Though it is remarkably early in his tenure, it is hard not to be impressed by Brian Schottenheimer. He certainly doesn't come off as a first-time head coach.
Schottenheimer wins over more Dallas Cowboys fans every time he addresses the media. That positivity has extended to the practice field, with players like Juanyeh Thomas claim to be having "fun again" under Schottenheimer. It appears Schotty is already fostering the tight-knit culture he promised at his introductory press conference.
Schottenheimer would not have thrown his hat into the ring if he wasn't bullish about the roster. However, Cowboys fans might balk reading the HC's expectations for right tackle Terence Steele.
Brian Schottenheimer might regret praising Cowboys RT Terence Steele
" ... Terence is one of the hardest workers that we have. His work ethic, the way he trains, the way he approaches being a pro and his craft are amazing. He's not the most vocal guy, and that's not a bad thing," Schottenheimer said, via Patrik Walker of the team's official website.
"I think playing next to Tyler Booker, that confidence, and [Steele is] a great communicator, which allows him to make sure they're on the same page because he does a great job, and that's just invaluable. I think he's set up to have a great year."
Those are strong words about a player who is entering a potentially make-or-break year with the Cowboys. While nobody questions Steele's work ethic, what ultimately matters is how well he protects Dak Prescott and creates holes in the run game, and he doesn't done that at a high level for quite a while now.
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Steele is nearly three years removed from a torn ACL suffered in December 2022. He struggled mightily in his return to the field in 2023, allowing the third-most pressures (53) and second-most quarterback hits (12) among qualified tackles, per PFF.
Many attributed that being Steele's first season post-surgery, but he wasn't anything special last season despite being two years removed from the injury.
Among tackles who played at least 900 snaps, Steele conceded the third-most sacks (9) and seventh-most pressures (41) while posting the third-lowest pass-blocking grade (57.5), per PFF.
Steele is much better than Cowboys fans give him credit for. He is often made the "scapegoat" when the offensive line collectively struggles. There is a lot of merit to Schottenheimer's forecast for the 28-year-old, but the numbers don't do him any favors.
If Steele doesn't bounce back, the front office could save $14 million on the salary cap if they designate him as a post-June 1 cut while swallowing just $4.125 million in dead money.
Schottenheimer isn't wrong in saying Steele is primed for a big year, but recent history suggests he may live to regret these comments.