Matt Eberflus is back in the spotlight against the Commanders after the Cowboys’ defense leaves many questions unanswered

The Dallas Cowboys‘ performance in the stunning loss to the Carolina Panthers has forced defensive coordinator Matt Eberflusinto damage control mode.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Washington Commanders, he made it clear that the Cowboys are bracing for another difficult test against an improving offense.

“It’s an explosive offense, it’s a wide-open offense,” Eberflus said. “Obviously, they’re doing a heck of a job running the football.

It’s important that you have your pieces in place, it’s important that you mix your calls, you’ve got to be able to do that, and he’s done a really good job there with the young quarterback. It’s going to be a big challenge.”

Missed tackles, mental lapses, and poor coverage have plagued Dallas all season. Players appear out of sync, and the aggressive, swarming identity that once defined this defense has evaporated.

Dallas defense falters amid leadership void

Cornerback Trevon Diggs spoke candidly earlier this week about the team’s struggles, admitting that the defense “doesn’t have an identity” right now. It’s a rare moment of honesty from one of the Cowboys‘ star players and one that reflects growing frustration within the locker room.

The absence of Micah Parsons looms large over everything. Trading away one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces stripped Dallas of its emotional and tactical anchor.

Parsons‘ relentless energy and leadership once set the tone for the entire group. Without him, the Cowboys have looked uncertain and uninspired.

That void has left Eberflus scrambling for answers. His once-aggressive schemes now appear cautious, and the defense’s confidence has taken a hit.

Dallas ranks near the bottom of every key defensive category: 30.7 points allowed per game (second-worst in the league), 428.7 total yards allowed (last in the NFL), and 269.5 passing yards per game surrendered (also last).

The run defense has been nearly as bad, allowing 142.2 yards per contest.

Perhaps the most damning statistic is on third downs, where opponents have converted 53.2 percent of their attempts, the worst mark in football. That lack of situational execution has turned every defensive stand into an uphill battle.