Matt Eberflus, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, is about to get frontier this Sunday. In their next clash this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, he will take a different approach by moving from the sideline to the coaches’ booth. This move follows an increasing level of frustration over the sheer disarray of the team’s defense that has reached epidemic proportions thus far in 2023.
The Dallas defense currently ranks 31st in points allowed per game and 29th in yards allowed, boasting a troubling record of 420 points given up thus far. Under Eberflus, the defense has struggled significantly in pass coverage, ranking dead last in the league with 254.8 passing yards allowed per game. This stark reality has placed Eberflus’ job security in jeopardy, as owner Jerry Jones indicated that the final three games of the season “should be a big criteria” toward evaluating Eberflus’ future with the team.
When asked about it, Eberflus didn’t mince words in expressing his frustrations over the team’s inability to execute. “It’s a frustrating thing for me because I know we preach it,” he stated, emphasizing the discrepancy between practice and performance. This is a feeling that is shared throughout the club, as players and coaches are not able to find a level of cohesiveness in their defensive game plan.
Eberflus insists his approach doesn’t look much different this year. He pointed out that during the last two losses, he called for blitzes on nine of the sixteen first-quarter dropbacks. In the subsequent quarters, he took a much more cautious approach, blitzing just seven times on 48 dropbacks.
Behind closed doors, Jerry Jones is just as concerned about the continuity of the coaching staff. He pointed out that the Cowboys have gone through three defensive coordinators in less than three years. The shift from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer to now possibly Eberflus raises deeper questions about the steadiness of the organization. Such a turnover would be a big blow to player development going forward.
Reflecting on his upcoming move to the booth, Eberflus remarked, “I’ve done it before, but it’s really a chance for me to get good perspective, get good information, see the game develop in terms of the information given to me.” McDaniel specifically said he thinks this new vantage point can give him a greater perspective that justifies the ability to help self-correct his play-calling.
As he gets ready to make the switch, Eberflus told the media that concentration is key. “It’s pretty simple — you focus on your job and where your feet are,” he said. That mantra is a good daily reminder to himself and his players, as they approach this important crossroads of the season.
Dallas’ defensive issues have been compounded by opponents’ improved performances when facing them. Jones noted, “Seems like we’re always saying that about these quarterbacks that some of them haven’t played this well, but when they play us, they play better.” This observation indicates a more worrisome trend: how easily opposing teams are able to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in the Cowboys’ defense.
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