Mike Tomlin Breaks With Coaching Fraternity in Critical Cowboys Analysis
Tomlin questioned the Cowboys’ decision-making in their loss vs. Baltimore.
Mike Tomlin, in his first few weeks as a studio analyst for NBC's Sunday Night Football, has already deviated from the norm for former coaches-turned-broadcasters. During halftime of Sunday night's Broncos-Rams game, Tomlin criticized the Dallas Cowboys' end-of-game strategy, which led to a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in regulation.
Tomlin declared the Cowboys' approach "somewhat negligent," explaining that they could have forced a kick return, taking time off the clock. Baltimore's top receiver Zay Flowers was left open for a 27-yard completion as Lamar Jackson called timeout with a second left on the clock, setting the stage for Tyler Loop's 56-yard field goal.
Tomlin was "really surprised" that the Cowboys were playing man-to-man defense on Flowers' play, contrasting it with the more common umbrella zone defense. Although Tomlin didn't name specific individuals, his analysis was surprising for a coach-turned-broadcaster to criticize fellow members of the fraternity in such a manner. NBC Sports' overhaul of their weekly studio show, which includes Tomlin's addition, has allowed him more time to provide incisive analysis during his halftime segments.
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