​ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 26: Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer watches from the sidelines in a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at AT&T Stadium on August 26, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 22: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) GettyDallas Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. GettyThe Dallas Cowboys are looking for every way they can to get their defense heading in the right direction.They played well in their 37-20 Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders, but still allowed nearly 400 yards. The team is also struggling to produce sacks and has allowed 68% of the third downs they have faced to be converted.That puts the Cowboys’ defense in a tough spot, but it’s also exposing some players struggling in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was a force on this defense last year, but this season has been different. Many question if Williams is a good fit for the scheme, but the Cowboys don’t buy that.Dallas Cowboys Shut Down New Quinnen Williams NarrativeGettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 22: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the bench during the preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked about Williams’ fit within the scheme and whether it’s a problem. Schottenheimer shut that down quickly.“I think it’s a great fit. I understand the question. I think right now we haven’t played well enough on defense, but when Quinnen Williams knows he’s getting singled, I think that’s a good thing for us. We have times where he has to play gap and a half as we call it, so he’s got to fit and hold the B gap and then he’s going to react. We have those, but we also have times where we allow him to take his shot. I think it’s more of just it being new to the system. He’s played in this system before at Alabama. There’s certainly some of the best defensive tackles in the league, which we think Quinnen is in this system. One thats 30 something years old, just came back to LA a couple weeks ago (Aaron Donald). He’s in this system. Jalen Carter’s in this system. So I think it’s more of Quinnen’s a great player and he’s going to find his way in the system.”Two games in and some wonder if Quinnen Williams fits the Cowboys’ defensive system. Brian Schottenheimer with the answer:“I think it’s a great fit. I understand the question. I think right now we haven’t played well enough on defense, but when Quinnen Williams knows he’s…— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 23, 2026This