When looking at sources of frustration for the Dallas Cowboys heading into the bye week, there is no shortage of potential culprits. So many defensive pieces and decision makers simply haven't lived up to expectations. This is evidenced by a 3-5-1 record that simply doesn't do justice to just how poorly the defense has played and how often Dallas has let very winnable games slip away. And yet, despite the defense being so bad, it somehow still feels like this Cowboys team is significantly better than those three wins indicate.
Much of this is due to quarterback Dak Prescott and an offense that refuses to quit regardless of the situation. Still, this doesn't lessen the frustration with the clear letdowns that three Cowboys in particular have been. This starts with a coordinator who has been completely incapable thus far in the 2025 season.
1. Matt Eberflus
Only four weeks into the season, fans were already beyond frustrated with an incapable defensive coordinator. Dallas would rank dead last in both points and yardage given up per game if not for the implosion of the Cincinnati Bengals. Still, the franchise ranks second-to-last in both categories, pointing out just what a dumpster fire of a season it has been defensively.
While a small portion of this has to be based on the lack of talent and the loss of Micah Parsons, the overwhelming responsibility falls on the shoulders of Eberflus. Having so few answers while being supported by one of the league's most productive offensive units is a step beyond alarming.
If the Cowboys truly had the sense of urgency that they claim, the coordinator already would've been fired this season. For the coach to remain employed, you have to believe the results must drastically change down the stretch of the season, or even the Cowboys' front office will be forced to make a change.
2. DaRon Bland
Attempting to figure out what has happened to the Cowboys' breakout corner and caused this alarming regression is truly a mystery. DaRon Bland's 61.7 PFF grade serves as evidence of this, and if anything undersells just how much of a frustration the corner has been in the 2025 season. Making matters worse is the fact that the defensive back was extended right before the season, signing a four-year $92 million deal that included $50 million in guarantees.
This was based on the belief that Bland was going to continue to establish himself as one of the league's better corners, not take a step back to the middle of the pack. It was only two seasons ago that Bland returned 5 interceptions for touchdowns and picked off opposing quarterbacks a total of nine times that season. Consider how both his PFF grade and his passer rating allowed in coverage has evolved:
Year | PFF Grade | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|
2022 | 71.9 | 76.4 |
2023 | 90.4 | 50.9 |
2024 | 70.1 | 116.1 |
2025 | 61.7 | 112.2 |
Now, that version of the corner is simply nowhere to be found, and a big reason why the defense remains such a mess. While the Cowboys are stuck paying the corner, that doesn't mean he will continue to start if the results don't improve.
3. Jalen Tolbert
While the majority of offensive players have reached or exceeded expectations this season, Tolbert is a notable exception. After enjoying a career year in 2024, there was a sense of belief that behind George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, the pass catcher would thrive. Instead, there has been a clear regression and a lack of consistency from the receiver. It has left the franchise without a clear third option and opened the door to fewer snaps in the second half of the year.
Tolbert has only managed 172 receiving yards and a lone touchdown on the season. Add in the fact that his catch rate has fallen from last season, and fans have every reason to be frustrated.
In a contract year, the Cowboys currently have no reason to bring Tolbert back to the third receiver role. The pass catcher has been a source of disappointment and simply hasn't lived up to low expectations. Making it very possible that the franchise makes a change if the results don't improve in the weeks to come.