The Dallas Cowboys are a different proposition with Brian Schottenheimer as new head coach. The 51-year-old has overseen a 1-2-1 record after four weeks and his team appears to be showing glimpses of what could turn a mediocre franchise into a winner.

Schottenheimer was Dallas’ offensive coordinator for the previous two seasons and is now the play-caller. That’s vital for a team that has the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback in Dak Presscott and is trying to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 30 seasons.

The change has been so successful that the Cowboys have the NFL’s best offense in yards generated. Prescott and company have generated 1,617 total yards, for an average of 404.25 per game.

The Dallas quarterback is number one in the league in passes completed and attempted. Furthermore, Prescott is second to none in yards, having accumulated 1,119 through his first four games.

Prescott’s play has been such that Jerry Jones said it was essential to pay the quarterback, but that wasn’t the case with Micah Parsons. After trading him to Green Bay, the Packers made the linebacker the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.

“It’s very simple: For me, Dak was indispensable,” the Cowboys owner said. “Micah wasn’t. It’s just numbers. It’s that simple. And it’s nothing personal.”

Excellent offense, poor defense

Dallas’ problem is that its defense isn’t stopping anyone. The unit led by Matt Eberflus, the former head coach of the Chicago Bears, has let everyone run over them. The Cowboys have allowed 1,682 yards on defense, which is 420.5 yards per game.

Dallas’ run defense holds its own, allowing just 493 yards, enough to rank among the league’s mid ranking statistics. However, the secondary is the Cowboys’ worst unit. The 1,189 yards allowed are the most of any team in the league this season.

The Texas franchise has allowed 10 touchdowns through the air, but three of them have come against Trevon Diggs. He’s not the cornerback who allows the most yards, with that misfortune belonging to Kaiir Elam, who has permitted 244.

If the Cowboys want to compete for a playoff spot in 2025, they need to make a change. The offense can keep pace, but if the defense remains porous, there would appear to be little solution in Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach.