Sam Williams and Jack Sanborn are dragging down the Dallas Cowboys’ defense in 2025. Their rankings against 165 defensive ends and 132 linebackers prove why Dallas must stop playing them.
The Cowboys’ Defensive Collapse
The 2025 Dallas Cowboys defense has been one of the NFL’s weakest through the first month of the season. With just four sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 50 hurries, Dallas ranks near the bottom in nearly every defensive category.
Opposing quarterbacks enjoy clean pockets, explosive plays come easily, and the unit has become a liability rather than a strength.
While head coach Matt Eberflus’ scheme deserves criticism, the choice to keep playing Sam Williams and Jack Sanborn is making matters worse.
When their production is measured against the rest of the league, the case to pull them from the lineup is undeniable.
Sam Williams: Bottom Tier Among 165 Defensive Ends
Sam Williams was expected to be a disruptive edge rusher, but his numbers put him near the bottom of his position group.
Through 141 total snaps, including 88 in pass-rush situations, Williams has failed to record a single sack.
That ranks him 84th out of 165 defensive ends. His pressure production has been equally disappointing, as he has only managed nine total pressures across those opportunities, placing him 52nd.
In run defense, he has contributed just six solo tackles, ranking 42nd, and five stops, which puts him 38th.
He has not forced a fumble, and his lone positive mark is one batted pass, which places him fifth at his position — but one deflection hardly outweighs weeks of ineffective play.
When compared to 165 qualified defensive ends across the NFL, Williams’ overall performance is clearly below average. He is not generating sacks, not creating turnovers, and not consistently setting the edge.
Instead, his lapses in discipline have opened running lanes for opponents, compounding Dallas’ struggles against mobile quarterbacks and outside runs.
Jack Sanborn: Coverage Liability
Jack Sanborn’s struggles come from a mismatch between his skill set and what the Cowboys’ scheme requires.
He has logged 213 total snaps, but his production ranks poorly against 132 qualified linebackers across the league. He has not recorded a sack and has generated just one total pressure, which leaves him 59th at his position.
Even worse, his tackling has been sloppy, with six missed tackles that rank 116th among linebackers.
Sanborn has also been a clear liability in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks have posted a 109.8 passer rating when targeting him, a figure that places him near the bottom third of the league.
While he has recorded 22 solo tackles and seven assists, ranking in the mid-20s at his position, most of those plays have come downfield after allowing yardage.
In other words, his tackles are not impact plays that change drives but rather cleanup stops after the damage is already done.
In a league where linebackers must cover ground quickly and defend versatile offensive weapons, Sanborn looks outdated.
He does not have the speed to track tight ends or running backs, he is slow to react in space, and his missed tackles only magnify those shortcomings.
Why Dallas Must Make a Change
Taken together, the Cowboys are relying on two players who consistently rank in the bottom half of the league at their positions.
Williams has not made the leap expected of him and remains unproductive compared to 165 defensive ends, while Sanborn has been exposed in coverage and tackling efficiency compared to 132 linebackers.
Neither player is producing the type of disruptive plays that Dallas needs to stay competitive.
The Cowboys cannot afford to wait and hope for improvement. Continuing to start Williams and Sanborn sends the wrong message to both the locker room and the fan base — that accountability does not matter.
Younger players or less experienced backups may not be proven, but they at least bring energy, upside, and the potential for growth.
Accountability Is the Only Way Forward
If Dallas wants to salvage its season, it must act.
Sam Williams and Jack Sanborn have had their chances, but the numbers confirm they are liabilities. Until the Cowboys bench them, the defense will remain one of the worst in the league, wasting yet another year of opportunity.
Williams has talent but Eburflus and his bad scheme diminish the outcome. Sanborn has zero talent and Eburflus wanting this player shows how bad Eburflus is as a coach. Sanborn is simply slow in mind and body and no competent coach would bring him along –but Eburflus did. The defense players are all having career low ratings–all these players did not degrade at once. The problem is Eburflus.
Totally Accord
When they acquired Sanborn, some here and elsewhere commented that it was a good addition?!?!? I was doubtful. I also commented when they let Kendricks go, where are they going to find the 138 tackles (and 3 sacks) in 15 games he produced?
I was one of those that mentioned him as a good addition, but he has proven to be a liability.
Hey Cody, wasn’t trying to single you or anyone else out, just remember the positive remarks about him at the time, even on other platforms. BTW, any thoughts on Kendricks, who is still out there. Always admired his play when with Vikings and had a pretty good year w/Cowboys. Age may be the one negative but looks like he can still tackle.
Legendary HC Vince Lombardi once said, “Football is two things, blocking and tackling”. Right now, obviously the Cowboys are NOT tackling well, and that has got to improve or more bumps coming.
I know you weren’t trying to call anyone out, but I will admit when I’m wrong. Also, I like Kendrick’s skillset and leadership. I’m not sure how he would fit in this scheme. It would be an interesting pickup.
I have noticed in the last few games how his reaction time has been lame, and seems to be a step slower at the same time. Adding to it is his sloppy tackling is very noticeable.
Amen. Its total malpractice at this point to not start Marist over Sanborn. Even if he’s making mistakes, his youth and better athletic profile make more sense. Simply put, he can do more things. Then his starting is a nod to the future when Agent 0 returns.
I’m over Williams too. What does he give you? Body beautiful, yes, but Geez. Houston needs to play more and in fact, I’d trade a 3rd + Williams to Cincy for Hendrickson (just a thought).
There is one more player missing from you list: Donovan Wilson. Ladies and Gents, its time. I loved what he brought a few years ago, but its time. Lets see what Bell can give you along side Thomas.
The Donovan Wilson article was earlier.
Could you tell me how the hell jack sanborn made the team.let alone starting. He wouldn’t made a lot of teams practice quad
That is a question we have been asking here for weeks…
The system does not match the personnel. I believe there is enough talent on the defense, with the change of the middle linebacker and both safeties, to be successful. Just takes a coach that can create a scheme to maximize the talent. Easier said than done.