Mike Tomlin Doesn't Hold Back on Cowboys After Ugly Buccaneers Loss

Following a Week 5 loss as heavy favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and backup quarterback Jalon Daniels, the Dallas Cowboys are looking for answers any way they can find them heading into Week 6.

Most Cowboys fans assumed that things could only get better on the defensive side of the ball this season after ranking in the bottom-five in most defensive categories, including yards allowed per game and points allowed per game, in 2025.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case, as the Cowboys defense has again been a significant concern that appears to be holding back their dynamic offense significantly. Through the first five weeks of the season, the Cowboys have allowed the second-most yards per game in the NFL, with only the Detroit Lions ranking worse in this category.

As a result of the team's defensive struggles, leaders on the Cowboys defense reportedly held a players-only meeting to try and sort out their issues. Former NFL head coach Mike Tomlin sees this more as a concern than a potential for positive change.

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During an appearance on the most recent episode of the "New Heights" podcast, hosted by Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, Tomlin was asked how he felt about players-only meetings as a coach.

Tomlin responded with an incredibly blunt opinion on the matter, as he believes that any team holding this kind of meeting is "dead".

"I think you are dead," said Tomlin when asked by Jason Kelce about players-only meetings. "Dudes that have been around me know that I have nothing but respect for player leadership. I embrace that, and all that stuff. But when you are having players only meetings, it doesn't go good. I will tell you that. If it did occur, I would like to not hear about it. The fact that you hear about it is what makes it B.S. If it was authentic and real, it wouldn't be reported. I am not a fan."

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Not only does Tomlin seem to believe that the Cowboys player-only meeting may not work, but it also seems like he believes that players-only meetings are perhaps more performative than productive as a general rule.

Whether you believe this effort from the Cowboys to come together as a defense will work or not, something clearly has to be fixed in order for this team to reach their full potential.

They will look to start that process in Week 6 when they take to the road to face off against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football on NBC.