Cowboys lose lead in Arizona, extending Brian Schottenheimer's winless streak

The Dallas Cowboys surrendered a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in an overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, matching the largest blowout in franchise history according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The 33-30 defeat marked the team's ninth loss of the season and extended head coach Brian Schottenheimer's struggle to secure consecutive victories.

Schottenheimer has led the Cowboys for over a season, but the team holds a winning record after only one of the last 25 weeks. His sole winning streak was a three-game run in November of last year. The Cowboys have lost to backup quarterbacks in two of their recent defeats, including a home loss to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels of Tampa Bay and the latest defeat to Arizona's Gardner Minshew.

Owner Jerry Jones and quarterback Dak Prescott defended the coach following the game. Jones stated that many players let Schottenheimer down, noting he has hired nine head coaches in 37 years as owner and general manager. Prescott argued that placing blame on a single individual is weak and cowardly, emphasizing that the game involves all 11 players on the field plus the coaching and support staff.

The defense performed well for most of three quarters, building a substantial lead. However, the offense sputtered during the critical final period. Tyler Allgeier scored on 63-yard and 52-yard touchdown runs for Arizona. Minshew threw three fourth-quarter touchdowns, capping an 80-yard drive in 63 seconds. The Cardinals did not win in regulation only because kicker Chad Ryland missed a point-after-the-play with six seconds remaining.

The Cowboys have made several roster moves to improve, including trading for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Jones traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons a week before Schottenheimer's first game last season. The owner noted that he only fired a coach midseason once in his tenure, which occurred in 2010 when Wade Phillips was let go after a 1-7 start.

The team faces injury concerns in the secondary. Rookie safety Caleb Downs left the Arizona game with a concussion. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is limiting his snaps due to an ankle injury. Tight end Jake Ferguson also left early with an ankle issue. The offensive line allowed four sacks and averaged 2.4 yards per carry, both season worsts.

Dallas visits the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Cowboys have a 191-0 record at home since 1991 when leading by at least 14 points in the fourth quarter, according to Sportradar. That record includes playoff games. The next four opponents have losing records, but the Cowboys continue to find new ways to drop games.