Overview

• Dallas stayed within one score of the reigning champions but opened the Schottenheimer era with a 24-20 road loss marked by an hour-long lightning delay.
• Schottenheimer’s offense scored on its first four possessions, leaned on Javonte Williams for 54 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and kept composure after Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting at Dak Prescott.
• The defense failed to contain Jalen Hurts, who ran for 62 yards and two touchdowns and converted a late third-and-1 draw, though A.J. Brown was limited to one catch.
• Game management drew praise as Dallas executed a crisp 1-minute drill before halftime and correctly went for a late fourth-and-3 near midfield; USA TODAY graded the debut a B.
• The opener came a week after Dallas traded Micah Parsons to Green Bay for two future first-round picks and Kenny Clark, forcing a new edge rotation as Clark joined the defensive line mix.