The Dallas Cowboys are spiraling at the wrong time-and it’s their defense that’s dragging them down.
After dropping back-to-back games, Dallas now sits at 6-7-1, and the numbers don’t lie: they’re giving up 30 points per game. That kind of defensive output simply doesn’t hold up in a league where margins are razor-thin.
What’s especially frustrating for Cowboys fans is that the offense hasn’t been the problem. They put up 30 against the Lions and 26 against the Vikings-both games that should’ve been winnable.
Instead, the defense collapsed, again.
Let’s be real: if this defense was even league-average, Dallas would be staring down a playoff berth instead of clinging to mathematical hope. The offense has done more than enough to keep them in games, but the other side of the ball has consistently let them down.
And that brings us to Matt Eberflus. The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator has been under fire all season-and for good reason.
This unit has held opponents under 20 points just once all year. Once.
On the flip side, they’ve allowed 40+ points three times. That’s not just bad-it’s unsustainable.
If the season ends as expected, it’s hard to imagine Eberflus returning in 2026.
So where do the Cowboys go from here?
If Dallas wants to fix this defense-and they absolutely have to-they might want to look toward the AFC West, specifically to the Denver Broncos. Denver’s defense has been one of the league’s most consistent forces over the past few seasons. And while defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is likely headed for a head coaching job this offseason, the Broncos’ sideline still has some intriguing names worth watching.
Two standouts? Jim Leonhard and Jamar Cain.
Leonhard is currently Denver’s defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach. He’s a former NFL safety with a sharp football mind and a rising reputation in coaching circles.
Before joining the Broncos in 2024, he was a staple at Wisconsin, serving as their defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022 and even stepping in as interim head coach. He’s the kind of coach who could step into a DC role and immediately command respect in the locker room.
Then there’s Jamar Cain, Denver’s defensive line coach. He’s been with the Broncos since 2023, first as a pass-rush specialist before taking over the D-line in 2024.
Under his watch, Denver’s front has become one of the most disruptive units in the league. Their pass rush has been relentless, and Cain’s fingerprints are all over that success.
If Dallas is willing to take a swing on an emerging coach with upside, Cain could be a fascinating hire.
Of course, the Cowboys might prefer someone with prior defensive coordinator experience. That’s a logical route, especially for a team with playoff aspirations and a win-now roster. But if they want to poach from one of the league’s premier defensive staffs, Denver is a smart place to start.
Bottom line: if Dallas wants to turn this thing around, the defense needs a full reset. And whether it’s Leonhard, Cain, or another name from a proven system, the Cowboys can’t afford to miss on their next defensive coordinator.
The offense is doing its part. It’s time the defense caught up.