Brian Schottenheimer’s week two showing was all about knowing exactly where his offense could win.
After a rough opener, the Cowboys came out against Washington and made the passing game the engine from start to finish. The run game never really got going - Dallas finished with -0.24 EPA on the ground - but Schottenheimer didn’t force it. Instead, he leaned into the strength of the roster and let Dak Prescott and the receivers carry the load.
That approach made plenty of sense given the state of the offensive line. With Tyler Smith sidelined, Cooper Beebe still struggling, and Terence Steele’s inconsistency showing up again, the Cowboys weren’t built to bully anyone up front on Sunday.
So Schottenheimer adjusted quickly. Dallas called only 18 rushing plays all game, including a quarterback sneak, a fullback dive, and a KaVontae Turpin end-around, while throwing it 31 times despite leading throughout.
That kind of balance told the story: keep the ball moving, keep scoring, and don’t let a shaky run game drag the offense down.
And the passing game delivered. Dallas posted 0.46 EPA through the air, with Prescott completing all but five of his throws on the way to 279 passing yards, four touchdowns, and 26 rushing yards. CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson were major pieces of the production, combining for three scores, while Lamb finished with eight catches for 153 yards.
That’s where Schottenheimer deserves credit. In week one, there was pushback over the decision to throw a fade to Lamb for the first score instead of leaning on Javonte Williams. But with the offensive line struggling to create push, Schottenheimer was right to trust his best players and keep the offense on schedule through the air.
The creativity showed up more clearly in week two, too. Compared with the first game, the passing attack had more explosiveness and a better flow, which is exactly what Dallas needed while the run game remains a work in progress.
On the chart, the grades reflect that:
Play-Calling: A
Fourth-Down Decisions: B+
There was only one fourth-down call that really stood out: a 4th and 5 from the Washington 6. Schottenheimer chose the field goal there, though the note here is that Dallas may want to get more aggressive in that area, starting with the third-down play call, if the defense continues to struggle getting off the field and limiting points.
In Other News...
Cowboys Fans Wont Like What The NFL Did To Jake Ferguson
Jake Fergusons Week 2 celebration has turned into a league office issue, with the Cowboys tight end fined $13,611 by the NFL for what was deemed an offensive gesture after he appeared to imitate shotgunning a beer. The moment drew attention in the aftermath of the game, and now Ferguson is dealing with the kind of offseason-style discipline that can follow even a brief celebration on Sundays.
Ferguson plans to appeal, which keeps the matter from being fully settled just yet, and it adds another line to a growing list of Cowboys-related fines this season. The NFL has handed out similar penalties to other players as well, but for Dallas fans, the frustration is less about the league being consistent than about seeing another team regular flagged for something that happened in the heat of the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Giants Quarterback Search Takes A Turn Ravens Fans Should Notice
The Giants quarterback search has taken another quiet turn after the season-ending injury to their starter, with the team now sorting through both short-term stability and longer-term depth. Jameis Winston is set to start for now, but the front office is still surveying the market as it tries to make sure the position is covered beyond the immediate fix.
One name floating in the background is Joe Milton, who remains on the Cowboys practice squad, though Josina Anderson reported the Giants have not made any formal move to acquire him. For Dallas, it is another reminder that quarterback speculation can hover around the roster even when nothing is imminent, and for the Giants the situation is still fluid as they weigh whether to stay patient or act before the picture gets any clearer. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Already Have A Draft Fit Fans Will Want To Watch
The Cowboys early-season defensive issues have already put a spotlight on the middle of the line, where run defense has been leaky and coverage has not been clean enough behind it. With that in mind, a fresh 2027 mock draft from SI.com points Dallas toward a name that fits the problem pretty neatly: Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles, a disruptive interior presence who has drawn attention for his versatility.
Echoles has made enough noise this college season to be viewed as one of the top interior defenders in the next draft class, and that kind of profile is exactly why he stands out for the Cowboys. Dallas does not need another long-term project in the middle so much as a player who can help tighten the front and create more havoc, which is why this is one draft fit worth keeping on the radar as the season unfolds. [Read more 🡒]