Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Ebeflus hasn't been known over the past few seasons for owning his failures. Whether as the head coach of the Chicago Bears or defensive coordinator in Dallas, the issue has remained the same. A seeming refusal to look in the mirror and own the failures of his unit.
Something that appears to have drastically changed overnight, with Eberflus offering a quote that put responsibility on his shoulders. The Athletic's Jon Machota reported what was an exciting change of tune from the coach.
""We had some good meetings this week, some good conversations. When your performance has been inconsistent or not to the standard, you certainly look at everything. You try to find solutions, that’s the coach’s job to get that done. Nothing is off the table.""Matt Ebeflus
This is the version of the coordinator that fans were owed weeks ago. The most telling part of this quote is that Eberflus notes nothing is off the table moments after taking responsibility. By noting that it is the coach's job to find solutions for the team's current defensive woes, he was finally living up to his full job description. While fans are understandably annoyed that it has taken this long for the coach to figure this out, it is a huge step in the right direction.
Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus Shows Needed Self Awareness Taking Responsibility
Often, a critique of Eberflus has been the inability to do exactly what this quote accomplishes. Looking in the mirror and understanding that, as a leader, you're at the top of any potential problems. Blaming the talent level, execution, or scheme isn't going to be an accepted excuse for very long when you're playing in this league. For any coach in a position such as the one Eberflus holds in Dallas, you're expected to find solutions to problems, so it is nice to hear Eberflus finally acknowledge this.
Considering that Cowboys fans appear stuck with the coordinator for the time being, this is the best-case scenario. Everything from owner Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been supportive of Eberflus and the current coaching staff being able to figure things out. Meaning whether or not fans are pleased, they are stuck with the coordinator and can only hope he can manage to turn the team's defensive fortunes around.
This quote from Eberflus suggests he possesses a previously unknown ability and that perhaps there is faint hope for improvement. Considering the talent level of the offense, you're not asking for miracles from Eberflus. Hold the opposing offense to 28 points or less, and you're going to have a great chance to win every week based on the Cowboys' current offensive talent.
Eberflus is right to point out that everything is on the table, including the need for him to take personal responsibility for the changes that must be made on the defensive side of the ball. The standard is incredibly low, with the defense giving up over 30 points per game. Bump this number down by 2-3 points, however, and not only will the heat be taken off Eberflus, but the Cowboys will begin to win games and put themselves firmly back into the wildcard conversation.