The Cowboys take on the Texans, who are yet to win a game, but Schottenheimer isn't being fooled by their record.
The Dallas Cowboys travel to take on the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Sunday, with a chance for retribution after the Baltimore Ravens debacle.
In what is somewhat of a surprise, the Texans are 0-3 heading into Week 4, with their offense ranking 24th in points per game (18) and their defense 19th in the league (25 points per game).
So, on paper, it isn't the same Texans defense we saw last season, but they still rank third for sacks (11), are 12th in allowing third down conversions (38 percent), and when it comes to allowing a touchdown in the red zone, they rank seventh (42 percent).
They also haven't given up a 90+ yard rusher yet, and in the last two weeks, they haven't allowed more than 211 passing yards and 20 points. So, they are starting to get their groove back.
And for Brian Schottenheimer, he isn't telling his team that the Texans are 0-3; he knows they're better than their record.
"No, I think both teams are motivated," Schottenheimer said. "We look at it as the next game, we know that we want to focus on us. Clearly, when you watch them play, they're not a 0-3 team, hard-pressed to find a better defense.
"They're a well-coached team, so they'll be ready to play at home, so it's two teams that want to win."
Given that Houston has yet to taste victory in 2026, the Cowboys could be walking into a buzzsaw on Sunday as the Texans will be desperate to get their first win of the season.
Which is why it is important for the Cowboys to put their foot down from the outset and have Houston thinking, "here we go again," but that is a tough task.
DeMeco Ryans' defense is legit, and they'll give Dak Prescott and Co. all they can handle on Sunday, so don't expect a high-scoring game.
The Cowboys will still be stung by the Ravens loss, and the Texans have yet to notch a win in 2026, so Schottenheimer is right. Both teams will be motivated.
Time to see who is ready to get their season back on track.
