Brian Schottenheimer backs his Cowboys after Mike Tomlin’s “dead” remark and Dallas’ players-only meeting
Tomlin criticized the players-only meeting held by the Cowboys this week after their latest loss
The 2026 NFL season is off to another troubling start with Dallas sitting at a 2-3 record , coming off a painful loss to Tampa Bay's rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels . Even after all the offseason hype, that defeat exposed a unit ranking among the worst defenses in the league, allowing the second-most yards per game .
This starkly contrasts an offense led by Dak Prescott that continues to put up points and has been forced to play at an MVP level every game, proving once again that sustained winning requires balance on both sides of the football.
Earlier this week, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown revealed that the defensive unit met privately in a "players-only meeting" without coaches to confront their ongoing breakdowns. Overshown clarified that the gathering was not a "fire drill," but rather an urgent opportunity to establish mutual accountability.
Schottenheimer Defends Closed-Door Meeting Despite Mike Tomlin’s Skepticism
After news of the team gathering leaked, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin offered a harsh critique during an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce , suggesting that closed-door sessions usually signal terminal team trouble. "I think you’re dead. If it did occur, I’d like to not hear about it," Tomlin stated.
However, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer pushed back firmly against that narrative, expressing full confidence in his squad’s initiative.
"I love it. I’ve said from the very beginning, the best teams I’ve ever been around are led by the locker room," Schottenheimer explained, emphasizing that the session was both highly productive and marked by open, honest dialogue.
Whether that private session pays immediate dividends will be put to the test on Sunday Night Football , when Dallas travels to face the Green Bay Packers (3-2) at historic Lambeau Field .
Securing a road victory will prove daunting, as history heavily favors Green Bay: the Dallas Cowboys have not defeated the Packers since 2016 and have failed to win at Lambeau Field since 2007 .
Across their last 15 head-to-head meetings, Dallas holds a dismal 1-11-3 record against Green Bay . If there ever was a moment for the Cowboys to prove that their accountability session was truly constructive, executing under the prime-time lights in Green Bay is the ultimate opportunity.
