The Dallas Cowboys hit a challenging point in the 2026 season with a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, who were considered heavy underdogs at AT&T Stadium. Despite holding a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals’ backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, the Cowboys failed to secure the win. Minshew was efficient, completing 17 of 23 passes for 188 yards and scoring three touchdowns after replacing Jacoby Brissett, who struggled in the game.
An oversight from Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland on an extra point attempt pushed the game into overtime. Nevertheless, Arizona managed to turn the situation around and complete an unexpected comeback during the extra period.
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This disappointing performance ignited a debate over the job security of Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, as the team’s record slid to 3-5. However, the coaching staff found support from veteran linebacker Von Miller. During a statement on Monday, Miller defended Schottenheimer, expressing confidence in the coaching staff’s capabilities.
Miller, quoted by team insider Jon Machota of The Athletic, likened the situation to parenting: “I’m a parent. I got three kids. Sometimes you raise your kids a certain way and you teach them lessons. You expect them to act a certain way when they go out. And sometimes the kids just go out there and do things that are not a reflection of who you are as a parent. And I use that reference for our coaching staff. We have amazing coaches that keep us prepared, ready to go mentally, physically, emotionally. They breathe life into us, and just for whatever reason, that’s the product.”
The seasoned linebacker emphasized that the team’s performance was not indicative of the coaching. “The product that went out there is not a reflection of our coaching staff. This is pro sports. This is not parenting. So at the end of the day, the buck has to stop somewhere. Somebody’s going to get the blame,” Miller said. While conceding his experience, he firmly believed in the coaches’ ability to prepare the team: “But my opinion, this is just me, I don’t know nothing about football. I only played 16 years. We’ve got great coaches. We’ve got a great coaching staff. And that’s not a reflection of how they coach us and get us ready every week.”
Looking ahead, the Cowboys aim to recover in their forthcoming Week 9 clash with the Indianapolis Colts scheduled for Sunday.
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