The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive struggles have drawn sharp criticism from Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who singled out Brian Schottenheimer’s play-calling as a major factor in mounting pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott. Warner expressed his views on The Rich Eisen Show, pinpointing the team’s inability to establish a running game and the lack of variety in offensive schemes as key issues.
Through the first six games of the 2026 NFL season, the Cowboys have managed just two wins and are sitting at 2-4. Their recent form has been poor, with only 29 points scored across their last two games. The team has rushed for 456 yards in total, ranking among the league’s lowest, while their defense has allowed 899 rushing yards. Warner linked the offensive woes to the team’s struggles at the line of scrimmage, saying, “I think the tough thing about this offense is that they’re not dominating up front, and so, they’re not really running the football very well. And right now, they’re not running the football very well at all. They’re not winning that physicality up front. And so now, you’re just forced to have to drop back and throw it. I think it’s really put a lot of pressure on this offense.”
Warner also criticized the offensive strategy for lacking creativity and adaptability. “They don’t do a lot of formations and motions. A lot of times, they’re just going to line up and say, ‘We’re better than you. We’re going to beat you.’ And again, at times, that can be really good. At times, it can get stagnant. It can be hard on your offense and make it easier on the defense,” he said. Warner argued that this approach puts extra strain on Prescott, who faces a heavier workload trying to make plays under a predictable system. “That’s what I see right now, is not a lot of changing up on the outside, expecting guys to win one-on-one and to make those plays over and over instead of scheming some simple or easy opportunities for your offense and for your quarterback.”
The Cowboys fell 23-13 to the Green Bay Packers in their most recent game, marking their fourth loss of the season. After the defeat, Schottenheimer acknowledged the team’s problems and accepted responsibility. “We’ve got to fix the mistakes that we’ve talked about. This is something that we’ve addressed and talked about. Again, it starts with myself and the coaching staff to understand, again, the ball matters more than anything in the National Football League. It’s the ball,” he said. Schottenheimer placed emphasis on the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage, admitting that the team has failed in this area recently. “Second, it’s the line of scrimmage. And we haven’t been very good in the last two games, so that’s what we’re responsible and accountable for. And I stand up here and accept that.”
The Cowboys’ offensive struggles have been a recurring theme this season, with Prescott under constant pressure due to the lack of a reliable running game and a conservative playbook. The team’s inability to adjust tactically has drawn scrutiny not only from former players like Warner but also from fans and analysts following their disappointing start. Schottenheimer will need to address these issues as Dallas prepares for their upcoming clash against division rivals Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Yahoo Sports.