The Dallas Cowboys' defense is under the microscope, and after a particularly brutal loss, questions are swirling: Is it the players, the system, or a combination of both? Coach Brian Schottenheimer is standing firmly behind his defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, but is that enough to silence the growing concerns?
Todd Archer of ESPN reported on October 12, 2025, that despite the Cowboys' defensive struggles in their 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Schottenheimer voiced strong support for Eberflus. Archer, a seasoned NFL reporter who has covered the Cowboys since 2003, highlighted Schottenheimer's emphatic defense of his colleague.
"Matt's a great coach," Schottenheimer insisted. "Everywhere he's ever been, he's had good defenses. It's not just Matt by himself... Matt's trying. Players are trying. It's not a lack of effort. This is not that."
But here's where it gets controversial... the numbers paint a grim picture. The Cowboys' defense allowed a season-high 216 rushing yards against the Panthers, with former Cowboy Rico Dowdle leading the charge with a whopping 183 yards on 30 carries. This marked the fourth time this season that the Cowboys have surrendered at least 144 rushing yards in a single game. Ouch! To make matters worse, it was also the fourth time they've allowed 30 or more points and recorded one or fewer sacks.
And this is the part most people miss... Comparing this year's defensive performance to last year's, which was already ranked a dismal 28th in yards allowed, reveals a concerning trend. Through the first six games, the 2025 defense has actually given up more points (186 vs. 168) and yards (2,470 vs. 2,139) than its predecessor. They've only surrendered a negligible 6 fewer rushing yards (853 vs. 859). So, while Schottenheimer defends Eberflus, the statistics suggest the defense is, at best, treading water.
Schottenheimer was directly asked if he believed the Cowboys had the right personnel to execute Eberflus's defensive scheme. His response? A resounding, "Yeah, absolutely. No question about it." He then added, "We gotta coach better. We gotta play better." It's a classic coach's response, but does it truly address the underlying issues?
If the players are capable, the next logical question is: Do they believe in the system? Schottenheimer admitted, "That's a bigger question. I would think so. I would hope so... We've shown the ability to run the football. We've shown the ability to stop the run. But there's a consistency that's not showing up. We gotta be better. And it starts with me. It starts with the coaching staff to put these guys in the right position." This sounds like a coach taking responsibility, but is it genuine accountability or just lip service?
When safety Juanyeh Thomas was asked about potential schematic changes, he diplomatically stated, "That's an in-house thing. I'm going to let Flus do that. That is not my job to say who's wrong or right. So, I'm going to let him handle that." This suggests a level of respect for the coaching staff, but also a reluctance to publicly criticize the defensive scheme.
Here's a sobering fact: According to ESPN Research, the Cowboys are only the seventh team in the Super Bowl era to score and allow 175+ points in their first six games. History isn't on their side. Of the previous six teams to achieve this dubious distinction, only the 2021 Kansas City Chiefs made the playoffs, and they ultimately fell short in the AFC Championship Game. The other five teams? None finished better than 8-8. This raises the question: Are the Cowboys destined for mediocrity?
The Cowboys currently sit at 2-3-1 as they prepare to face the Washington Commanders next week. The Panthers, who entered the game with a struggling offense (24th in points and 21st in yards), managed to control the ball for the final six minutes and seven seconds, ultimately kicking the game-winning field goal. They equaled season highs in points, first downs, and yards per play, and recorded their second-highest yardage total of the season against the Cowboys defense. This is a major cause for concern, as it indicates that struggling offenses can find success against the Cowboys.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark summed it up bluntly: "It's a little bit of everything... Communication. Missed tackles. Got to play more physical. Got to set edges. Got to knock the line of scrimmage back. It's a little bit of everything." This suggests a lack of execution across the board, which could stem from a variety of factors, including poor coaching, lack of player buy-in, or simply a talent deficit.
So, where do the Cowboys go from here? Is Schottenheimer's support of Eberflus warranted, or is it time for a change? Is it the players, the scheme, or a combination of both that's holding the defense back? And perhaps the most important question: Can the Cowboys turn things around and make a playoff push, or are they doomed to repeat the fate of those other high-scoring, high-allowing teams from the past? What do you think? Is Eberflus the right man for the job, or should the Cowboys be looking for a new defensive coordinator? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
