One would think, that when the rushing offense finally gets some things going, a team that is built around running the ball would love that scenario. Apparently not. After stopping the Baltimore Ravens with a three-and-out on the game's opening possession, the Cowboys took the ball over and began making an impact on the game.
It had been tough sledding for Javonte Williams through the first two weeks of the season, with the 1,300-yard runner from 2025 only totaling ))) yards through two games. But he had no issues against the Ravens on the opening drive, ripping off six runs for 43 yards to bring Dallas to 2nd-and-goal from the two-yard line.
But the Cowboys' head coach and play caller Brian Schottenheimer called two straight passes. The first
a incompletion to WR Ryan Flournoy, the second a blocking snaffu that let LB Roquan Smith come in untouched for the sack.
Twitter, was not impressed with Schottenheimer abandoning the run.
hand. the. ball. off. when. it. is. working. like. it. was. on. that. drive. https://t.co/SaIk1aO4y3 pic.twitter.com/Z8Sne4dgbD
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 27, 2026
Why stop running the ball there? pic.twitter.com/4JZfQ0iBME
— iisha Morrison (@Iishamorrison) September 27, 2026
Was literally about to tweet that this game couldn't have started any better in all three phases, and then they got cute. Javonte was on a mission there. Unfortunate.
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) September 27, 2026
I’d rather you give the ball to 33 three times and get turnover on downs
— Voch Lombardi (@VochLombardi) September 27, 2026
We wanna get cute next time keep running the pill‼️
— CowboysFanTalk (@Cowboys_FanTalk) September 27, 2026
Great drive.
— (Foots The King) (@FootsDaKing) September 27, 2026
But you gotta score 7
Questionable goal line playcalling. Javonte Williams picks up 40 yards on the ground to set up 2nd and goal, and the Cowboys go pass, pass. Dak gets sacked on the latter, and Dallas has to settle for three.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) September 27, 2026
Cowboys 3, Ravens 0
8:10 Q1
Schottenheimer seems to have learned his lesson. After the Aubrey field goal, Dallas stuffed Derrick Henry on a fourth-down run, giving the Cowboys great field position. They once again got to goal to go, but this time allowed Williams to punch it in for a two-yard score and an early 10-0 lead.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Twitter reacts to Schottenheimer abandoning run on Cowboys opening drive
