FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday that defensive coordinator Christian Parker “really hasn’t changed” through the defense’s early-season struggles, and that the headset was “very, very, very clean” in Sunday’s win at Indianapolis.
Parker is in his first season as Dallas’ defensive coordinator and play caller after replacing Matt Eberflus. On Oct. 12, the Cowboys hired Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant. Pettine spent three seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, two of them alongside Parker.
Dallas held the Indianapolis Colts to 271 total yards and 3-of-13 on third down in Sunday’s 27-23 win at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Schottenheimer met with reporters before practice Wednesday at The Star.
“He really hasn’t changed,” Schottenheimer said. “Again, I think what you do see is that he’s getting more and more comfortable. Helping us create pressure and things like that.”
“But again, I thought last game the headset’s very, very, very clean,” Schottenheimer continued. “Really a great job of him just mixing up the coverages, and I think that’s all part of the growth.”
Quinnen Williams On His Rapport With Christian Parker
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams had seven tackles, three for loss, and forced a fumble in the red zone in the fourth quarter against the Colts.
Williams met with reporters at his locker Wednesday, where a reporter relayed Parker’s earlier comments about their relationship.
“He said that?” Williams said. “He didn’t keep it to himself. He didn’t keep it to himself.”
“Yeah, but me and CP cool, man,” Williams continued. “Me and CP cool. That’s my guy right there, man. I believe him 100%. I think he puts me in the best position, puts this defense in the best position to win, and I think the biggest thing we got to [do] is execute on the field.”
Caleb Downs Sees Parker Growing
Rookie safety Caleb Downs had a sack and his first career interception against Indianapolis. The interception came on the Colts’ final possession.
Downs spoke at his locker Wednesday, where Schottenheimer’s earlier comments about Parker staying the same through the defense’s struggles came up.
“I think it takes time, and you figure out how you want to call games and how you want to do that,” Downs said. “And as players, we figure out how we’re gelling together, and that’s a big thing. Just being around each other more and figuring out who we are as a defense, and you can see he’s growing.”
“But he’s stayed consistent,” Downs continued. “He’s been somebody that’s been trying to learn and trying to get better every game.”
The Cowboys (4-5) host the San Francisco 49ers (7-1) on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.
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