The Dallas Cowboys were “out-physicaled” by the New York Giants in a 28-20 Week 1 loss according to COO Stephen Jones that has coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff racking their brains for solutions. Schottenheimer, known for his at-times unique fashion sense that was once blasted by Colin Cowherd, was seen with three pens tucked under his visor during the game, sparking a wide range of social media reactions.

On Friday, Jon Machota of The Athletic revealed Schottenheimer's reaction to the situation during which he said the pens are not a distraction.

“I am gonna get one of those pens that has the multi-colors,” Schottenheimer said. “The meme with the entire head covered, I thought that might be a little overdone. There are different colors I use for different things based on, ‘We called this, that's one color.'

“‘I want to get to this, that's a different color.' The pens are not a distraction to me, but it sounds like they are to some.”

. @junior_miller The spirit of the tool belt lives on in schotty’s visor pen collection pic.twitter.com/g2BCzJsAde

— Ryan Miller (@rmiller1994) September 14, 2026

Schottenheimer and the rest of his team, including new Cowboys record holder Dak Prescott, know the scrutiny that comes with one of the most famous franchises in sports and how to play under pressure. Prescott was outplayed by Giants second year quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 1 but found receiver CeeDee Lamb for a touchdown and kept battling. Lamb led the Cowboys in receiving yards with 44 on five catches while Prescott threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns.

Monday, September 21 will give Schottenheimer, Prescott and Lamb a chance at redemption in another high profile game at the Los Angeles Rams. If the Cowboys win, Schottenheimer's pens will likely be forgotten. If not, another media hailstorm could unfold the following week with no topics off-limits for a franchise with Super Bowl hopes.