Winning stats don’t win seasons. That’s the harsh truth Brian Schottenheimer reminded everyone of this week. The Dallas Cowboys head coach, visibly frustrated, didn’t mince words when asked about his team’s uneven start and Dak Prescott’s growing MVP chatter. His message was clear: personal accolades mean nothing when the team sits below .500 PCT.

Schottenheimer’s Cowboys have been an offensive powerhouse, ranking second in total yards and first in passing yards per game. Prescott has looked electric, and the addition of George Pickens has helped offset CeeDee Lamb’s injury absence. Yet, none of that has translated into consistent wins. With a 3-4-1 record and one of the league’s weakest defenses, Dallas remains far from the contender its offense suggests.

“I think none of us have done good enough,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Coaches, players, head coach, none of us. Our scorecard is what it is. We’re a football team that’s 3-4-1.” He further added, “You can take the stats on offense and shove them up your a** as far as I’m concerned. It is what it is. We want to win.”

The frustration largely stems from a defense that has faltered week after week. Ranked 31st in both points allowed and yards given up, Dallas has surrendered over 31 points per game, which has overshadowed any offensive gains. Schottenheimer acknowledged that the issues run deep, from missed tackles to flawed strategies, and hinted that changes are on the horizon.

Still, he stressed the importance of teamwork over individual accolades. “Dak Prescott doesn’t want to win MVP,” Schottenheimer said. “He wants to win a Super Bowl, and that’s what we want to win. We’re not there yet, but it doesn’t mean the journey stops. You get more focused. You get more intentional. And you’ve got to do it together.”

On top of the defensive struggles and locker-room tensions, the Cowboys are also facing a growing list of injuries that could further derail their season.

Cowboys expect Tony Pollard reunion after Miles Sanders’ season-ending surgery

The injury troubles for the Dallas Cowboys just keep piling up. The latest setback came when running back Miles Sanders announced he’s officially out for the season after having knee surgery this week.

From his hospital bed, Sanders took to social media to share a simple message: “Journey starts.” This marks the beginning of a long road to recovery for the 28-year-old, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve just before Week 6.

At the time, team executive Stephen Jones summed up the situation bluntly on 105.3 The Fan: “Unfortunately, at the end of the day, attrition will get you. We just found out we’re gonna lose Sanders for the year.”

Despite the challenges, the Cowboys’ offense has managed to keep things moving with Javonte Williams at the helm, but the backfield is looking a bit thin. Jaydon Blue hasn’t made much of an impact yet, with only 22 carries for 65 yards, prompting Dallas to look for backup options as the trade deadline approaches.

According to The Dallas Morning News, there’s a familiar name making the rounds: Tony Pollard. The former Cowboys running back, now with the Tennessee Titans, could be a potential target as the Titans seem to be heading into rebuild mode.

Pollard, who signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Titans after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in Dallas, might be on the market for the right offer. His 2025 salary has no guarantees, making a short-term reunion a possibility.

Writer Joseph Hoyt suggested, “Tony Pollard was excellent in Dallas when he spelled Ezekiel Elliott. Could he do the same for Williams? Just a thought.”

Still, the Cowboys face a dilemma: fix their struggling defense or bolster their offensive strength. With the trade window closing soon, Dallas must decide whether to chase balance or double down on firepower.