Donovan Ezeiruaku is in deep trouble after getting pulled from Tuesday’s scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints. He threw a punch, and that’s never a good look for any player. This marks the second time in two weeks he’s been ejected for physical altercations. The clock is running out on his patience with the coaching staff.
The first incident happened on August 6 when he got into a fight during practice. Now, on August 18, he’s done it again. As noted by Clarence Hill Jr. on social media, Ezeiruaku is the only one tossed for throwing a punch while no one was removed for throwing helmets. This specific behavior is now a pattern, and patterns get players benched or cut.
Schottenheimer’s Discipline Standard
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has stressed that the team needs to be more disciplined this season. He made this point clear before the training camp even started. Yet Ezeiruaku has found a way to break that rule twice in a very short window. The coach needs to decide if this is a one-time mistake or a career-ending habit.
While Tuesday’s scrimmage featured a lot of physical activity going both ways, Ezeiruaku was the only one pulled. Someone in authority decided his actions warranted an ejection. This suggests he crossed a line that others did not. Toughness doesn’t earn you a spot on the roster; knowing when to stop does.
Two Strikes And A Warning
The summary from Blogging The Boys makes it clear that when you do something once, it’s a one-time thing. When you do it twice, people start to notice. Ezeiruaku falls into that second category. He’s now accumulated two strikes for getting in physical altercations. The team can’t afford a pass rusher who lacks control.
Observing Schotty’s comments regarding these issues and the general conflicts with the Saints will be fascinating. The fans are watching closely. A player who throws punches in practice gives the coaching staff a massive headache. They need a defensive line that wins with technique, not tempers.
The photo from August 3 showed him walking onto the field with hope.
