allow them to coast in the second half to a 37-22 victory. The offense was efficient in the pass game with four Dak Prescott passing touchdowns, and the run game success continued behind Javonte Williams’ 135 yards and two total touchdowns.
Brian Schottenheimer’s ‘next man up mentality’
Despite Dallas missing four of its starting five offensive linemen to injury, Schottenheimer’s emphasis on the “next man up mentality” and building a brotherhood throughout the offseason showed up Sunday. When the Cowboys needed a boost, they got it from within.
“I’m just so proud,” Schottenheimer said. “We went in there with four new offensive linemen, receivers that are still learning and growing. The defense, what they did to [Jets quarterback] Justin Fields today. We talk about it all the time, it’s all about winning. And we found a way to win.”
The defense generated five sacks on Fields after just five in the first four weeks and allowed a season-low 22 points.
“We just leaned on our physicality and how we practiced,” defensive tackle Kenny Clark said. “That’s all we’ve been talking about. Just accountability, coming in with the right mindset, and getting better each and every day. That’s what you want to do, just get better each and every game. I’m proud of our heart and how hard we played.”
Ownership has leaned on the off-the-field aspect of Schottenheimer’s early tenure being so impressive as to why they see wins coming for the team in the future, even if only one was in the column through four weeks. The win over the Jets continued to reaffirm that thinking.
“This was a coaching staff win today,” owner Jerry Jones said. “I haven’t been a part of a team Band-Aided up as much as we were to come play this game. Of course, Dak played outstanding. But this was done by a lot of guys we weren’t counting on playing. I can tell you firsthand, that’s coaching.”
Schottenheimer’s first answer in the postgame press conference didn’t see him take any credit for the win. Instead, he deferred it to the players. Prescott made it more inclusive.
“It’s credit to these coaches, these players and this organization,” he said. “Everybody. There’s not many teams that can put four guys that don’t start into the game [on the offensive line] and feel confident about going and winning a game, especially on the road. These guys don’t see themselves as backups, as they shouldn’t. They’ve just been waiting on their opportunity.”
Even if Schottenheimer wants to deny it, a lot of the grit that players and the owner pointed to that was shown in the game goes right back to him. Even as the leader of the locker room, Prescott saw the effect his environment created.
“It was evident,” Prescott said. “For those guys that don’t normally get in to play like starters, to own their roles and play at the standard we did. Staying consistent, the belief in every one of those guys, [Schottenheimer] is doing a hell of a job building this culture. He deserves a lot of respect and credit.”
Similar game awaits next week at Carolina Panthers
The Cowboys will make another road trip next week to take on a similarly down-on-their-luck Carolina Panthers team. Dallas is expected to get starting left tackle Tyler Guyton, starting left guard Tyler Smith and backup running back Miles Sanders back from injuries. As for starting right guard Tyler Booker, returner and wide receiver KaVontae Turpin and linebacker Jack Sanborn, question marks remain. Starting safety Malik Hooker and starting center Cooper Beebe will remain out.
While the Cowboys try to battle back to full health, they will have one win on their belt that shows they can get it done when they’re not at full strength.
“This team knows who we are and what we’re capable of doing,” Prescott said.
“Our guys expected to play well, they expected to win,” Schottenheimer said. “I think that’s important, because that’s what we’re trying to build.”
This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 7:08 PM.
