This week might be the biggest wake-up call that Jerry Jones has had toward his defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus. Following Brian Schottenheimer's media availability on Wednesday, it sure sounds like he's on that train as well.
EVP Stephen Jones was more gruff about the Eberflus problem, acknowledging that the team ranks among the worst defenses in the league. Both Joneses appear to be losing patience with Eberflus, and it sounds like Schottenheimer may not be far behind.
Longtime Cowboys reported Ed Werder asked Schottenheimer about Jerry putting pressure on his defensive coordinator. Schottenheimer tried to be as friendly as possible, but he had to tell the obvious truth.
"At the end of the day, we all understand the business we’re in. This is the National Football League," Schottenheimer said. "I think Flus is a great coach. We have not played well enough in that area. But my biggest thing is I’ve been Flus. I’ve been through those people saying, ‘Hey, what about Schotty …?’ That’s part of it. We’re used to it. My job is to help Flus and the entire staff to come up with a great game plan and try to play the best we can these next three weeks. That’s what I’m committed to doing.”
Brian Schottenheimer acknowledges the defensive woes on Matt Eberflus
This will fall on deaf ears with Cowboys fans. A “great” coach might have the team hovering around the middle of the pack, but that’s not the reality in Dallas. The Cowboys have spent weeks battling the Bengals for the title of worst defense in football, and there’s nothing “great” about that.
The Cowboys are ranked as the best offense through Week 15. That's over three months of Dak Prescott playing some of the best ball of his career, and all that talent around him is being wasted.
Schottenheimer is doing his best to stay mild-mannered here. He's not going to throw Eberflus under the bus. That isn't the culture he created.
The Cowboys didn't put any pressure on Vikings' quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who's struggled all season long. The Vikings didn't have much to play for other than pride, and with the Cowboys' season on the line, Eberflus' defense made McCarthy look like a Pro Bowl QB.
It’s about time the Joneses acknowledged the frustrations fans have voiced all season, but the timing couldn’t be worse. They only addressed the elephant in the room once the Cowboys’ playoff hopes were all but dead. Brian Schottenheimer sounds like he’s extending Matt Eberflus as much grace as possible, but the defense is simply too damaged at this point.
Assuming Jan. 4 is Eberflus's last game with the Cowboys, Jerry should allow for Schottenheimer to hire someone that he trusts. Unless that happens, expect the culture to stay the same.