Just a few years ago, the Dallas Cowboys hired Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator. He’s already preparing for one of the biggest matchups of his career against his old team, the Chicago Bears this Sunday. Eberflus, former head coach of the Bears, was brought on by the Cowboys on January 28. Then new offensive coordinator Coach Brian Schottenheimer had to welcome him to the team. He’d love a victory to make the Cowboys 2-1. Despite the methodical approach to roster-building, he has gone right away to address the alarming defensive problems that have developed since taking over the job.
Eberflus’s tenure with the Bears ended abruptly after a disappointing five-game losing streak, culminating in his dismissal just a month after the team’s Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions. In that game, Chicago ultimately fell 23-20. To make the whole experience even worse, Eberflus received rampant criticism for his awful clock management at the end of the game.
Since arriving with the Cowboys, Eberflus has run into some bumps in the road. His defense is in utter shambles, giving up seven pass plays of 25-plus yards since allowing none in his first two games as DC. This has raised fears that the unit is not performing as one would expect. Prior to their bye week, they held every opponent under 21 points in a single game.
Eberflus understands how important this game is. It will be more than just the opportunity for him to earn his first win with the Cowboys. It presents a real opportunity to display improvements in their defensive execution and play-calling as well.
“We will win this game if we win this game as a team, not because Matt was going back to Chicago, or [defensive pass coordinator] Andre Curtis was going back to Chicago, or Jack Sanborn was going back to Chicago,” – Brian Schottenheimer
Cowboys linebacker Jack Sanborn, who played under Eberflus in Chicago, lauded his roving coach approach. He played under Eberflus’ system when he was with the Bears.
“He’s passionate, wants players to be the best, wants his players to succeed, likes to watch them succeed,” – Jack Sanborn
Eberflus’s move to Dallas for this upcoming season will see him take on a new coaching role entirely. It wasn’t until the Bears gave him the axe in December 2022 that he really took a hiatus. It was his first December without coaching in 34 years! Looking back on this period, Eberflus told me that he appreciated that he was able to spend time and connect with his family.
“I told the ladies, ‘This is the first time your dad had December off in 34 years of coaching,’” – Matt Eberflus
Most importantly, he pointed out, this respite provided an opportunity for families to come together and develop their faith.
“I said, ‘So two things are going to happen. We’re going to get closer together and we’re going to get closer to the Lord.’ And to me, we accomplished those two things, and it was a good time with the family,” – Eberflus
Eberflus is looking to get started on the Bears. He is committed to improving his defensive unit and making them better prepared to face the new challenges they will face this season.
“You’re always disappointed when you lose because you put so much into it, the players put so much into it. You’re most disappointed for the players. Once that settles in, then you work to the next day. The sun comes up and you move forward. You learn and you grow, and you keep going. That’s what true grit is. That’s what we’re all about,” – Eberflus
This upcoming game versus the Bears represents a second chance for Eberflus to redeem himself. Beyond that, it’s a huge opportunity for the Cowboys to set the tone defensively. Expect fans and analysts alike to scrutinize the cumulative effects of the team’s performance. They’re particularly excited about seeing how Eberflus’s experience as a former linebacker shapes their play.
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