Jerry Jones Defends Brian Schottenheimer After Record-Breaking Loss

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott defended head coach Brian Schottenheimer following a 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The defeat ended the team's bid for its first consecutive wins since November of last year. The loss also marked the largest fourth-quarter lead blown in franchise history at 14 points, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

The Cowboys entered the game with a 3-5 record. They have now lost twice to backup quarterbacks this season. The previous loss came against undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels in Tampa Bay. In the latest contest, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for three fourth-quarter touchdowns. One of those scores capped an 80-yard drive completed in 63 seconds.

Jones, who has hired nine head coaches in 37 years as owner and general manager, said he still has confidence in Schottenheimer. He attributed the loss to the rest of the organization rather than the coaching staff alone.

"I will say that a lot of people let Brian down today," Jones said. "And so for whatever criticism we want to have of Brian, we can all get in line."

Prescott agreed with the owner's assessment. The 11th-year starter argued that blaming a single individual ignores the collective nature of the sport. He noted that even if he threw multiple interceptions, the responsibility remained shared among all personnel.

"Don't put the blame on one person," Prescott said. "I think that's weak. I think that's cowardly. This game is about all 11 that touch the field and every person that has a part in it, coaches and support staff. It's never just one person's fault."

The team's defensive struggles were evident in the final quarter. After holding Arizona for most of the game, the defense allowed Tyler Allgeier to run for two long touchdowns. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown forced one of two fumbles for Dallas, the team's season high, but the unit could not maintain its pressure.

The Cowboys visit the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The team has lost one of its last four games. Offensive line performance has declined, with the unit allowing four sacks and averaging 2.4 yards per carry in the loss to Arizona. Those are both season worsts. Safeties Caleb Downs and P.J. Locke are in concussion protocol, while edge rusher Malachi Lawrence deals with an ankle injury. Tight end Jake Ferguson left the game early with an ankle issue as well.

The loss broke a 191-game winning streak for Dallas at home when leading by at least 14 points in the fourth quarter since 1991, according to Sportradar. The next four opponents for the Cowboys will all have losing records.