Is Brian Schottenheimer Being 'Honest' About Unusual Cowboys Approach?

Brian Schottenheimer's post-game press conference after the Dallas Cowboys' 38-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles has caused quite the stir.

With Schottenheimer usually generous with his answers, often to a fault, the head coach was noticeably short and curt and didn't give the media anything extra when speaking.

After such a tough two weeks, with criticism leveled at him, much of it deserved, some thought it was a small sign that maybe the talk had reached the coach and he didn't like it.

We heard Dak Prescott say he has Schottenheimer's back, and, in truth, we expect nothing less, but it can be hard to block out all that criticism aimed at the head coach.

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So, it was only natural that the following day, Schottenheimer was asked whether the media's recent criticism of him had prompted his short, abrupt press conference in Philadelphia.

"No, I'll be honest, I really do a good job of blocking you guys [media] out," Schottenheimer said. "It's a big game for us, we're motivated as a football team. I'm motivated as a head coach to get our guys playing to the standard that I know they're capable of playing. Intense game against a real rival, but no, at the end of the day, in this business, you get paid to deal with the criticism and things that come with the job.

"Remember you're talking to a guy that grew up for 25 years in a household with a head coach in the NFL. So, no it was more just my focus was getting the team to be focused and motivated, and I think you saw that. So I'm proud of our group."

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So, it was all about his team getting focused and motivated. 

If you say so, Brian.

There was a clear difference in his demeanor at The Star on Tuesday compared to Monday night, and maybe it really was what Schottenheimer said, for his team to follow his lead.

Or it could have been that the criticism did get to him a little bit. After all, he is human.

But he is paid to deal with it, and people calling for your job when things aren't going well is part and parcel of NFL football. ... especially amid your claims that you're a "great coach'' and an "elite play-caller.''

So, it could be one or both factors that contributed to Schottenheimer's brief press conference, but we will certainly monitor it as the weeks go by.

On the one hand? Maybe, just maybe, this more gruff version of Schottenheimer is exactly what this Cowboys team needs.

On the other hand? If Schotty isn't really being "honest'' and isn't really being himself? His audience - and his team - will eventually see right through that ... and it'll be viewed as a weakness.