Kenny Clark on Cowboys' defensive issues: "It's a little bit of everything."
The Dallas Cowboys are grappling with defensive struggles following a narrow loss to the Carolina Panthers, raising questions about their scheme and execution.
Why it matters: The Cowboys’ inability to stop the run has critical implications for their season as they head into a matchup against the Washington Commanders.
- In their recent game, the Cowboys conceded a staggering 216 rushing yards, which marks their highest total allowed this season.
- This performance is emblematic of a broader trend; the Cowboys have now allowed at least 144 rushing yards in four games this season.
What’s new: The Cowboys’ defense is under scrutiny following their 30-27 defeat to a Panthers team that entered the matchup ranked 24th in scoring.
- Former Cowboy running back Rico Dowdle had a standout performance, rushing for 183 yards on 30 carries against a defense that seemed ill-prepared to handle his explosive style.
- Head coach Brian Schottenheimer defended defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus amid rising criticism, emphasizing Eberflus's track record of developing formidable defenses.
Yes, but: Despite Schottenheimer's support, questions linger about whether players fully believe in the current defensive system.
- Safety Juanyeh Thomas remarked, "That's an in-house thing... I’m going to let Flus do that," indicating a reluctance to publicly criticize the coaching staff while acknowledging the need for discussions about the scheme.
- Defensive tackle Kenny Clark pointed out multiple factors contributing to the Cowboys' struggles: "Communication. Missed tackles. Got to play more physical."
The big picture: The Cowboys defensive woes are part of a troubling narrative this season.
- They have surrendered at least 30 points in four games thus far, a stark contrast to last year’s defensive prowess.
- Through six games, the Cowboys have given up more points (186) and yards (2,247) than they did during the same stretch in the prior season, revealing significant regression.
What to watch: As the Cowboys prepare for their next game against Washington, eyes will be on adjustments to their defensive approach.
- Will Eberflus implement changes to counteract the mounting issues?
- How will the coaching staff balance maintaining player morale while addressing systemic deficiencies?
The bottom line: As the Cowboys sit at 2-3-1, their immediate future hinges on resolving these defensive lapses.
- If they cannot shore up their run defense and improve communication, their hopes for a successful season may slip further away, making their upcoming matchups increasingly critical.
