The Dallas Cowboys squandered a great opportunity to climb over .500 for the first time all season, losing 30-27 to the Carolina Panthers. It was a game the offense deserved to win, but the defense continues to dance on the wrong side of both franchise and NFL history.
A large contingent of Cowboys fans wants Matt Eberflus to get fired, but Jerry Jones all but confirmed that won't happen anytime soon when he said, "That's who I want in the foxhole with me" regarding Dallas' defensive coordinator.
Losing to the Panthers is one thing, but another loss to the rival Washington Commanders at home this Sunday could knock some sense into Jones. Either way, Eberflus won't like hearing that Commanders' star wide receiver Terry McLaurin is expected to return to practice this week.
Cowboys' DC Matt Eberflus might have to game plan for Terry McLaurin in Week 7
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn added that McLaurin's status for Sunday's game is still uncertain, but the Cowboys are saying the same thing about CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Booker, and KaVontae Turpin, all of whom returned to practice on Wednesday.
A second-team All-Pro last season, McLaurin has missed three straight games due to a quad injury. He didn't practice at all during that span, but he's managed to avoid any setbacks. How the quad responds to increased activity will ultimately determine whether he suits up, but returning to practice is a big step forward.
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Cowboys fans are well aware of McLaurin's talent. Having posted over 1,000 receiving yards for four straight years from 2020 to 2023 despite a revolving door at quarterback, he's one of the NFL's most consistent receivers. He enjoyed a career year in 2024 with Jayden Daniels under center, catching 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, which was the second-most of any player.
McLaurin's potential return to the lineup would be terrible news for Eberflus, whose defense just allowed Bryce Young to throw for three TDs and post a 114.8 passer rating.
The Cowboys can’t help but give up explosive plays through the air, and McLaurin is one of the league’s premier ball-trackers. Dallas has also struggled in the past against Deebo Samuel’s physical, tenacious style. Add in Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability, and you’ve got the ingredients for another defensive disaster class from America’s Team