Photo via Yahoo Sports

Keyshawn Johnson goes nuclear on Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer after TNF loss: ‘It’s time’

Former Dallas Cowboys star Keyshawn Johnson publicly criticized coach Brian Schottenheimer and urged owner Jerry Jones to ‘get rid of’ the coaching staff after the Cowboys’ Week 5 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys lost 24-16 to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football (TNF) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on October 8, 2026. The result marked Dallas' third loss of the season, dropping them to a 2-3 overall record and 1-2 at home.

Owner Jerry Jones expressed his frustration via the team’s website, stating he was ‘extraordinarily, extraordinarily disappointed.’ Jones added, ‘You really do need to get it done when it’s there to take,’ noting that the team ‘missed a great opportunity to build something’ and ‘took a step backward.’ He cited the Buccaneers’ physicality, particularly their rushing attack between the tackles, as a factor that was ‘surprising’ and contrary to expectations.

Tampa Bay quarterback Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie free agent making his second NFL start, threw for 189 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Daniels completed 76.0% of his passes (19 of 25) with a 110.3 passer rating.

The Buccaneers' ground game was equally effective, with running back Bucky Irving rushing for 165 yards and one touchdown on 7.9 yards per carry. The team collectively rushed for 241 yards and two touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry, outgaining the Cowboys by 191 yards in total offense.

The Cowboys’ defense, under new coordinator Christian Parker, continues to struggle, allowing 168.4 rushing yards per game and ranking 31st in opponent total yards (395.4 per game). Defensive back KaVontae Turpin lost a fumble on a kickoff return, contributing to the team’s difficulties across all phases.

Dallas trailed by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter before mounting a late response that included a 10-play, 99-yard touchdown drive ending with Prescott’s scoring pass to George Pickens. Tampa Bay’s Jalon Daniels led a 10:58 touchdown drive on their first possession, showcasing the Buccaneers’ improved offensive efficiency.

Dak Prescott threw two interceptions in the loss, including one in the final minute that sealed the defeat. Prescott acknowledged the criticism, saying, ‘To use the word ‘embarrassing,’ though, is tough,’ while admitting the Cowboys were ‘supposed to win.’

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer called the result a ‘missed opportunity’ and stated, ‘I’m going to look at everything,’ adding, ‘I’ll spend countless hours trying to figure it out.’ He noted the team came up short despite having a chance to win, particularly after trailing 24-10 in the third quarter. Schottenheimer acknowledged the team’s poor performance, saying, ‘We had a chance to still get back in and try to win the game, and we came up short.’

The Cowboys’ next two games are back-to-back road contests at Green Bay and Philadelphia, where Jones hopes to avoid further ‘extraordinary disappointments.’

This report also draws on coverage from Pro Football Talk, Fox Sports, CBS Sports.

Up nextNFL· 43m ago

Post-game vent discussion: Cougs fall to 1-5