Cowboys’ Defensive Collapse Signals Imminent Change as Jerry Jones Hints at Coaching Shake-Up
With two weeks left in a season that’s already off the rails, the Dallas Cowboys are staring down another winter of tough questions-and the loudest one circles around defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. After a year marked by blown coverages, missed tackles, and a complete inability to stop the run or generate pressure, the writing on the wall is starting to look more like a billboard. And Jerry Jones, never one to shy away from the spotlight, is beginning to make his stance known.
Eberflus has overseen a defense that’s been flat-out overwhelmed. Dallas is surrendering 30.3 points per game-second-worst in the NFL-and there’s no sign of a turnaround coming. The Cowboys have been eliminated from playoff contention, and with no meaningful games left, Eberflus is out of time and out of chances.
Jones, who traditionally waits until the offseason to make coaching decisions, is starting to peel back the curtain. Speaking to reporters, he didn’t name names or call for firings, but his comments were pointed.
“We are not executing. We are not getting done what we even run as a scheme.
That’s very critical. It’s a combination of many things when you can’t get pressure or stop the run.”
That’s not just a critique-it’s a verdict. When the owner is publicly questioning your scheme execution, that’s as close to a pink slip as it gets in Dallas before the final whistle of the season.
This isn’t just about one bad game or a few missed assignments. It’s been a season-long struggle.
The Cowboys have been gashed on the ground and bullied at the line of scrimmage. They’ve failed to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and their inability to adjust mid-game has been glaring.
The numbers don’t lie-and they’re ugly.
Consider this: the 2-13 Las Vegas Raiders, a team that’s been among the league’s worst all year, are giving up nearly five fewer points per game than Dallas. That’s not just a stat; it’s an indictment.
And while the defense has been floundering, the offense-led by a quietly excellent season from Dak Prescott-has kept this team from completely bottoming out. Without Prescott’s poise and playmaking, the Cowboys might be in the conversation for the league’s top draft pick.
Earlier this year, Jones made waves by trading away Micah Parsons, citing a need to improve against the run. That move was bold, controversial, and, in hindsight, a clear signal that Jones was already fed up with how the defense was performing. Fast forward a few weeks, and the same issues persist-only now, they’re even more exposed.
The frustration is palpable, and the direction seems clear. Jones is expected to move on from Eberflus at season’s end and give head coach Brian Schottenheimer another year to right the ship. Whether that’s the right decision will depend heavily on who steps in to lead the defense-and whether the front office can bring in the right personnel to support that vision.
One thing’s for sure: this defense needs a reset. The Cowboys have too much offensive talent to waste another season watching opponents march down the field at will. If Jones follows through with the changes he’s hinting at, it could be the first step toward restoring balance-and credibility-to a team that desperately needs it.