Cowboys Defense Falters Again as Jerry Jones Stands Pat on Eberflus - For Now
Another game, another defensive meltdown for the Dallas Cowboys. This time, it came at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers, who had their way with a unit that continues to raise more questions than answers.
The numbers tell the story-34 points allowed, 452 total yards given up, 7.3 yards per play, and a third-down conversion rate of 63.6% (7-of-11) for the Chargers. Whichever stat you focus on, the takeaway is the same: the Cowboys' defense is reeling.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is squarely in the spotlight, and not in a good way. The Cowboys' inability to generate pressure, get off the field on third down, or make timely stops has become a pattern. And it’s not just about one bad game-it’s been a season-long struggle that reached a new low against a Chargers offense that, while talented, hasn’t looked this efficient in weeks.
Despite the mounting frustration from fans and analysts alike, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made it clear after the loss that he won’t be making any in-season coaching changes on the defensive side. Eberflus is staying on-for now. Jones was asked directly about the possibility of letting Eberflus go before the season ends, and his response was firm: no changes until after the year wraps.
It’s a decision that’s bound to stir debate. On one hand, keeping Eberflus around doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in a turnaround. On the other, with just two games left and the playoffs out of reach, the Cowboys may be looking at the bigger picture-namely, the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the Vikings’ recent win over the Giants, Dallas now holds the No. 13 overall pick in next year’s draft. They also own the No. 21 pick via the Packers.
That’s a solid position to be in for a team that was still technically in the playoff hunt not long ago. And while no one in the building will say the word “tank,” the reality is that losing out could improve their draft stock.
Whether intentional or not, keeping a struggling coordinator in place may serve that purpose.
Meanwhile, interim head coach Brian Schottenheimer continues to coach to win, trying to close out his first season at the helm on a high note. But the defensive side of the ball is making that mission nearly impossible.
Take Sunday’s showing, for example. Justin Herbert came into the game tied for the most sacks taken in the NFL.
Against the Cowboys? Not a single sack.
It was the first time all season Herbert stayed clean in the pocket, and he rewarded that protection with his highest completion percentage of the year-79.3%. That’s not just a bad look for the Cowboys’ pass rush; it’s an indictment of the entire defensive game plan.
Jones did acknowledge that changes are likely coming after the season, particularly on defense. So while Eberflus may finish out the year, his future beyond that remains murky at best. The Cowboys are clearly at a crossroads-balancing the desire to compete with the need to reset and rebuild key parts of the roster.
For now, fans will have to endure two more games of what’s become a frustrating watch. But with draft position improving and a likely coaching shake-up on the horizon, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.