HC Schottenheimer coaching mistakes put Cowboys in big hole vs Eagles

The Dallas Cowboys got the first possession of their Week 12 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Eagles winning the coin flip and deferring to the second half, head coach Brian Schottenheimer had the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the game.

Instead, the Cowboys are down two scores and two early decisions, or lack thereof, by Schottenheimer are at the center of the cause. Facing 4th-and-3 from just shy of midfield, the Cowboys head coach showed his aggressive nature in going for it instead of punting the ball and burying the struggling Eagles' offense deep.

Jalen Hurts immediately ripped off a couple easy passes to maligned WR AJ Brown, before finding him in the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.

The Cowboys went three and out on their next drive, choosing to punt and putting their new defense in the crosshairs. Matt Eberflus' unit responded, forcing the Eagles backwards five yards and forcing their own punt.

Only WR Ryan Flournoy was called for roughing the punter, gifting the Eagles a fresh set of downs they'd eventually translate into a Jalen Hurts QB run for a score and a 14-0 lead.

Except, Flournoy claimed he actually did get the ball, which would've negated the penalty. Only Schottenheimer didn't challenge the call on the field, allowing it to stand and the drive to continue. Flournoy was correct, he had made a sensational play, but he didn't convince the coaches he was in the right.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: HC Schottenheimer coaching mistakes put Cowboys in big hole vs Eagles