The Dallas Cowboys are facing an internal crisis as Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus aggressively shut down star CB Trevon Diggs’s public complaints about the defensive scheme. It started with the defense struggling under Coordinator Matt Eberflus’s heavy zone scheme—a system that didn’t sit well with Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs, who built his career on playing man-to-man. 

Diggs ignited the conflict following the team’s Week 5  subtly firing back when asked about the defense’s improved performance, he praised the fast pass rush, labeling it “instant grits,”. Diggs said he had gone to Eberflus to ask for more man coverage, a plea for the team to play to his strengths. The coaches responded with a unified front. 

However, this is how the coaches have made their response. As per an X post by Jeff Kolb, it stated the response by the team’s defense coordinator, Matt Eberflus, “We’re going to make decisions based on what we feel is best. Based on the matchups. Based on what we have. And I don’t like grits, either.”

Yet, the conflict wasn’t a total breakdown. Head Coach Schottenheimer immediately stepped in to balance the hard truth with praise. He highlighted Trevon Diggs’s elite contribution even while being benched:

“Just the way he’s responded, the way he played in that game. Fantastic player. I’ve been blown away by his work this week and how well he’s been doing. That’s what I love about him,” the coach said.”

Schottenheimer framed the situation as a familial bond, using a parenting analogy to stress that the discipline was about love and high expectations. By all accounts, the “grits conflict” has been resolved—not with a scheme change, but with professional accountability. Diggs accepted the coach’s decision, and the coaches acknowledged his dedication.

Cowboys Reshuffle Defense and Refine Strategy Ahead of Week 6 Clash

The Dallas Cowboys are making a few important adjustments as they get ready to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. Coordinator Matt Eberflus confirmed that linebacker Jack Sanborn is still in concussion protocol, which means the defensive lineup will see a few changes.

Sanborn’s injury is a tough break, but it’s forcing a major shake-up at linebacker. Kenneth Murray is moving to an inside role, which means rookie Shemar James is getting his big opportunity to step up and shine. The coaches aren’t panicking; they’re actually thrilled. They see this as a fantastic, unexpected chance for James to grow. 

On the offensive side, head coach Brian Schottenheimer is working to keep things rolling for the league’s most efficient players, Dak Prescott continues to play at an MVP level, and running back Javonte Williams has quickly proven to be one of the Cowboys’ best offseason pickups.

While the defense is still finding its rhythm, the offense has been electric, carrying much of the team’s success so far. If these defensive adjustments click, the Cowboys could soon be one of the most well-rounded squads in the NFL.