Three Cowboys Face Pressure Against the Colts

The Cowboys enter their road game against the Colts at 3-5 after losing to the Cardinals, and their struggling defense and uneven play have raised the stakes for several Dallas figures. Indianapolis is 2-6 and has sent offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner elsewhere as it looks toward 2027, but the Cowboys cannot assume the matchup will be easy.

Running back Javonte Williams is looking to rebound after rushing for 56 yards on 24 carries against Arizona. The previous week, he ran for a career-best 155 yards in a win over Philadelphia. Indianapolis ranks 27th against the run, giving Williams an opportunity to regain momentum.

Rookie safety Caleb Downs also faces scrutiny after allowing catches on all three targets against the Cardinals, including a touchdown. He gave up 49 yards in that game. For the season, opponents have completed 20 of 22 passes thrown his way for 211 yards and three touchdowns, producing a 146.2 passer rating.

Schottenheimer is under pressure as Dallas’ second-year head coach. The team is 10-14-1 during his tenure, and criticism has grown amid concerns about the offense’s identity and the defense’s performance. A loss to Indianapolis would add to the calls for change, while a win would offer the Cowboys a chance to respond after their latest defeat.