Dallas Cowboys win preseason opener despite coaching criticism

The Dallas Cowboys secured a 17-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in their preseason opener, but the win was overshadowed by disciplinary issues and poor execution. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed significant frustration regarding the team's performance, particularly within the special teams unit.

Schottenheimer criticized the lack of communication and attention to detail, noting that the unit failed to meet the team's standards. The Cowboys committed 13 penalties for 103 yards during the game, including errors on coverage teams and illegal formation penalties that aided Seattle's return game. The coach emphasized a need to ‘get back to basics’ to address these lapses.

Regarding player health, Schottenheimer reported that while the game was physical, most players are expected to be fine following treatment. He noted that both quarterbacks functioned well under heavy pressure from the Seahawks' defense.