The Dallas Cowboys lost a game they should have won in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Failing to score a touchdown late in the game was a mistake compounded by the issues on ensuing kickoff, as well as the defensive play that allowed the Ravens to get into field goal position, which ultimately cost the Cowboys the game.
There was plenty of blame to go around, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer took ownership of the loss after the game had ended and promised he’d learn from the loss. That doesn’t appear to be just lip service, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, Schottenheimer doubled down by standing up in front of the team and told them, ‘I messed up.’
#Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer walked to the front of the room in a team meeting
and delivered a strong message to his team: I messed up. My story on Schottenheimer taking accountability for last week's miscues: https://t.co/mTvnjtIQpihttps://t.co/mTvnjtIQpi
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2026
Schottenheimer spoke about holding the players accountable when they make a mistake and he felt like he needed to do the same for himself. Rapoport says the message was positively received by the team.
It’s great that Schottenheimer owned up to the mistakes that contributed to the loss, but the real evidence on if the team bought in will be how they respond against the Houston Texans in Week 4. A loss or lackluster performance and there might be serious questions about Schottenheimer being the right coach in Dallas.
A win could be a turning point in a season that hasn’t started the way most thought it would go. It’s the easiest way to forget about last week’s debacle.
Winning heals all and Schottenheimer might be forgiven if the Cowboys beat the Texans to even their record. Speeches are nice, wins are nicer.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Schottenheimer's Mea Culpa: Tells Cowboys 'I messed up'
