From takeaway kings to turnover woes: What’s wrong with the Cowboys’ defense?
The Dallas Cowboys have a defense problem, and it’s not just because Micah Parsons is gone. Will their reinforcements in Week 4 be enough to fix it?
The Cowboys’ once-feared defense under Dan Quinn is struggling under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, ranking dead last in turnover margin (-5) through three weeks.
Just think of all of the other super cool stats the Cowboys defense is gonna be a part of this year. https://t.co/nnG4ogbIav
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) September 22, 2025
Matt Eberflus under fire as Cowboys’ defense struggles with takeaways
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted the issue “sucks” but believes turnovers “come in bunches” and will improve as the season goes on.
“We got guys punching at the ball. What helps with that is when you do disrupt or affect the passer, errant throws happen,” said Schottenheimer. “That’s what I’m saying, it all ties together… To be minus-5, I promise you this, we will not end the season like that.”
It sounds like #Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer isn’t afraid to make changes in personnel if that’s what it takes to get Dallas back on track.
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) September 22, 2025
Schotty continued later that, if made, those decisions would come later in the week.
(🎥: @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/k6jYOsBGR9
Dallas is banking on reinforcements like cornerback DaRon Bland, who led the NFL with nine interceptions in 2023, and newly acquired veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney to spark more takeaways. Bland was out for a good chunk of the season last year and looks set to return this week, and Clowney is expected to make his debut with Dallas this week as well.
With the Cowboys facing the Packers next, their defense needs a quick turnaround to avoid further pressure on Eberflus, and avoid yet another loss early in the season. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. ET from AT&T Stadium and I’ll be here on AS USA to bring you all the live coverage of the game.
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