Matt Eberflus makes strange confession that leaves Cowboys fans alarmed

Much to the fan base’s dismay, Dallas Cowboys first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus ostensibly isn’t going anywhere, at least for the remainder of this season. However, it’s getting harder to justify that decision by the day — and he isn’t doing himself any favors.

You can point to the talent-deficient group Eberflus has to work with. Yet, he’s not exactly masking the roster’s glaring shortcomings, let alone putting players in positions to succeed. His struggles fixing Dallas’ stop unit are apparent, with him effectively even admitting as much ahead of the team’s upcoming clash with the Washington Commanders.

Eberflus provided a long-winded response when asked if he believes the Cowboys have a defensive identity during his media availability before Week 7’s Thursday practice. Nevertheless, his rambling was notably prefaced with an odd confession that Dallas is still searching for itself on that side of the ball.

Matt Eberflus admitting to lack of identity sparks panic across Cowboys Nation

“I still think we’re working [toward an identity on defense],” Eberflus told reporters. “I do think that up front, we have an identity … the guys are really coming off the ball and doing that. We got to do a really good job of building that throughout the whole defense … so it’s important that we just keep working, keep finding solutions of what works best for the guys that we have.”

Much of what Eberflus discussed sounded like things the Cowboys should’ve figured out in training camp, but here he is, talking about it in mid-October. Frankly, it’s maddening to hear this, especially because his failure to adjust and stray away from a zone-heavy coverage scheme is part of the problem.

We were all thinking what Eberflus uttered, but it’s bold of him to admit it publicly. The ex-Chicago Bears head coach may as well have said he’s ill-equipped for the job. His comments make it easy to envision the struggles in Dallas getting worse before they get better.

The Cowboys are giving up the most yards per game in the NFL through six contests (411.7) and only the Baltimore Ravens have allowed more points (30.7). They’re also near the bottom in missed tackles. Dallas has the firepower to withstand an inability to stop opponents more than most clubs, but their top-three scoring offense can only do so much.