So, the Dallas Cowboys are bringing in a familiar face to try and stop the bleeding, and man, does their defense need it. After getting absolutely torched against Tampa Bay last Thursday night, Brian Schottenheimer just announced they’re hiring Mike Pettine as their new senior defensive assistant. This isn’t some minor tweak; this is a full-on emergency call for help, and it’s happening right now.
Pettine’s Back: Familiar Face, High Stakes
Pettine, at 60 years old, isn’t new to this game or to Schottenheimer. These two actually worked together way back when they were both coordinators under Rex Ryan with the New York Jets. We’re talking 2009 and 2010, when Pettine’s defense was so legit it got the Jets within a game of the Super Bowl. Think about that: his defense shut down offenses led by guys like Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, and even Tom Brady during those playoff runs. That’s serious talent. Schottenheimer is clearly hoping some of that magic rubs off. Plus, Pettine gave current Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker his first NFL gig with the Green Bay Packers in 2019, so there’s history there too. Schottenheimer even said Pettine’s “gonna be here in a role to support everything that CP is leading and guiding,” which sounds like a mentor role, big time.
Pettine’s resume is stacked, honestly. He was the Cleveland Browns’ head coach for two years, served most recently as the Minnesota Vikings’ assistant head coach/outside linebackers coach, and broke into the NFL back in 2002 with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s coached literal Hall of Famers like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Darrelle Revis. Schottenheimer’s stoked about it, saying Pettine’s “experience in this system of what we do” and his “understanding of the 3-4 family” makes him a “great fit.” He even pointed out Pettine’s awareness of some of the Packers players like Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary, which is pretty convenient given who the Cowboys are playing next.
This Defense Is an Absolute Mess
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this Cowboys defense has been statistically one of the NFL’s worst through the first five weeks of the season. Seriously, it’s brutal to look at the numbers. They’re 26th in the league in points allowed, 25th in passing touchdowns allowed, and a shockingly bad 29th in average yards-per-carry allowed. The third-down efficiency? A pathetic 32nd in the NFL. That’s dead last, folks! Red zone efficiency is barely better at 25th. They’ve let opponents put up at least 20 points in every single one of their first five games, and they’ve given up at least 30 points not once, but twice. That 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay last Thursday was clearly the final straw for Schottenheimer.
Pettine’s got his work cut out for him, and fast. The Cowboys roll into Lambeau Field this weekend to face the Packers. You know all eyes are going to be on whether this defense can show *any* sign of life. Can Pettine make an immediate impact? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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