Brian Schottenheimer begins his first season as Dallas Cowboys head coach facing heightened challenges after Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The trade reduced external expectations and dropped Dallas from 17th to 24th in ESPN's Football Power Index. FPI now gives the Cowboys a 28.2% chance to make the playoffs, 11.5% to win the NFC East and 1.1% to win the Super Bowl. The season opens against the Philadelphia Eagles. Schottenheimer emphasized ongoing communication with players and ownership during the Parsons saga. Team overperformance could strengthen Schottenheimer's position; underperformance would be viewed in the context of Parsons' absence.
FRISCO, Texas -- Brian Schottenheimer's first year as the Dallas Cowboys head coach was already going to be a difficult one. That's the nature of any job for a first-timer. It was made more difficult Thursday when the Cowboys traded their Pro Bowl edge rusher, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. But there might be good news for Schottenheimer with the trade.
Expectations entering the season, which starts Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles ( 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), are low. Dallas fell from 17th to 24th in ESPN's Football Power Index rankings after the trade. FPI now gives the Cowboys a 28.2% chance of making the playoffs, 11.5% to win the NFC East and 1.1% to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. If the Cowboys overachieve, at least by outside expectations, then Schottenheimer will be in a good situation.
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