Dallas Discipline Disaster; led the NFL in total penalties (133) in 2025

Bottoms Up

This time last year, I shared with you how Brian Schottenheimer would need to waive the DISCIPLINE FLAG in Frisco, TX, immediately. His predecessor, Mike McCarthy, averaged 114 penalties a season during his five-year tenure. Schotty averaged eight flags per game.

As a ROOK, Schotty led the NFL in total penalties (133). Not exactly the culture laundry change I hoped for. Matt Eberflus was this year’s team scapegoat; Trevon was his. Now the Cowboys are searching for our next DC before the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowls.

It’s amazing the Cowboys finished 7-9-1 this season. Even after giving up 511 total points on Defense. Then, dominating the league with penalties. Even with our overall ranked #2 Offense this season, we still couldn’t outscore teams. Defense wins divisions.

The good thing about being on the bottom is that you can only go up in 2026.

According to Statmuse the Dallas Cowboys led the NFL this regular season with 133 total penalties.

COACH or PLAYER?

Beyond the FLAG is the question, is it more on the COACH or the PLAYER when it comes to DISCIPLINE? Both if you ask me. Here’s why. Did you see what Eagles HC Nick Sirianni had to say after their loss to the Niners?

The DISCIPLINE opponent is defeated with just that, DISCIPLINE. I shared several years ago that each NFL team faces four opponents every game. The Cowboys lost to two of the four this season. The DICISIPLINE and OTHER oppenents.

Aaron Whitecotton is one of nine interviews currently the Dallas Cowboys have held with for their DC opening.

PLAYERS need to be accountable. Quinnen Williams shared that it wasn’t totally Eberflus fault this season. Players need to step up and know their roles and assignments on and off the field. I will share more in detail this summer in my Four Opponents Collection.

Coaches are responsible for putting players into positions to WIN. Players are responsible for knowing their roles and assignments accordingly. Rumor has it that the “DIVA” mindset left the building with both Micah and Trevon.

The 2025 Green Bay Cowboys.

Moving Target

The Dallas Cowboys media machine continues to churn. I love it, becuase it’s good for business. What other team gets this much recognition not in the playoffs? Once the Cowboys hire their DC, the media world will keep turning.

Everything is always a moving target in Dallas. I know WE don’t coach penalties. I get it. The DISCIPLINE opponent is how I measure the culture shift in the trenches. One thing I will never say is WE lost to the REFS.

“Yeah, obviously, I’ve been around this long enough where calls, they balance each other out,” Sirianni said. “I know sometimes there’s always going to be like, ‘Well, we get screwed in this one.’ I don’t think that way. They all balance each other out.” ~Nick Siriani

Join my co-host KELZ and me between Super Bowl 60 and the NFL draft on Position Predictions 2.0

The Way Ahead

From my vantage point, I glean how game outcomes are affected by 4 known factors. It’s not hard to see what’s hidden in plain sight. Are each of the 4 opponents working in unison? One can wonder, but I seriously doubt it. But then again……

The great thing is that the Cowboys have top-tier draft capital and salary cap leverage this offseason. Once the DC puzzle piece fits, the rest of the Cowboys puzzle will take shape. The rest is up to Schcotty to fix the laundry problem at the Star in Frisco.

If not, that laundry could handle him again next season. Be sure to download the Patreon application today. I will share several paid posts this offseason addressing HOW to fix the laundry in Dallas.

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