The Dallas Cowboys' trip to Oxnard for training camp is right around the corner, and there are plenty of concerns on both sides of the ball. On the defensive side, this will be fans' first real insight into how new coordinator Matt Eberflus will run a unit that has some glaring question marks.
Multiple important pieces are rehabbing from major injuries, including DeMarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs. However, there is one fatal flaw Eberflus must overcome, according to Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden, who was linked with the Cowboys' coaching vacancy for a split-second earlier this offseason.
"I don't think their defense other than Parsons has an identity," Gruden said. "You know, and (DeMarcus) Lawrence is gone, I know that Overshown is a great linebacker but he's hurt, I just don't know what their defensive mentality is."
Matt Eberflus has his work cut out for him as Cowboys' DC
This is one critique that various other NFL analysts have had about the Cowboys over the years, specifically the defense's inability to stop the run. It is a harsh reality where Cowboys fans might see eye-to-eye with the former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach.
Parsons is undoubtedly the engine of the defense, which leads us to believe Eberlfus will make rushing the quarterback the unit's collective identity. The Cowboys' defense was at its best under Dan Quinn when the pass rush was clicking on all cylinders.
After all, 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year last season and tied Boston College's single-season sack record with 16.5.
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In addition, Osa Odighizuwa, who inked a four-year, $80 million extension this offseason, was among the most productive interior defenders in football last year as far as getting after the quarterback. Veteran Dante Fowler is also back in the fold and Sam Williams is hungrier than ever in a contract year.
The Cowboys lacked an identity under Mike Zimmer in 2024 and the concerns about stopping the run are not going anywhere. However, bringing back Fowler and using a second-round pick on Ezeiruaku tells us that Eberflus wants to get after the QB.
Hopefully that comes to pass early into camp.