The Dallas Cowboys head into week 5 sitting at 1-2-1. On paper, their next two games against the winless New York Jets and the 1-3 Carolina Panthers look like must-wins. From a defensive standpoint, things could get tricky for Dallas. Bottom line: Matt Eberflus’ defense has to step up if Dallas wants to stay in the NFC playoff mix.

And that’s exactly why the team’s All-Pro CB, Trevon Diggs, isn’t shy about letting his defensive coordinator know what he expects. The 27-year-old corner wants more man coverage rather than relying on zone coverage. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Diggs feels that zone has been getting “comfortable being uncomfortable.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s more complexed, but when you’re playing man, you’re right there with the person. … As the weeks have been coming, (playing zone) has been way easier, way easier. I feel like we’re on our way to getting the ball and being on our way to making plays,” Diggs added. Diggs isn’t very comfortable playing in zone coverage.

And the holes in the Cowboys’ defensive unit have already started to pop up after Micah Parsons’ trade. While there are many reasons, the most obvious is that Dallas’ first-year defensive coordinator is struggling to get the best out of his players. In the first four weeks, the Cowboys’ defense has allowed 33.3 points per game on average, ranking 31st in the league.

These defensive struggles have been a major reason the team sits at 1-2-1. Eberflus’ approach toward zone coverage isn’t helping matters. In just their first three games, the Cowboys allowed 12 pass plays of 25 yards or more, with 11 of those coming in Weeks 2 and 3. On top of that, the defense has struggled to generate consistent quarterback pressure, recording just five sacks so far.

Eberflus’ defense relies heavily on zone coverage. It might have worked with the Chicago Bears when he was their head coach, but in Dallas, not so much. To put it in perspective, in the last six years as a defensive play caller, Eberflus has used zone coverage at least 10% more than the league average of 67.9% in four of those seasons, per the Cowboys’ official website. That’s exactly why Diggs is pushing for more man coverage over zone.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what I want,” he added. “It’s not about the other people. It’s about what the whole defense wants, what coach wants, what coach thinks is best for us to win. And if he feels like this gives us our best chance to win, we gotta play it and just play it to the best of our ability. It’s not to point fingers at nobody. It ain’t nobody’s fault. We just gotta execute.”

Long story short: It’s no secret that the Cowboys have struggled on defense this season. And Trevon Diggs’ critique of Eberflus’ zone coverage is just one chapter in a much bigger story. That said, it looks like Eberflus might be getting some help on the defensive side soon.

Help is coming for Trevon Diggs and the Cowboys’ defense

You’ll find the Cowboys at the bottom of the league from their defensive perspective. They’re one of the teams that have generated the fewest sacks. On top of that, they currently rank 32nd in the NFL in yards allowed per game. But still, the Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones, found a layer of optimism from last Week’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers (overtime tie: 40-40).

“If you felt it, even though they scored 40 points, our defense improved as that game went along right before your eyes,” Jerry said. “And we did make some stops that were out there that were key stops against a fine offensive football team in Green Bay. So, I think your eyes didn’t betray you, and that we got better as that game went along. That’s what you’re looking for.”

While Jerry seems optimistic about the Cowboys’ defense from Week 4, no doubt. But there’s no denying that the defensive unit put up a poor outing. However, it could change in Week 5 against the Jets. For starters, heading into Week 5, Trevon Diggs is reportedly set to return and bolster the Cowboys’ secondary.

On top of that, Dallas could get additional defensive help from players coming off the IR, NFI, and PUP lists this week. According to CBS Sports, cornerbacks Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, and Shavon Revel Jr. are all expected to be back in action for Week 5 (the Cowboys have yet to confirm). After the 40-40 overtime tie against Green Bay, the Cowboys now head into Week 5 for a must-win game.