The Dallas Cowboys have been two entirely different teams this season. Although the Cowboys boast a sharp offense that can keep the chains in motion against almost every opponent, they've also failed to keep other teams out of the endzone, leaving fans to wonder if any changes will be made before bad habits worsen.
The Cowboys' defensive miscues have held them back over and over this season, looking lost for the most part. And, just like cornerback Trevon Diggs admitted earlier in the week, it seems like they don't have an identity on that side of the field. According to Cowboys beat writer Tommy Yarrish, even defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has to agree.
"I still think we're working," Eberflus said of the Cowboys' defensive identity. "I do think that up front, I think we have an identity, that's good. The guys are coming off the ball and doing that... It's important that we keep working, keep finding solutions of what works best for the guys that we have."
Matt Eberflus Admits The Cowboys Have Zero Defensive Identity
"Defense wins championships" is saying that rings true, which is why the Cowboys' Super Bowl aspirations look like a long shot as long as Eberflus' unit struggles. The fact that a supposed defensive guru is admitting that his unit doesn't have an identity is concerning, even embarrassing.
As mentioned before, Diggs has been openly critical of the team's defense. He's advocated for man coverage, and while he hasn't necessarily played well, either, the constant pushback makes it sound as if the rest of the players weren't so happy with Eberflus' work, either. Unfortunately, a difference can't be made unless change starts at the top
Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones has had Eberflus' back, but watching him leave Week 6 without talking to the media might speak volumes about his true feelings for the defensive coordinator. And while he does have a strong résumé, that's pretty much meaningless when Dallas can't seem to get a stop each week.
Subpar player execution has been an issue, and it's not a secret that trading away star pass rusher Micah Parsons was going to hurt this team's ability to put pressure on the quarterback. Even still, their issues might run deeper than their personnel, and it's possible the defense would still struggle even if Parsons were around.
Through the first six weeks of the season, the Cowboys have given up 30.7 points per game, the second-most in the league. They also rank last in both total yards allowed (428.7) and passing yards given up per game (269.5), all while allowing the third-most rushing yards (142.2). If that wasn't bad enough, they also rank last in third-down conversion percentage allowed (53.2%).
The Cowboys can't hope to outscore all teams; that can win them a game or two, but it's simply not sustainable over time, much less in the playoffs. And if they can't find an identity and a solution, there won't be many incentives to keep Eberflus around for much longer.