New head coach Brian Schottenheimer has quickly endeared himself to Dallas Cowboys fans. His positive demeanor, commitment to fostering a tight-knit culture, and apparent rapport with players have created an early wave of optimism. However, in the high-stakes world of the NFL, optimism can quickly turn to scrutiny, especially when it involves elevating expectations for players under pressure. Schottenheimer’s recent glowing remarks about right tackle Terence Steele, a veteran entering a pivotal, make-or-break year, have raised eyebrows. Is “Schotty” setting himself up for regret, or does he see something the numbers don’t?
Steele’s Struggles, Schottenheimer’s Praise, and The Looming Financial Decision
Terence Steele’s journey with the Cowboys has been a rollercoaster. Once a promising young tackle, his career trajectory hit a major bump with a torn ACL in December 2022. His return to the field in 2023 was a struggle, marked by alarming statistics: per PFF, he allowed the third-most pressures (53) and second-most quarterback hits (12) among qualified tackles. While many attributed this to his recovery from surgery, the hope for a significant bounce-back in 2024 didn’t fully materialize. Last season, among tackles with at least 900 snaps, Steele continued to struggle, conceding the third-most sacks (9), seventh-most pressures (41), and posting the third-lowest pass-blocking grade (57.5) according to PFF. These numbers paint a clear picture of a player who has not performed at a high level for quite some time, raising legitimate concerns about his ability to protect Dak Prescott and create running lanes.
Yet, amidst these concerning statistics, Brian Schottenheimer has offered a remarkably strong endorsement. He lauded Steele’s “amazing” work ethic, training regimen, and professional approach, calling him “one of the hardest workers that we have.” Schottenheimer also praised Steele’s communication skills, especially playing next to Tyler Booker, stating, “I think he’s set up to have a great year.” These are indeed “strong words” for a player whose on-field performance has been anything but great.
The coach’s glowing review clashes starkly with the raw data. While Steele’s work ethic is undoubtedly commendable, what ultimately matters in the NFL is tangible on-field production. The disconnect between Schottenheimer’s optimism and Steele’s recent performance history creates a significant risk. If Steele fails to live up to these heightened expectations, Schottenheimer’s comments could easily be used against him, undermining his initial positive momentum with the fanbase.
Adding another layer of pressure is the financial reality of Steele’s contract. He is entering a “make-or-break” year not just for his performance, but for his roster spot. Should Steele not deliver a noticeable improvement, the Cowboys’ front office has a clear financial incentive to move on. Designating him as a post-June 1 cut could save the team a significant $14 million on the salary cap, while only incurring $4.125 million in dead money. This financial leverage means the team will be closely scrutinizing every snap Steele plays, making Schottenheimer’s public vote of confidence a high-stakes gamble.
While some argue that Steele is unfairly made a “scapegoat” for collective offensive line struggles, and that he’s better than fans give him credit for, the numbers speak for themselves. Schottenheimer’s belief in Steele’s potential “big year” might have merit, but it’s a belief that recent history does not support.
A Tightrope Walk for Coach and Player
Brian Schottenheimer’s fervent praise for Terence Steele, while perhaps well-intentioned to boost player confidence and foster a positive culture, is a risky move. In a league driven by results, and for a player facing such significant performance and financial pressure, setting such high public expectations can backfire spectacularly. The Cowboys desperately need Steele to return to his pre-injury form, or better. If he doesn’t, Schottenheimer’s words will echo as a testament to misplaced optimism, and the Cowboys will be left with a substantial financial decision. This pivotal year for Terence Steele is now even more critical, with his head coach’s bold predictions adding an extra layer of scrutiny. Only time will tell if Schotty’s faith is rewarded, or if these comments become a regretful footnote in his early tenure.