The 2025 season is not going as the Dallas Cowboys expected. After eight weeks of competition in the NFL, the Texas team has a discreet record of three wins, four losses and one tie, placing them in second place in the NFC East, well behind the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2).The offense has been their strong point: Dallas ranks second in total yards and first in passing yards in the entire league. However, defensive performance has been a real headache. The Cowboys rank 31st in total defense, only ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals. In their last game, in Week 8, the defense was clearly outplayed: Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes to lead the Denver Broncos to a resounding 44-24 victory.
Schottenheimer promises changes to the team
After the defeat, head coach Brian Schottenheimer did not hide his frustration. Speaking to the Dallas Morning News, he said there will be changes to the team. “There will be changes,” the coach said. “But change is not necessarily what makes this work. What makes it work is execution, and that’s what I want everybody to understand.”
The defense has been the biggest concern for Schottenheimer, who, according to reports from Jon Machota (The Athletic), has begun to get more directly involved in the team’s defensive work. “I’m attending more defensive meetings than I was at the beginning of the season,” he admitted.
Schottenheimer takes control of the defense
The coach explained that his intention is to help defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, not interfere with his work. “It’s to help, not to hinder,” he said. “I give a lot of credit to ‘Flus’. Having been a coordinator, I know what it feels like when the head coach comes into your meetings. But he has been very receptive.”
Eberflus, meanwhile, is under pressure to find quick fixes for a defense that has allowed more than 30 points in three of the last four games. Dallas has shown problems in both pass coverage and run defense, something that is of particular concern to the coaching staff.
Next challenge: Arizona Cardinals
The Cowboys will be back in action next Monday night when they take on the Arizona Cardinals, a key matchup to regain confidence and stay in contention in the NFC East.
The big question will be whether Schottenheimer’s tweaks will take effect or whether the defense will continue to be the Achilles’ heel of a team with offensive potential, but without balance.
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