Brian Schottenheimer gets brutally honest when confronted with defensive struggles

Gone, apparently, are the days of the Dallas Cowboys coming up with multiple turnovers a game. The defensive unit that was once so strong in that area under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is now floundering through three weeks.

Matt Eberflus’s squad has the worst turnover margin in the league (along with Miami) at -5 after Week 3, and though reinforcements are coming soon (e.g. DaRon Bland, Jadeveon Clowney), the new defensive coordinator’s seat is burning up.

MORE: Jerry Jones issues strong comment on Matt Eberflus’ job security

Brian Schottenheimer gets brutally honest when confronted with defensive struggles

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Confronted with the troubling stat on Monday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer was burtally honest, telling reporters it “sucks.” However, he thinks more success in that area could be around the corner.

“That sucks,” Schottenheimer said. “But they come in bunches. I believe that. We got guys punching at the ball. What helps with that is when you do disrupt or affect the passer, errant throws happen. That’s what I’m saying, it all ties together. … To be minus-5, I promise you this, we will not end the season like that.”

MORE: Stephen Jones deflects from Cowboys’ struggles in coverage with run defense praise

Brian Schottenheimer gets brutally honest when confronted with defensive struggles

Nov 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) intercepts a pass against New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Getting Bland back at cornerback could go a long way for Dallas. The former fifth-rounder out of Fresno State led the league in interceptions with nine in 2023. That number dropped to zero last year as he sat out games through late November due to a foot injury.

Increased pass rushing, like what Clowney can bring when he hits the field, most likely on Sunday night, will also help Dallas improve the turnover margin. Hits on the quarterback lead to fumble recoveries and interceptions, which the Cowboys know well after losing two fumbles and throwing four interceptions so far this year.

Dallas takes on Green Bay on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Packers are +1 in turnover margin with quarterback Jordan Love recording just one interception so far this season.

Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI

3 winners & 4 losers from Cowboys’ unbelievable loss to Bears in Week 3

3 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys’ deflating loss vs. Bears

NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Dallas Cowboys free fall begins after dreadful loss

Cowboys WR George Pickens goes viral for sideline meltdown in loss to Bears

Dallas Cowboys must find a way to get more touches for electric WR

PHOTOS: Meet Kleine Powell, star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc

Related Posts

🔥 BREAKING: Tyreek Hill is officially back in Kansas City, reuniting with Patrick Mahomes to chase a historic “3-peat” dynasty. Chiefs Kingdom is electrified as the duo looks to rewrite NFL history with speed, precision, and championship ambition. Could this be the ultimate era of dominance in Arrowhead? 👇👇👇

Kansas City, MO – Tyreek Hill, one of the most outstanding wide receivers in NFL history, has officially rejoined the Kansas City Chiefs, reuniting with Patrick Mahomes….

🚨 BREAKING: Just one hour after his public trade request was approved, the veteran Pro Bowl captain dropped a jaw-dropping bomb—he’s ready to suit up for Green Bay. The NFL world is reeling as this sudden twist could instantly reshape the NFC landscape. Is a new chapter of dominance about to begin in Titletown? 👇👇👇

Green Bay, Wisconsin — Just one hour after the Indianapolis Colts officially accepted his public trade request and released him from the team, Kenny Moore II captured…

💥 BREAKING: Dallas is plotting a high-stakes heist for Texas Tech’s fallen QB—a 6’3” scrambler who lost millions and his college career in a single summer. The NFL world is buzzing as one of the most intriguing prospects faces a dramatic redemption story. Could this gamble redefine Dallas’ offense and shock the league? 👇👇👇

The Dallas Cowboys are not blind to the calendar or the injury reports. Dak Prescott is 32 years old, and the franchise has already paid a steep…

💥 BREAKING: 49ers are reportedly in hot talks to sign a 5-time Pro Bowler with 77 career sacks to a $12 million deal. If completed, this move could instantly transform their pass rush and strike fear across the NFC. Fans and rivals alike are on edge as the drama unfolds behind closed doors 👇👇👇

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are inching closer to assembling one of the most terrifying defensive duos in NFL history. Sources close to the organization…

🚨 BOMBSHELL: Just 12 Hours After Being Released by the Detroit Lions, One of the Top Offensive Tackles of 2025 Shocks the NFL by Turning Down a $60M Dolphins Offer to Join the Green Bay Packers for $50M, Fans Across Green Bay Are Ecstatic, Analysts Debate the Massive Impact on the NFC North 👀👇👇👇

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Just 12 hours after being cut by the Detroit Lions, veteran left tackle Taylor Decker made one of the most shocking decisions of the…

🚨 BOMBSHELL: 5-Time Pro Bowler, 77 Sacks, and a Brother Already on the Roster—San Francisco Is Silently Building a Wall of Pain, Fans Are Awed by the Calculated Nightmare, Analysts Warn NFC Teams to Brace for a Brutal Season 👀👇👇👇

The San Francisco 49ers have been linked to Joey Bosa since the start of free agency. Before the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager John Lynch downplayed the…