“The Sideline” is an opinion series that reflects my personal observations and analysis. These views are my own and are not affiliated with, nor do they represent, the Dallas Cowboys organization.
We are well past a quarter of the season and the Cowboys have problems to address.
When you look at the offense, they are not a perfect group by any means. Dak Prescott has carried a burden of the responsibilities with a first year head coach and some temporary puzzle pieces put into place.
Having played games where 4 out of the 5 starters on the offensive line haven’t been available. Missing his star WR, Ceedee Lamb, for most of the season. With the support from an unexpected breakout FA signing with Javonte Williams, the Cowboys offense ranks the highest in yards per game (387.5) and third in points per game (29.7).
Great! That should lead to positive football.
Unfortunately, the defense has been stunting the offense through six weeks. Giving up the most yards per game (411.7) and 2nd most points (30.7). Sometimes we see that a good offense can still support a poor defense. But in the case of the first six games, the defense has been a burden for the offense.
The defensive unit ranks highly in giving opposing QB’s time to throw, one of the lowest blitzing teams, and allowing high yards of separation when a receiver makes the catch.
Jerry Jones has still stood tall defending his edge rushers, even going as far to say “we have the most capable edge rushers, we’ve ever had.” Justifying the Micah Parsons trade continually.
Will the Cowboys go make a trade for an elite defensive player? What position group would you even target?
With problems at all three levels. You’ve already tried to bring in help at DE with Jadeveon Clowney. There’s wide open receivers all in the secondary. There is a constant fight between, is the scheme bad or are the players bad?
There is an entire linebacker group that either fills their assignments incorrectly, or are too slow to react in time.
The Cowboys lack a defensive leader, someone to take control of the room and lead discussion in the film room. There is no way they have a defensive leader taking control in the film room or meeting rooms. As the same problems occur week in and week out. If they do have a ‘leader’ its time to open the job search…
The same problems and confusion of the scheme has been happening all season. There is no clear identifiable problem. It starts with the coordinator, Matt Eberflus, but also has to trickle down to every player.
Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer stand by Eberflus and his scheme. Of course they wouldn’t kill him, unless they were already firing him.
“I’ve been Matt. I’ve been a coordinator. And I’ve been where people are calling you out and saying you don’t know how to coach and, ‘Man, this guy is the worst coach in history.” Head Coach Schottenheimer told the media.
“Matt Eberflus is a damn good football coach. We have to perform better. But I’ve been him, so part of me being in (the defensive meeting room) is to help as an asset, to tell him, ‘I believe in him. I understand what he’s going through.’ It sucks. It’s no fun. We’re gonna ride this thing out. And we’ll play better. We really will.”
We were told that changes will be made to personnel…we will have to see. I don’t think help can come from internally.
Though the front office will be quick to remind you that there is ‘help’ on the way. Caelen Carson could be activated from IR this week. DeMarvion Overshown is getting close to having his practice window opened.
I’m sure Overshown will be a great help, he has flashed great ability when on the field. But we need to remember what we are asking of a player who is coming off back to back knee injuries. It’s not fair to put all of the pressure on him.
I think having Overshown could be enough to take some of these close games, and he would make the one extra tackle that could flip some of the L’s to W’s. But in the overarching outlook. The Cowboys won’t become the 25th ranked defense when he’s back. They are not a DeMarvion Overshown away from the post-season.
But unfortunately, the observation of the Commanders and Eagles losing games is…we are close to winning the division where we already stand. Which can eliminate the idea of getting outside help.
Brett's Cowboys Corner 
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