Here’s a hard truth: the Dallas Cowboys’ defense is in crisis mode, and it’s sparking a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite another disappointing loss, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer is doubling down on his support for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Is this loyalty justified, or is it time for a change? Let’s dive in.
After a 30-27 defeat to the Carolina Panthers, Schottenheimer didn’t hesitate to defend Eberflus, stating, ‘Matt’s a great coach. He’s proven himself everywhere he’s been, consistently building strong defenses. This isn’t about effort—our players and coaches are giving it their all. The issue runs deeper than that.’ But the numbers tell a different story. The Cowboys surrendered a season-high 216 rushing yards, with former Cowboy Rico Dowdle leading the charge with 183 yards on 30 carries. This marks the fourth time this season they’ve allowed at least 144 rushing yards—a troubling trend.
And this is the part most people miss—the 2025 defense is actually performing worse than last year’s unit, which ranked 28th in yards allowed. Through six games, they’ve given up more points (186 vs. 168) and yards (2,470 vs. 2,139) compared to 2024. Even more alarming? They’ve allowed just 6 fewer rushing yards (853 vs. 859). When asked if the team has the right players for Eberflus’ system, Schottenheimer was adamant: ‘Absolutely. We just need to coach better and play better.’ But is that enough?
The bigger question lingers: do the players truly believe in the system? Schottenheimer admits, ‘That’s a bigger question. I would hope so. We’ve shown flashes—stopping the run, plugging holes in the passing game—but consistency is missing. It starts with me and the coaching staff. We need to put our players in better positions.’ Safety Juanyeh Thomas echoed this sentiment, deferring to Eberflus: ‘That’s an in-house thing. I’ll let Flus handle it.’
Here’s a bold interpretation—the Cowboys are now part of an exclusive, yet unenviable club. According to ESPN Research, they’re the seventh team in the Super Bowl era to score and allow 175+ points in the first six games. Of the previous six teams, only the 2021 Kansas City Chiefs made the playoffs. The rest? They didn’t finish better than 8-8. With a 2-3-1 record heading into their matchup against the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys are at a crossroads.
The Panthers, who entered the game with the 24th-ranked offense, dominated the final six minutes, sealing the win with a field goal as time expired. They matched season highs in points, first downs (27), and yards per play (6.4). Defensive tackle Kenny Clark summed it up: ‘It’s a little bit of everything—communication, missed tackles, physicality. We need to improve across the board.’
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is Schottenheimer’s unwavering support for Eberflus the right move, or is it time for a radical shift? Do the Cowboys have what it takes to turn their season around, or are they destined for another disappointing finish? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
