I’m still pissed about how the Cowboys handled the finish against Baltimore. Hearing Dak Prescott say they needed to run near the goal line, then Brian Schottenheimer admitting he overcoached the third-down throwaway, makes the loss hard to swallow.
I’ve supported Schottenheimer, but when his explanation leaves me more mad than the play itself, that support starts to waver. We could all see Dallas had a chance to finish the game, and afterward, the coach and quarterback explained decisions they wanted back.
Now I’m wondering if Dak will start taking more control.
J Tuck raised the possibility on X, calling it “Rogue Dak.” After Sunday, I like the sound of it.
I can’t tell you what Dak said in that clip, but his post-game comments gave us enough to come to our own conclusions.
Dak Prescott Wanted a Different Play Call
Dak Prescott was asked about Dallas not running the ball near the goal line, and he answered:
“Run the ball when we get down there.”
I believe that was all of our thoughts, too. I mean Javonte Williams finished with 98 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, nearly 5.2 yards per carry, and Dallas never handed him the ball at the goal line.
Dak Prescott: “Run the ball when we get down there.”
Reporter: Yes!
Dak: “Yeah, you nailed it.”
Reporter: Why didn’t you run the
Javonte Williams earned a chance to finish the possession. I know a handoff wouldn’t have guaranteed a touchdown, but I think we would have all felt better if they let him try, rather than listen to everyone after talking about it.
Dak also said he agreed with the game plan, but what player is going to call out his coach completely? It will be interesting to see how hard he pushes for more control in week 4. It may be fun to watch.
Brian Schottenheimer Admitted He Overcoached Dak
The George Pickens third-down explanation was terrible. I don’t know if it was because that was the call in the first place or Schottenheimer admitting he overcoached.
With no timeouts remaining, the instruction was to get the ball to George Pickens or throw it away, saving a chance for a field goal.
I get it, they were worried about a sack or the clock running out, but Dak Prescott has to recognize when his receiver wins. The call needs to be left to Dak because he is the one going to take the heat.
Prescott explained the coverage usually takes Pickens away. The corner was supposed to stay outside and funnel him toward the safety, but Pickens won before that happened. Dak said he regretted not making that throw to the front pylon.
Dak’s comments: “The coverage that they were playing, 99 out of 100 times they’re supposed to cover GP. That corner is supposed to be outside leverage,
Dak owned it, he made the decision to throw it away, but the coach put that decision on the table. I keep thinking about Pickens doing his job on a play the coverage was supposed to take away. That’s why you have a receiver like him.
Schottenheimer took the blame. What I need to see next is if that kind of situation happens again, and we see Dak make his own call.
What I Want From Rogue Dak
We don’t know which calls Dak Prescott could change on Sunday, but I bet we see one or two where he ignores the call and calls his own shot.
I would say we see Dak Prescott start to push harder for what he thinks will work. If he wants Williams getting the ball at the goal line, we will see him get the ball. If Pickens beats his coverage, he’s going to trust his throw and accept the criticism later.
That’s the Rogue Dak I can get behind.
I’ve defended Schottenheimer, and I’m willing to give him room to learn from this, but I don’t want to spend another Monday hearing how his call helped his quarterback make a throw he wished he had back.
Let Dak make the call, he’s done enough for the Cowboys to deserve that privilege.
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