The critics were merciless when Jerry Jones hired Brian Schottenheimer as Dallas Cowboys head coach this offseason. The move was dismissed as bone-headed—an insular decision to promote the offensive coordinator rather than conduct a legitimate search. Skeptics argued Jones failed in his due diligence and that Schottenheimer only got the job because he'd rubber-stamp whatever the owner wanted.

Those critics have gone silent.

After a brutal training camp that included the Micah Parsons trade and a slow start, Schottenheimer has Dallas on a winning trajectory. The Cowboys have won three straight and sit at 6-5-1, just 1.5 games behind the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles heading into Thursday night's critical road matchup against Detroit.

The numbers tell the story. Dallas leads the NFL in total offense at 393.1 yards per game and ranks second in scoring offense at 29.3 points per game. Schottenheimer has built a strong working relationship with Dak Prescott, who is having an MVP-worthy season. The continuity from keeping an in-house hire is paying dividends.

Schottenheimer deserves Coach of the Year consideration for navigating an extraordinarily difficult first season with composure and football acumen. He's proven his detractors wrong.

Who's Hot

Ernest Jones IV, LB, Seattle Seahawks

The vocal leader of one of the league's top defenses posted 12 combined tackles and two interceptions—including an 85-yard defensive touchdown—as Seattle shut out Minnesota last week. Jones leads the Seahawks with 83 combined tackles and his five interceptions tie for second-most in the league, tops among linebackers. Even with Sam Darnold's inconsistency in big games, the defense gives Seattle a legitimate chance at a deep playoff run.

Malik Mitchell, WR, New York Jets

Discarded by Indianapolis as an afterthought in the Sauce Gardner trade, Mitchell is already proving his value. The second-round 2024 pick caught eight passes for 101 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown in New York's 27-24 win over Atlanta. Mitchell has the talent; he needs to cut down on drops and consistency. The Jets have a chance to unlock elite potential here.

Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears

The Rutgers late-round pick rushed for a team-high 130 yards as the Bears' running back tandem of Monangai and D'Andre Swift battered Philadelphia for 255 total yards. Chicago is averaging 154 rushing yards per game, second in the NFL. Monangai has 591 rushing yards, fourth among NFL rookies. Paired with Swift, he's giving Caleb Williams and the passing game much-needed balance.

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

The Alabama product finished 15 of 20 for 206 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions (147.1 passer rating) in Carolina's upset home win over Los Angeles. Head coach Dave Caneles has built an offense that plays to Young's strengths, leaning on a power running game led by Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. At 7-6, the Panthers can challenge Tampa Bay in the NFC South, and Young's efficient play gives them a chance to win each week.

Who's Cold

Kevin O'Connell, HC, Minnesota Vikings

Blame for Minnesota's quarterback mishandling this offseason runs through ownership, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and O'Connell. Whoever made the final call, O'Connell inherited a disaster. J.J. McCarthy has been the worst quarterback in the league for a team expected to compete for the NFC North title. O'Connell's track record of facilitating efficient quarterback play and McCarthy's youth provide some hope, but results have been catastrophic so far.

Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

The Ole Miss product is learning the hard way after taking an unnecessary massive hit along the sideline against New England following repeated concussions. The Giants have failed to educate Dart on a fundamental NFL reality: big hits end careers. Staying healthy means avoiding collisions unless it's a critical moment. Dart must understand that proving his manhood matters far less than getting paid and finishing his career intact.

Nick Jennings, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders

Rarely does a defensive lineman like Cleveland's Shelby Harris speak so frankly against an opponent, but Jennings crossed a line against the Browns. Harris took offense to something Jennings said when Browns defensive tackle Maliek Collins was carted off with a season-ending quad injury. Jennings thrives on getting under opponents' skin—beloved by teammates, despised by rivals—but he went too far this time.

Mike Tomlin, HC, Pittsburgh Steelers

The annual "Fire Tomlin" chants have returned after another season of Steelers mediocrity hovering around .500. After starting 4-1, Pittsburgh has lost five of seven games. Yes, Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game since 2017, but he's also avoided a losing season in 19 years as head coach. A road win against Baltimore could quiet critics, but Pittsburgh's defense must contain Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' running game—a monumental task.