Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin thinks Cowboys are toast after players-only meeting

Heading into a road game against the Green Bay Packers (3-2) on "Sunday Night Football," Schottenheimer praised his players for their accountability.

"I love it," the coach said Wednesday, via ESPN. "I've said from the very beginning, the best teams I've ever been around are led by the locker room. And my information that I received from some of those guys that called that meeting. It was very productive. It was very open and honest."

The meeting may have allowed players to vent their frustrations, but that may not solve the Cowboys' biggest problem: their defense. Entering Week 6, Dallas ranks 25th in the league in points allowed (27.2 PPG) and second to last in yards allowed (395.4 YPG). But at least the unit hasn't lost its pride. 

"The pride of that unit is strong," Schottenheimer said. "There's some really, really prideful men in that room, and we're going to get it fixed. It means everyone is rowing in the same direction to get this fixed." 

The Cowboys hope bringing former Cleveland Browns HC Mike Pettine on board as a defensive assistant for embattled defensive coordinator Christian Parker will fix the issue. But many, including Tomlin, think it's too late. A players-only meeting this early in the season can sometimes signal it may already be kaput.