The Dallas Cowboys supporters have identified a culprit for the ugly Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. It’s none other than Matt Eberflus who serves as the team’s defensive coordinator. The man must give some accountability for why the defense is falling apart. While the chatter grows, the Cowboys’ general manager, Jerry Jones, has decided on Eberflus’ fate with the team. Is he on the chopping block?

“But he [Matt Eberflus] does know how to evaluate what he’s trying to do, and he’s a good coach at correcting mistakes and getting players in position. I’ve seen him take players and units and improve them as he coaches them. I’ve seen that more than once. He’s a good coach,” Jerry said in a YouTube clip shared by Jonah Javad. 

It looks like the 83-year-old billionaire has sided with his DC and let this one pass. Surprising, isn’t it? Jones’ reply came after the burning question: Can Matt still bring the Cowboys’ defense back on track after this week’s collapse? While Jerry showed faith in the ex-Chicago Bears head coach, he couldn’t help but admit the team needs to make adjustments. 

Additionally, Jerry Jones revealed that the Cowboys needed more pressure or guesswork in that second quarter. On Sunday, the five-time Super Bowl champions faced off with Denver to secure their third win. Little did they know, their winning momentum from beating the Washington Commanders in Week 7 would be throttled. 

The Cowboys’ defense collapsed as they gave up 426 total yards, including 179 on the ground. The team was already struggling with its surrender of over 400 yards per game. On top of this, the Broncos even ripped the opponent’s offense by limiting Dak Prescott’s unit to just 339 total yards with no red-zone success.

With a 24-44 loss, the Dallas team looked out of sync. Yet, the humiliating defeat exposed more cracks in the defense than any other unit. How has the season been for the group?

Where did Dallas’ defense go wrong? 

The 44-22 win against the Washington Commanders was barely an outlier if we talk about the Cowboys’ defense. This season has been bleak for the unit that once defined the franchise’s identity as a championship winner. The numbers recorded by the players involved don’t paint a promising picture this year. 

As of Week 8, the Texas-based team ranks 30th in the NFL in points allowed per game with a score of 29.4. Moreover, the team has given up a total of 2,811 yards. According to ProFootball, the unit’s performance has come crashing down with a 61.8 score and a “D grade.” 

With 24 touchdowns against them and attacks from every direction, the Cowboys’ stats look awful. They’ve allowed 1,938 passing yards and 989 rushing yards in just over seven games. Well, there’s another reason why the crisis has deepened: losing important players to injured reserve. 

These include Trevon Diggs, Malik Hooker, and DeMarvion Overshown. Their absence has stripped away leadership and chemistry from a struggling defense. With the Philadelphia Eagles leading the NFC East at 6-2, the Cowboys’ playoff hopes are fading fast.  

Unlike this time, Jerry Jones wasn’t very keen on praising Matt for the Week 7 win. Instead, he lauded head coach Brian Schottenheimer for carrying out adjustments and putting in long hours training the boys. What does it say? It may not take long for the team boss to return to his old ways and sidestep Matt. For now, Jerry Jones believes in his DC, but that faith may run out if Dallas drops another one.