Cowboys Defense Faltering Under Eberflus as Pressure Mounts in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys defense isn’t just struggling - it’s unraveling. And with just three games left in the regular season, the spotlight is burning hot on defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Inside The Star, frustration is mounting. Outside it, fans are calling for change.
And after back-to-back losses that exposed the defense’s flaws on a national stage, it’s fair to wonder: how much longer can Eberflus hold on?
Right now, the signs point to him finishing the season. But beyond that? It’s looking increasingly unlikely.
The latest buzz comes from Nick Harris, a well-connected reporter who covers the Cowboys daily. On the Cross Chop podcast, Harris didn’t mince words about Eberflus’ job security.
“I think we're at a point where Jerry Jones is frustrated enough to make a move,” Harris said, referencing the Cowboys’ meltdown against the Vikings - a game where rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy torched the defense for a career-high in passing yards. That performance came just one week after Dallas surrendered 44 points to Detroit in another must-win game.
Harris noted that his confidence in a coaching change has grown. “If you had asked me right after the game, I would've said 50-50,” he said. “But after hearing Jerry on Tuesday on the radio, I'd say it's like 70-30.”
That 70-30 might not be official, but it reflects a growing sentiment inside Cowboys Nation: Eberflus is on borrowed time.
A Defense in Decline
Let’s be clear - this isn't just about two bad games. It’s about a trend. Dallas’ defense has been inconsistent all season, and in the last two weeks, it’s fallen apart in the moments that matter most.
Against the Lions, the Cowboys gave up 44 points and over 400 yards of total offense. One week later, they allowed 34 points to a Vikings offense that had only topped 30 once all year with McCarthy under center. That kind of regression isn’t just a red flag - it’s a siren.
What’s made it even more baffling is Eberflus’ in-game decision-making. According to Bobby Belt of 105.3 The Fan, Dallas blitzed at a 60% rate in the first quarter of those two games - and found early success.
But from the second quarter on? That number dropped to just 13.6%.
The pressure disappeared, and so did any control over the game.
That kind of strategic shift - or lack of adjustment - is what has fans and analysts scratching their heads. When something is working, why abandon it?
Context Matters, But So Does Accountability
To be fair, Eberflus hasn’t had an ideal situation. The Cowboys’ personnel on defense isn’t elite, and the decision to trade away Micah Parsons before the season left a massive void that’s still being felt. That move alone put Eberflus in a tough spot, and he's been trying to scheme his way out of it ever since.
But even with the challenges, the regression across the board is hard to ignore. Great coordinators find ways to elevate their best players, not watch them fade. And right now, it’s hard to point to a single defensive standout who’s playing better in December than he was in September.
What Comes Next?
If history is any indication, Jerry Jones isn’t one to make midseason firings - especially with a longtime friend like Eberflus. But the pressure is mounting, and the recent defensive collapses have changed the tone around the team.
There’s still time for a turnaround. Three games remain.
But the margin for error is gone, and the leash on Eberflus is short. If the defense doesn’t show signs of life - and fast - that 70-30 split Harris mentioned might soon look generous.
For now, Cowboys fans are watching, waiting, and hoping that the next time this defense takes the field, it looks more like a unit ready to compete - and less like one that’s already playing out the string.