The Dallas Cowboys‘ 33-16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders signaled some hope on the defensive end. The new additions were right at work, limiting ground attack and holding up one of the franchise’s best tackle groups in a while. Meaning, the Cowboys could be turning a corner there…

…And according to Dez Bryant, maybe so should the coaching staff; Matt Eberflus in particular. “If I were Jerry… I would respectfully go in a different direction than DC Eberflus…not because he’s a bad coach. I would offer Al Harris the DC job and let him find his defensive support,” the former Cowboys wide receiver expressed on X.

“You have to be the best at what’s current. I’ve watched great teams and been a part of great teams the Cowboys have had over the years. Also, you have to keep the roster young and hungry…I played with guys who were past their due date and didn’t love the game… respectfully.”

On Monday, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and the return of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, the Cowboys’ defense came to life, allowing just 16 points and 236 total yards. That was a complete turnaround for Eberflus’ team, which ranked 31st out of 32 teams in both yards and points allowed (per game) through Week 10. But just two years ago, they were finishing among the top five in both those categories.

Needless to say, the fingers have been pointed at Eberflus, who is coming off three straight losing seasons with the Bears.

As the Cowboys have often iterated, they have the talent, and they work too hard, but they couldn’t get it right until Monday night. Williams, the obvious standout on the defensive end, recorded four tackles, 1.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits. Maybe it’s time Dallas built on that momentum.

Al Harris has been in the conversation before. A Cowboys’ defensive backs coach from 2020 to 2023, he has guided cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland to remarkable records. The former posted 11 interceptions in 2021, while Bland made a league record of most pick-sixes in a single season in 2023. Currently, he is the passing game coordinator for the Chicago Bears.

Maybe Harris could elevate the team in Dallas if given a chance, but that seems unlikely to happen. Both Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones have expressed their confidence in Eberflus. Jones has even confirmed they have no plans to move on from the coach. We would only know the next step after the season.

However, Bryant’s message wasn’t just directed at Eberflus. He was also speaking to the Cowboys’ wide receiver George Pickens.

Dez Bryant urged George Pickens to take a pay cut

Pickens is currently in the final year of his four-year rookie deal from his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making his future one of the hottest topics surrounding the Cowboys. With no agreement in place yet, Bryant has urged Pickens to stay in Dallas, even if it means taking a pay cut.

He believes that it would be more valuable for his resume and career.

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“George Pickens..I want you to understand that whenever it’s time to negotiate your new contract, your legacy will be worth more than being the highest-paid wide receiver. If you stayed with Cowboys,” he said. “There’s a lot more to the thought process, but think about it.”

This may also be Bryant’s way of trying to prevent history from repeating itself this time. Pickens shares the same agent, David Mulugheta, as Parsons. And the drama between the Cowboys and Parsons is not a secret. This has raised more questions about the WR’s future.

Pickens has grown into a crucial piece of the offense and a top target for quarterback Dak Prescott. He recorded 58 receptions for 908 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

And as per ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, the Cowboys could consider using the franchise tag on him. And the rate could go up to $29 million. However, unless the team confirms this approach, speculations about Pickens’ next deal will only continue to make the rounds on social media.