With the Dallas Cowboys, will Brian Schottenheimer bring out the best in Dak Prescott? | Talk
As the Dallas Cowboys look to return to championship contention, a key question is whether their offense can truly reach its full potential. After a series of inconsistent performances, a revamped coaching staff, and shifting priorities on the roster, the Cowboys are making another significant move—bringing in Brian Schottenheimer as the new offensive coordinator. With the Dallas Cowboys’ future largely resting on the arm and decision-making of Dak Prescott, many are wondering whether Schottenheimer can help unlock the quarterback’s best potential.
The relationship between Schottenheimer and Prescott is crucial. While Dak Prescott has shown flashes of greatness, his performances have been marked by both high highs and frustrating lows. The Cowboys have invested heavily in Prescott, securing him with a multi-year, lucrative contract extension that cements him as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. If the Cowboys are to make a deep playoff run and ultimately contend for a Super Bowl, they’ll need Prescott to be at his best consistently. Enter Schottenheimer, a coach with a long history in the NFL and a reputation for getting the most out of quarterbacks.
In this article, we will examine whether Brian Schottenheimer is the right coach to bring out the best in Dak Prescott. We will take a closer look at Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy, how his coaching style could benefit Prescott, and what adjustments and improvements may be necessary for Prescott to truly thrive under this new system.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Coaching Background and Philosophy
Brian Schottenheimer’s coaching journey spans decades, with significant stops in both the NFL and college football. Known for his work with quarterbacks, Schottenheimer has had a variety of roles, from being a quarterbacks coach to an offensive coordinator, and has even held head coaching positions. His history in the league includes stints with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and Seattle Seahawks, where he served as offensive coordinator.
Throughout his career, Schottenheimer has developed a reputation for being a conservative yet efficient play caller, prioritizing the running game and short, quick passes to build offensive rhythm. His offenses tend to favor a balanced attack, with an emphasis on ball control, establishing the run, and utilizing play-action to open up the passing game.
A defining trait of Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy is his focus on decision-making. He’s known for simplifying the game for quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of reading defenses quickly, making the right throw at the right time, and not taking unnecessary risks. Schottenheimer’s quarterbacks have historically performed well when they’ve had solid support in the running game and a system designed to get the ball out of their hands quickly.
The question for the Cowboys now becomes: How will Schottenheimer adapt his system to Dak Prescott’s strengths? Prescott is a quarterback who thrives in an up-tempo offense with a strong running game, but he also excels in improvisation and making deep throws downfield when the situation calls for it. Schottenheimer’s system, while somewhat conservative at times, has the potential to complement Prescott’s skill set if deployed correctly.
How Schottenheimer’s System Could Benefit Dak Prescott
1. Simplifying the Game for Prescott
One of Schottenheimer’s trademarks as a coach is his ability to simplify the quarterback position. Schottenheimer doesn’t rely on complicated schemes but rather focuses on making quick decisions, which aligns well with Prescott’s strengths. Prescott has shown that when he is able to work within a structured system, he thrives. Schottenheimer can help create an environment where Prescott can focus on executing plays quickly without overthinking the process.
This could help eliminate some of Prescott’s struggles, particularly with decision-making under pressure. In past seasons, Prescott has had moments of brilliance but also times where he forces throws or makes errant decisions. By leaning on Schottenheimer’s emphasis on decision-making and simplifying reads, Prescott could see fewer turnovers and more efficient drives, especially in critical moments.
2. Establishing a Strong Running Game to Support Prescott
Another area where Schottenheimer’s system could help Dak Prescott is in the running game. The Cowboys have long been known for their commitment to the run, with Ezekiel Elliott as the centerpiece of the ground attack. Even with some uncertainty surrounding Elliott’s future with the team, the Cowboys are likely to continue prioritizing a strong running game. Schottenheimer’s system, which often relies on a balanced offensive attack, would complement this philosophy well.
When the Cowboys establish a strong running game, it opens up more opportunities for play-action passes and quick, short throws, two things that Prescott excels at. Schottenheimer’s offense thrives on keeping defenses off-balance, and by relying on the running game early in the game, Prescott can benefit from play-action opportunities that keep defensive linemen guessing and linebackers out of position.
Establishing a balanced attack also takes some of the pressure off Prescott to carry the offense. If Schottenheimer can create a system where the Cowboys can consistently run the ball with efficiency, Prescott won’t feel as though he has to make every play. This could help keep him fresh throughout the season and reduce the risk of injuries or overexposure.
3. The Short-Passing Game and Quick Releases
Schottenheimer’s offense often relies on short, quick passes designed to get the ball out of the quarterback’s hands quickly. For a quarterback like Prescott, who has shown the ability to make quick decisions and precise throws in the short game, this could be a perfect fit. Quick slants, screens, and short out routes are staples of Schottenheimer’s playbook, and these are areas where Prescott has shown growth over the years.
By designing an offense that prioritizes these quick-release throws, Schottenheimer could help minimize some of Prescott’s past struggles in situations where he’s been forced to hold onto the ball too long. Schottenheimer’s system emphasizes rhythm and timing, allowing quarterbacks to throw with confidence and accuracy. With Prescott’s strong arm and ability to make accurate throws, particularly on timing routes, Schottenheimer can get him into a rhythm early in games and sustain offensive momentum.
Additionally, by focusing on short passes and quick reads, Schottenheimer could limit Prescott’s exposure to pressure. Over the years, one of Prescott’s key weaknesses has been dealing with pressure in the pocket, especially when he’s forced to make long, extended throws. By implementing more quick-hitting routes and simplifying reads, Schottenheimer can mitigate this issue and give Prescott easier opportunities to succeed.
4. Maximizing Play-Action Opportunities
Prescott is at his best when he can operate off play-action, utilizing his ability to fake handoffs and survey the field. This aspect of his game was especially effective in 2021, when he posted impressive numbers in play-action situations. Schottenheimer’s offensive system has a history of successfully implementing play-action passes, and this would allow Prescott to use his athleticism and arm strength to create big plays downfield.
A strong running game, combined with Schottenheimer’s reliance on play-action, could be a recipe for success for Prescott. By selling the run early and often, Prescott would have the opportunity to exploit mismatches in the secondary, especially when defensive backs bite on the fake. This also allows for deeper throws downfield, an area where Prescott excels, particularly when he’s allowed time to make the throw with a clean pocket.
With Schottenheimer’s focus on the running game, the Cowboys should be able to set up more play-action opportunities, and with Prescott’s ability to make pinpoint deep throws, these plays could become explosive. This could be especially beneficial to a Cowboys offense that has struggled to generate big plays at times.
Potential Challenges for Prescott in Schottenheimer’s System
While Schottenheimer’s system has its advantages, it’s not without potential challenges, especially for a quarterback like Dak Prescott. Here are a few areas where adjustments may be necessary:
1. Schottenheimer’s Conservative Nature
One area that could pose a challenge for Prescott is Schottenheimer’s generally conservative offensive approach. While Schottenheimer’s philosophy of establishing a strong running game and focusing on short, efficient throws makes sense in many situations, Prescott has shown that he can be at his best when he’s given the freedom to improvise and push the ball downfield.
There are times when Prescott thrives in more up-tempo situations and when he’s given the green light to make more aggressive throws. Schottenheimer will need to find a balance between sticking to his conservative game plan and allowing Prescott the freedom to take calculated risks, especially when the offense needs a spark. If Schottenheimer tries to stifle Prescott’s natural playmaking ability too much, it could lead to frustration for both the quarterback and the team as a whole.
2. Emphasizing Timing and Rhythm Over Improvisation
Prescott is known for his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing, especially when the pocket breaks down. Schottenheimer’s system, with its emphasis on rhythm and timing, may limit Prescott’s opportunities to utilize this skill. If Schottenheimer leans too heavily on a quick, timing-based offense, it could hinder Prescott’s natural ability to improvise and create big plays outside the structure of the offense.
However, if Schottenheimer is able to incorporate elements of improvisation into his system—while still maintaining the overall structure—it could allow Prescott to thrive without feeling restricted by the play-calling.
A Perfect Match or a Work in Progress?
As the Dallas Cowboys continue their journey toward finding a Super Bowl-caliber team, the partnership between Brian Schottenheimer and Dak Prescott is one that will likely define the team’s success in the near future. Schottenheimer’s offensive system offers several opportunities for Prescott to thrive, particularly in simplifying the game, establishing a balanced offense, and using play-action to maximize big-play potential. However, the Cowboys must ensure they maintain enough freedom within the system for Prescott to use his natural playmaking ability, especially in key moments.
If Schottenheimer can strike the right balance between structure and improvisation, there’s a strong possibility that he will bring out the best in Prescott, unlocking his potential as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. It may take time for the offense to fully click under Schottenheimer’s guidance, but if the two can mesh well, the Cowboys’ offense could become a dynamic and dangerous force—one that allows Prescott to take his game to the next level.
