The Dallas Cowboys endured a season to forget on the defensive side of the ball. Things became even worse when discussing a unit that could not stop anyone, figuratively speaking. It was a paper-thin defense that was humiliated on several occasions throughout the 2025 campaign.
At the end of the season came the long-awaited move for fans: the firing of Matt Eberflus, who served as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. For many, the decision arrived far too late, but ultimately, it finally happened.
Eberflus was in charge of Dallas’ defense for just one year. However, given the awful, terrible, regrettable and disappointing numbers posted by the unit, there was little to nothing that could be done to justify keeping him in the position.
For analyst Stephen A. Smith, it was a key move by Jerry Jones
Stephen A. Smith is well known for frequently criticizing the Dallas Cowboys and their owner for the decisions they make, often with good reason. That was the case when the team parted ways with Micah Parsons.
This time, however, he earned the respect and attention of fans of the Lone Star team for what he said regarding Jerry Jones’ most recent move, the dismissal of Matt Eberflus.
No surprise, deservedly so. … I don’t want to celebrate a human being’s firing. But I will say, however, it was warranted.
You’re giving up over 30 points a game. One of the worst defenses in all of the NFL. And if you look at how high-powered their offense was, if you did a better job, then guess what, this team might have had a shot.
Stephen A. said during a segment on First Take.
The Cowboys finished as the third team allowing the most yards per play during the season. In addition, they surrendered 34 or more points in seven games. That led them to become the leader in that unenviable category, making them the fourth team to do so since the league merger in 1970.
It didn’t help that you lost Micah Parsons right before the season started. It didn’t help that Jerry Jones waited until the trade deadline to get Williams and what have you.
Smith said and added.
In the end it was apparent very, very early that this man didn’t need to be the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. We can’t say it was the wrong decision. What we’re saying is the wrong decision was to hire him in the first place.
The Cowboys did make some moves midway through the season. Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams arrived and provided defensive stability for three games; however, everything quickly collapsed once again.
For Dallas, bringing in an external defensive coordinator represents a fresh start to lead the unit. Still, the problems run much deeper and will require major surgery for the team to return to contender status in 2026.
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