Matt Eberflus takes ‘ownership’ of Cowboys’ defensive issues
The Dallas Cowboys fell well short of reaching the playoffs, drawing considerable scrutiny to the team’s shortcomings.
One of the primary areas of criticism was their play on the defensive side of the ball, ranking among the least effective units in the league this season. After the 34-17 loss to the New York Giants, the Cowboys finished ranked last in both allowing 30.1 points per game and 251.5 total offensive passing yards given up per game.
In the days leading up to the season finale, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus took accountability for Dallas’ issues.
“Ownership and accountability is right with me,” said Eberflus via ESPN. “I’m the defensive coordinator. It’s always that. So, if there’s things that need to be improved, it falls on the coach and it falls on the assistant coaches and working with the players, making sure we’re doing the best we can to put them in position. I take full accountability for that.”
The Cowboys were hopeful that Eberflus could bring stability on that side of the ball, but it had been anything but throughout the 2025 regular season.
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Dallas gave up at least 20 points all but once, including 30 or more points nine times, while giving up more than 500 points in a season for the first time in franchise history. They also ranked 22nd with 35 total sacks.
All of this may likely lead to an overhaul that could be headlined by a change at defensive coordinator as the Cowboys attempt to get back on track toward playoff contention in 2026.
