Full Breakdown
Back-to-Back Losses Highlight the Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Woes
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 18 2026 the Dallas Cowboys fell 23-13 to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, extending a two-game losing streak that began with a 24-16 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a week earlier. The losses left the Cowboys at 2-4 on the season, with the offense posting its lowest point-production of the year: 13 points, 303 total yards and just 48 rushing yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Dak Prescott was intercepted twice and the unit committed five turnovers across the two games.
Background & Context
Brian Schottenheimer entered his second season as head coach after a 7-9-1 campaign in 2025. The Cowboys entered 2026 with expectations of a “greatest offense there is” built around Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Early-season injuries to key players—including a rib injury to wide receiver KaVontae Turpin and an Achilles strain to linebacker Dee Winters—have compounded the offensive decline.
Data & Statistics
- Record: 2-4 overall, 0-2 in the last two games.
- Packers game: 54 pass attempts (tied for fourth-most by Prescott in a single game), 48 rushing yards, 2 interceptions.
- Buccaneers game: 43.9 % blitz rate by the opposition, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble.
- Team rankings (through six games): 30th in total offense (343.2 yds/game), 11th in scoring offense (25.2 pts/game), 30th in total defense (382.5 yds/game).
- Offensive tendencies: motion rate 36.5 % (last), run-play percentage 32.5 % (last), under-center rate 30.4 % (28th).
Official Statements & Responses
Jones acknowledged the “very disappointing” start but emphasized the “lot of football to play” and the need to “go back to work.” Schottenheimer described the recent performances as “not a normal game” and said the offense was forced to rely heavily on the pass because the team fell behind early.
Criticism & Opposition
Former player Michael Irvin warned that the organization may begin “firing coaches” if the decline continues, expressing concern that “some of my friends” on staff could be moved.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports on linebacker Dee Winters’ injury differ: the team’s official update called it an Achilles “strain,” while other outlets suggested a more serious injury that could sideline him for multiple weeks. Additionally, while several sources cite the Cowboys’ motion rate as the league’s lowest (36.5 %), one analysis lists the same figure without ranking it, creating a minor discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re in a hole, we put ourselves there,” — Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys head coach
- “I just don’t think we played very well. I think they did a good job. It’s a really good pass defense. I didn’t plan on coming to this game and having to throw it 54 times. That wasn’t the plan,” — Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys head coach
What’s Next
The Cowboys travel to Philadelphia for a Monday Night Football matchup on October 26 2026. The Eagles, also 2-4, are missing quarterback Jalen Hurts for the season, presenting a potential opportunity for Dallas to secure its first win and halt the slide.