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The Dallas Cowboys are in first place in the NFC East, but they are scuffling along at 6-5. They lost a close one to the New England Patriots in which special teams miscues cost them repeatedly. Who knows if they would have won without them, but they would have been in a much better position.
Following the game, owner and GM Jerry Jones was upset with the special teams miscues. He made it clear that he faults the coaching of the unit over individual players.
“To me, special teams is 100% coaching. It’s 100% coaching. It’s strategy, it’s having players ready,” Jones said. “That’s why, today, Belichick -- give him credit. They did a great job on special teams, and that was really, probably the determining difference. But special teams is nothing but coaching.”
Jones ranted about the coaching, but for the time being there is no immediate plan to make a change on the coaching staff, according to reporter Ed Werder. Jason Garrett has perpetually been on the hot seat, but it would appear his special teams coach Keith O’Quinn is on an even hotter seat. If the Cowboys miss the playoffs, Garrett might be out the door, but regardless of his status, you can safely bet on O’Quinn getting the boot at some point.