Brian Schottenheimer says Cowboys working on defensive scheme, personnel changes

The Dallas Cowboys were back at practice on Wednesday preparing for their Week 4 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Their return to the field also meant head coach Brian Schottenheimer was available to the media. He spoke on topics such as seeing Micah Parsons again, as well as the team’s defensive strategy going forward.

It’s not surprising the defense was brought up considering their struggles, especially over the past two weeks. The Dallas secondary has struggled with communication, leading to wide-open receivers and easy touchdowns for their opponents.

MORE: Cowboys secondary gets glimmer of hope with DaRon Bland injury update

Team owner Jerry Jones expressed confidence in the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, saying they’re the right ones to get the job done. On Wednesday, Schottenheimer briefly discussed the work being put in to make those changes.

While he wouldn’t go into detail, he said the Cowboys have “started the process” of making scheme and personnel changes.

#Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer said they’ve “started the process” of making scheme and personnel changes to the defense.

He won’t share them, but he said practice will also determine changes prior to Sunday against the Packers. pic.twitter.com/FWv2TX6nKe
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) September 24, 2025

The scheme changes could be as subtle as simplifying their coverages. Far too often, it appeared a cornerback was expecting help from a safety, but there was no one deep. Plays like that suggest guys aren’t on the same page, so perhaps limiting the calls will help.

MORE: Cowboys’ NFL draft bust named as trade target for AFC contenders

As for personnel, they could look to get Juanyeh Thomas on the field more. Known as a coverage safety, he might be able to help eliminate some of the deep balls being completed.

Dallas Cowboys LB Marist Liufau goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see them get linebacker Marist Liufau on the field more, to get more athletic at that position.

Whatever they decide, something has to change or this season will be over before we know it.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

3 keys to a big Dallas Cowboys victory over Packers in Week 4

Cowboys projected to add ‘physical specimen’ EDGE, massive NT in NFL mock draft

NFL Power Rankings Roundup: Dallas Cowboys free fall begins after dreadful loss

Dallas Cowboys must find a way to get more touches for electric WR

Jadeveon Clowney gets first chance to impress Dallas Cowboys in Week 4 vs Packers

PHOTOS: Meet Kleine Powell, star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc