Brian Schottenheimer had plenty to celebrate after the Dallas Cowboys opened the 2026 preseason with a 17-7 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. But the Cowboys head coach also made sure his team understood there was still plenty to clean up.

Schottenheimer’s postgame message, which praised the defense and offense while calling out the team’s penalty problems, quickly caught the attention of Cowboys fans. His words gave supporters another reason to feel optimistic after Dallas’ disappointing 7-9-1 campaign in 2025.

“Let’s talk about a couple of things,” Schottenheimer said in a video posted on the Dallas Cowboys’ official Instagram page.

Schottenheimer wasted no time pointing to the unit that carried the team down the stretch.

“Number one, that was a great team effort win. Outstanding. How about the second-half defense? I think it was four… And then we gave them the ball on the five-yard line, and y’all still kept them out. Outstanding,” Schottenheimer added in the Instagram clip.

The Cowboys’ defense, led by new coordinator Christian Parker, had a shaky start after allowing an 80-yard opening-drive touchdown. But the unit settled down quickly, recording three sacks, five quarterback hits and five tackles for loss while holding Seattle to one touchdown on four red-zone trips.

The Cowboys’ passing game had backup QB Sam Howell throwing for 94 yards and a touchdown, and Joe Milton III adding 107 yards and a score.

Backup tight end Michael Trigg and undrafted free agent wide receiver Camden Brown stood out, with Brown catching all three targets for two touchdowns.

However, Schottenheimer noted that penalties remained a concern after 13 flags for over 100 yards, with special teams allowing 144 return yards, which gave the Seahawks a strong field position.

Cowboys fans react to Brian Schottenheimer’s postgame message

The message struck a balance between celebrating the win and demanding more from the team.

Cowboys fans quickly picked up on that tone, with several praising Schottenheimer’s energy while others focused on the players who stood out in the victory.

One fan praised Schottenheimer for his motivating and energetic response to the team’s first win in a preseason opener since 2017.

“Last time we won our first preseason game was 2017…really hoping this team is different. So here goes my first WE DEM BOYZ of 2026-2027!” one fan commented.

Another fan wrote that the Cowboys HC’s words have inspired him to get back on the field in his 40s.

“Schotty makes me want to put the pads on again in my 40s! We finally got a great coach!!!” another fan wrote.

One fan praised the rising star wideout Camden Brown for his one-handed touchdown catch, earning Player of the Game honors for his performance.

“Camden sound like GP [George Pickens] Jr. He’s Def on the team,” one fan commented.

Another fan was emotional to see the Cowboys win the preseason game after a disappointing 7-9-1 2025 season.

“This brings tears to my eyes can’t wait for this season to start,” another fan commented.

One fan agreed with Schottenheimer on cutting down penalties, as the Cowboys were the most penalized team in the league with 133 flags for 1,136 yards in 2025.

“And great game all around, but he’s right, we have to cut down penalties!” one fan wrote.

The 17-7 win was only the beginning of the Cowboys’ preseason, but Schottenheimer’s message gave fans something beyond the final score to appreciate. He celebrated the progress while demanding better discipline, a balance that has Dallas supporters entering the 2026 season with cautious optimism.