The Dallas Cowboys’ defense isn’t broken by talent — it’s broken by Matt Eberflus’ soft coverage. Until the system changes, no trade will save this unit.
A Trade Won’t Save This Defense
After Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, one truth is obvious: a single trade can’t fix the Dallas Cowboys’ defense.
The problem isn’t a lack of players — it’s how those players are being used. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus continues to force a rigid system that doesn’t match his roster’s strengths.
Even a big trade before the NFL trade deadline wouldn’t solve the deeper issue: a scheme that handcuffs its own defenders.
The Zone Coverage Is Crippling the Pass Rush
Eberflus’ soft zone defense gives quarterbacks clean, quick reads and open receivers almost immediately after the snap. By the time edge rushers can disengage, the ball is already gone.
That’s why James Houston and Donovan Ezeiruaku have struggled to generate sacks or consistent pressure — not because they lack ability, but because the coverage behind them collapses too fast.
When quarterbacks can find open targets in under two seconds, no pass rush has a chance to get home.
The entire front seven suffers from this disconnect. A talented group built to attack is being forced to wait, watch, and react — the exact opposite of what made them effective in the first place.
Keep the Draft Picks — Fix the Leadership
Instead of sacrificing valuable draft capital for a short-term fix, the Cowboys front office should focus on leadership.
The defense needs a new coordinator who can evaluate players correctly and design a system around their strengths.
Young defenders like Shemar James, Marist Liufau, and Donovan Ezeiruaku have upside — they just need direction and a philosophy that lets them attack.
With the right voice in charge, Dallas could rebuild its defensive identity without wasting future picks.
The Offense Is Championship-Ready — the Defense Isn’t
The Cowboys’ offense is one of the league’s best. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams form a top-tier scoring core capable of hanging points on anyone.
Yet every explosive drive is undermined by defensive breakdowns. Dallas has the firepower of a contender — and the coverage discipline of a rebuilding team.
Until the Cowboys find a coordinator who adapts instead of forcing his system, no trade will make a difference.
Turning Point Ahead
A new player won’t fix a broken structure. The Cowboys don’t need another body — they need a vision built on accountability, smarter coaching, and modern defensive concepts.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott when asked if a trade could jump start this team: “I trust and like the guys that we have. I honestly do, and that’s not just a political answer. … Our roster is OK. Can it be better? That’s for you guys to write about and to judge. I trust those guys.” pic.twitter.com/30dVjMmGSn
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 27, 2025
The true rebuild begins with leadership, not transactions. If Dallas commits to that change this offseason, the defense can finally rise to the level of its offense — and the Cowboys can start playing like the contender they were built to be.
I totally agree. So all of a sudden, Clark, Osa, Diggs, Bland, Hooker et al, all became bums overnight? Eberflus should get like 90% of the blame.
Zimmer was a cover 2 guy. Quinn was a cover 3 guy. But both tailored the scheme to what Bland and Diggs did best.
Players like Marist who was having a great 2nd half last yr and now can’t see the field? In the past players like Armstrong and Gholston were developed.
Even with Micah or Crosby, is that gonna stop the 150+ rushing yards? Or the wide open holes in the zone coverage?
(2) things. When we put Marist on the LOS with 4 lineman, we stop the run. When we play man coverage and blitz we get pressure and get off the field. But TOO many times we revert back to 4 man lines and zone.
I’m over the “talent” or “execution” arguments. It a small part of the issue. We have a BAD coach fellas
I think Eberflus deserves more than 90% of the blame!! We have the players to be at least a top 10 defense, but it’ll never happen as long as Eberflus keeps running his zone coverage garbage!! Eberflus is a really good defensive coordinator, but his scheme don’t fit the players we have, so he needs to change his scheme to make it fit the players!! If he does that we’ll be a lot better than we have been!! But until he makes that change, he deserves 100% of the blame!!
a Dallas Cowboys fan, since the 70’s the Cowboys defense is terrible in 2025
That’s exactly what this article is about…. Telling why the defense is bad!! And it’s not the players, it’s the scheme!! That’s why this article says to get rid of Eberflus and find somebody that can put in a scheme that fits the players!!
I swear, I’m beginning to wonder if your saying stupid stuff like this on purpose!! There’s no way you can really be that slow!!