Dallas Cowboys fans seeking a reason to hope for defensive improvement may not be encouraged by head coach Brian Schottenheimer's most recent comments. On Wednesday, Cowboys insider Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS reported how Dallas plans to approach slowing down the New York Jets and quarterback Justin Fields. This included an eye-catching statement from Schottenheimer backing struggling defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
""He presents a number of problems just based on the skill set. The athleticism, arm strength, arm talent, ability to improvise... The good news for us is no one knows him around the league probably better than Matt [Eberflus].""Brian Schottenheimer
Perhaps Schottenheimer forgot what happened the last time Dallas faced a quarterback who worked under Eberflus in Chicago. Caleb Williams faced his former coach and passed for nearly 300 yards while tossing four touchdowns and blowing Dallas off the field. It was a clear message to a coach who isn't well-regarded in the Windy City.
One would hope that Schottenheimer has a deeper plan than leaning on a failing coordinator to slow down his former quarterback. Now that we're a quarter of the way through the season, it is clear that relying on Eberflus in any meaningful capacity is only setting the franchise up for failure.
Schottenheimer Offers Concerning Quote on Slowing Down Justin Fields
Eberflus has given every reason to force a change at the position, watching helplessly as his defense gets blown off the field by any competent offensive attack. Even in the Cowboys' lone win of the season, Russell Wilson played at an MVP level a week before he would be benched for rookie Jaxson Dart. Two weeks later, Eberflus had zero answers for the Green Bay Packers, giving up 40 points in a tie that was largely prolonged due to Dak Prescott's gritty performance.
With this in mind, the Cowboys have zero business counting on Eberflus to slow down his former quarterback. Caleb Williams had the best game of his career two weeks ago against his former head coach, and many of Justin Fields' best moments have come after parting ways with the former Chicago head coach. All that Eberflus has proven is the ability as a former head coach to get the worst out of either signal caller.
All this further amplifies that the Cowboys cannot count on Eberflus in any capacity. The regression for Dallas' defense is due to far more than just losing Micah Parsons or the injuries in the secondary. It speaks to poor coaching and an inability to make in-game adjustments.
Eberflus is a liability, and if the Cowboys are serious about being a wildcard contender during the 2025 season, a move must be made. While Schottenheimer's comment sets the Cowboys up for failure if things go sideways, it will be laid at the feet of the coordinator. Perhaps sparking Dallas to make a change that should've already been made.