Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones used his Tuesday radio program to make it clear that he believes the final seconds of the 34‑31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens were marred by coaching mistakes. Jones said there is “no explanation you’re satisfied with” for the series of decisions that left the Cowboys vulnerable to a Ravens field‑goal drive.
Key moments in the closing sequence
With the Cowboys trailing 31‑28, Dallas had a first down at the Baltimore 2‑yard line and 23 seconds remaining. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw an incomplete pass into the end zone. A false‑start penalty on tight end Luke Schoonmaker pushed the ball back to the 5‑yard line. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer called a timeout with 14 seconds left.
Schottenheimer, who also serves as the play‑caller, instructed Prescott to either throw a quick out to receiver George Pickens or to throw the ball away, depending on the clock. Prescott chose the throwaway, and the play lasted just four seconds. After the ensuing field goal, the Ravens had seven seconds left, and a defensive lapse allowed Lamar Jackson to complete a 27‑yard pass to Zay Flowers. Baltimore called a timeout with one second remaining and kicker Tyler Loop converted a 56‑yard field goal to seal the win.
Coaching staff takes responsibility
Schottenheimer later said, “I hurt our chances to win that game. I’ll be better, and I’m better than that. I’m better than I performed in the last 28 seconds.” He acknowledged that the decision to kick deep after the tying field goal – giving Baltimore the ball at the 35‑yard line with no time running off the clock – was a mistake. Schottenheimer also admitted a communication breakdown with special‑teams coach Nick Sorensen and game‑management coordinator Ryan Feder.
“My dad had a rule, one play at a time,” Schottenheimer reflected, referencing the late Marty Schottenheimer’s philosophy. He said the misstep stemmed from over‑coaching Prescott on a third‑down play earlier in the drive.
Jones looks ahead
Jones emphasized that the loss will serve as a learning experience. “We will be better from this experience that we had with Baltimore,” he said. He added that a win would have provided “another way of couching it” as a sign of growth, noting that the Cowboys rallied impressively to tie the game.
The Cowboys (1‑2) are still in contention for the NFC East, especially after Philadelphia fell to Chicago. Dallas will travel to Houston (0‑3) on Sunday. The New York Giants, missing quarterback Jaxson Dart for the season, remain tied with the Eagles atop the division at 2‑1.
Looking forward
Jones concluded with optimism, stating, “We are very much in the hunt, and I say that principally based upon the way I feel about our team, as much or more than what’s happening with the other teams.” He highlighted health and availability as critical factors and reiterated that the Cowboys are just getting started on what he hopes will be an “exciting year” for the franchise.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
