The Dallas Cowboys’ joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday featured plenty of intensity, but things quickly went too far.
Multiple fights broke out during the session in Oxnard, California, turning what was supposed to be a valuable opportunity for both teams into a chaotic afternoon. Players shoved, threw punches and even tossed helmets as tempers boiled over.
1. Schottenheimer likes the Cowboys’ willingness to fight back
If there was one positive Schottenheimer could take from Tuesday, it was the mentality his players displayed.
The Cowboys weren’t going to allow the Saints to dictate the physicality of the practice without responding. That attitude fits with the tougher identity Schottenheimer has tried to establish with Dallas.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer wasn’t happy with the lack of discipline, but he did find something, but he did find something positive in the madness.
” Look, we’re not gonna take s*** from anybody. Period. But they weren’t the only culprits. Ultimately, I’m disappointed — it was sloppy. A sloppy practice,” Schottenheimer said after practice.
Schottenheimer doesn’t want Dallas starting fights. However, he clearly likes that his team isn’t willing to be pushed around.
Now, the Cowboys have to find a way to carry that same aggression into actual football plays rather than extracurricular activities after the whistle.
2. Cowboys still have a discipline problem to address
The biggest concern coming out of the joint practice was how quickly Dallas allowed its emotions to take over.
The situation became so chaotic that Schottenheimer and Saints head coach Kellen Moore discussed potentially ending practice early. Schottenheimer also admitted afterward that it was difficult to evaluate the session because he spent so much time dealing with the fights.
Donovan Ezeiruaku was among the Cowboys players involved and was ejected after throwing a punch.
It’s especially notable because Schottenheimer previously kicked Ezeiruaku out of a training camp practice after he threw a punch at offensive Terence Steele.
That makes Tuesday another reminder that Dallas has to learn where the line is.
A punch during the regular season could lead to a 15-yard penalty or an ejection. Those mistakes can change games.
3. Dallas must turn its aggression into productive football
Schottenheimer’s reaction ultimately revealed exactly what he wants from his Cowboys.
He isn’t asking Dallas to become less physical. He wants the aggression without unnecessary mistakes.
That’s an important distinction.
Training camp is supposed to have prepare players for situations they will face when games matter. Opponents will attempt to frustrate them, especially during divisional matchups and late-game situations.
Dallas can’t respond by losing control.
The Cowboys showed Tuesday that they have no shortage of toughness. The next step is channeling it correctly.
Schottenheimer can appreciate a team that refuses to back down while simultaneously being disappointed by how Tuesday unfolded. Both things can be true.
Dallas has the edge its head coach wants.
Now, the Cowboys need to prove they can use that edge to beat opponents between the whistles instead of fighting them after the play.
