The Cowboys’ latest move to “fix” the defense is laughable
The Dallas Cowboys’ season has been a disaster, but hey, maybe if they look at it from a different angle, it’ll all become clearer.
The Cowboys are making a change on defense for the final three weeks of the season, and if you’re struggling to see how it’s supposed to make any difference, you’re not alone.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus announced Thursday that he’ll call plays from the booth instead of the sideline the rest of the season, a move he and head coach Brian Schottenheimer agreed was the “right adjustment” as Dallas tries to stabilize a defense that’s been one of the league’s worst all season.
One change that’s happening for the Cowboys: DC Matt Eberflus said he’s going to go up in the booth and call plays from upstairs. He’s called from the field this season.
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) December 18, 2025
He said he’s done it before. pic.twitter.com/EPdKzbPZ8m
Same defense, different seat
It’s not totally unheard of for NFL teams to do this. From upstairs, you get a cleaner view of spacing, route concepts, and coverage breakdowns. You can see how offenses are attacking leverage, how quickly routes develop, and where matchups are being exploited. That perspective can help with in-game adjustments, especially against teams that are constantly motioning or disguising looks. Plenty of good coordinators do it. The idea itself isn’t ridiculous.
But...what exactly is Eberflus going to see now?
Is he suddenly going to notice something he’s missed for 14 games? From the booth, is he finally going to realize the pass rush can’t get home without blitzing? You don’t need altitude to see busted coverages, missed assignments, or defenders playing five yards off the sticks on third down.
The #Cowboys went 0-3-1 against the NFC North this season.
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) December 16, 2025
Chicago scored 34
Green Bay scored 40
Detroit scored 44
Minnesota scored 34
An average of 38 points per game.
Matt Eberflus should have had better results against the teams he had such familiarity with.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/0wST13UcIk
The Cowboys are allowing 30 points per game. They rank dead last in pass defense. Opposing quarterbacks are having some of their best performances of the season against them. None of that requires a bird’s-eye view to diagnose.
It’s the same defense, the same calls, and the same personnel, just with Eberflus wearing a headset upstairs instead of pacing the sideline. The Cowboys are 31st in points allowed with three games left. Their playoff chances are barely alive. At this stage, moving Eberflus just seems like something the team is doing so they can say, “meh, we tried.” Because if this were actually the answer, you’d think it would’ve come a lot sooner.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment