It wasn't a surprise that the Cowboys beat the Texans on Sunday, at least based on pre-game projections. But the road to victory was different than expected, and a 16-6 halftime deficit had us all squirming. Even with the eventual win over Houston, Dallas left plenty of room for questions going forward.
How long will Brian Schottenheimer stay loyal to Nick Sorensen?
After another blocked field goal and a big return surrendered after a kickoff, coordinator Nick Sorensen's special teams units just aren't getting it done. This was also the case last year: a noticeable drop-off on returns and in return coverage when Dallas went from John Fassel to Sorensen. With no improvement so far in 2026, one has to wonder how long this will continue.
Sorensen was the one real "Schottenheimer guy" that Brian brought onto his staff last year. They worked together in Seattle from 2018-2020 and then Jacksonville in 2021. But while the Jones family admitted their hiring mistake and fired Matt Eberflus after one terrible season, Sorensen was allowed to return this year.
Something on special teams are still going to look good despite Sorensen. Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, and Trent Sieg are well-oiled machines in their roles. But even Aubrey has been a little shakier since Sorensen's arrival from his early seasons.
Midseason coaching changes are never ideal, so Sorensen may finish the year no matter how bad things get. But if things keep going like they are, and he somehow keeps his job, it's going to cost Schottenheimer credibility with his players and other coaches.
Will we see more games like this from Quinnen Williams?
Sunday was the first time that we saw elite impact from Williams this season. Credited with four tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss, Williams was disruptive overall and made key plays in the clutch. After we praised Otito Ogbonnia last week for being the team's best DT so far in 2026, Williams stepped up in Houston.
Now, can Williams sustain it? That may seem like a silly question for a perennial Pro Bowler, but Williams' slow start to this season is coming off a lackluster finish in 2025. After a sensational Week 11 debut for the Cowboys, his first game after the trade, Williams didn't get another sack all year and wasn't much of a factor in general.
Like so many things in 2025, we wrote Williams' issues off as part of the Matt Eberflus effect. But now there's a new coordinator and scheme, one that's allowed Jalen Carter to become a household name at the DT spot like Williams was with the Jets.
If he's going to justify the trade capital that brought him to Dallas, and the big extension he just got from the Cowboys, Williams has to start being the best defensive player on the field every week.
How much will Tyler Smith's return improve Cowboys offense?
The centerpiece of Dallas' offensive line is due back soon, perhaps even this Thursday night against the Buccaneers. How much will the upgrade from T.J. Bass to Tyler Smith lift the Cowboys' offense, and perhaps the entire team, going forward?
Kudos to Bass for at least not being a massive liability out there, but there's been a marked difference in Dallas' overall consistency in the run game. After averaging 4.6 yards per carry in 2025, Dallas' YPC is at just 3.8 so far this season. Even with all that passing game firepower to worry about, opposing teams have found it too easy to stuff the Cowboys' runners.
If Smith's return moves the needle, it could be a huge help to the passing attack and the defense. More effective running means better play-action opportunities, which were great for Dallas last year. More methodical offense means more time off the clock and more rest for your defense. A better run game should also improve red zone efficiency, which is sorely needed.
Hopefully, we'll be able to welcome Tyler Smith back to the active mix this Thursday night and watch the Cowboys reap the benefits.
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