Ever since Micah Parsons’ trade move by Jerry Jones, the accountability factor has been shifted from the locker room onto JJ. Unhappy with the Cowboys’ recent performance, Michael Irvin sent a message to the locker room highlighting the accountability that is due and a call for action for Matt Eberflus. Irvin shared his take on the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Cardinals on Monday Night Football.

“People were looking at Jerry Jones mighty funny about how he has messed this thing up by trading Micah, and that defense looks like that. Matt Eberflus and all of those guys who deserve a lot of credit for how bad this thing has looked. It has really kind of slipped under the radar because everybody’s blaming Jerry for the Micah Parsons trade. They don’t even throw enough at the defensive coordinator.” Irvin said on his YouTube channel. 

Dallas’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals was a disaster on both sides of the ball. The defense has been criticized as “cannot stop a bl—dy nose” by analysts, and that has been the case so far this season. Ever since Jones traded Parsons, the inconsistency has pointed towards a lack of leadership in the defense.

But Michael Irvin believes that it is not just Jerry Jones but also Eberflus failing to adapt and recognize the talent in the roster. 

During the Monday night game, the Cowboys failed to score a touchdown in the first half since 2021. Dak Prescott, who, according to Brian Schottenheimer, is in it to win the Super Bowl, scored just one touchdown in the fourth quarter. The defense failed him again.

Prescott faced constant pressure with little protection and was sacked 5 times. Pressure came on 19 of his 39 dropbacks, disrupting every rhythm, forcing Prescott to improvise and carry the offense on the move.

Eberflus’ game plan struggled against Arizona’s quick motion and zone schemes, leaving the secondary out of position. Inaccurate passes and poor tackling haunted the team throughout the game. Despite Eberflus’ failing strategies to be in contention, there have been no voiced opinions towards the defensive coordinator. While there were rumors ahead of the trade deadline about the DC being replaced, Jones cleared the air on keeping the continuity going. 

Irvin argued that the defensive leadership must take accountability and make the most of the newly acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for their upcoming games.

“Quinnen Williams have been able to stop that. He’s all pro inside. That’s a tough thing because that’s where all the meat smashed together inside. So, this was a great pickup. I know….So Jerry did a great job here getting Quinnen Williams. I still am all emotionally shook like I don’t know what because it it the movie that comes to my mind, boys. I love it, man…. And I’m telling you this dude right here is one of them.”

Yet, Jones reportedly still views Eberflus as a “high-end coach” capable of steadying the unit. But patience is wearing thin for fans, and contention for the playoffs is slipping amidst the blame game.

Jerry Jones stands firm behind Matt Eberflus as Cowboys reshape defense

“Coach Eberflus has been a high-end coach. And I’ve been where people are calling you out and saying you don’t know how to coach, and ‘Man, this guy is the worst coach in history.’ Matt Eberflus is a damn good football coach. We have to perform better,” Jones said on 105.3 The FAN.

Jerry Jones is still maintaining his faith in Eberflus as the defensive leader of the Dallas Cowboys, even as the defense struggles. The DC’s unit has repeatedly shown gaps in execution and scheme as the Cowboys continue to rank among the worst in yards and points allowed. 

The Cowboys aggressively upgraded their roster, with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson to support the front seven. 

Quinne Williams has been effective since 2019 at the New York Jets, starting in 99 games, recording 40 sacks and 322 total tackles. Wilson, who wanted out of the Bengals due to reduced playtime, also holds an impressive record. At the Cincinnati Bengals, he started in 76 games and posted 531 total tackles.

Williams’ interior disruption/run-stop ability, and Wilson’s sideline-to-sideline speed/read-react ability could help the DC improve coverage and close defensive gaps that disrupt the offensive rhythm. 

Jones’s commitment to Eberflus signals belief in long-term alignment similar to his ownership. He recently admitted to changes in the coaching personnel as an error he regrets. The decision to continue with Eberflus signals a new approach of continuity and rebuilding a defense that is in the trenches.