Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has faced intense scrutiny all season over his unit’s shaky performance. The heat turned up even more on the coach after the 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, placing the team on the brink of missing the playoffs.
It’s been made known by the Cowboys owner that the last three games of the season will determine the future of Eberflus in the franchise. The coach was questioned about this and whether he needed a vote of confidence from the front office during his media availability on Thursday.
“I don’t look for a vote of confidence,” Eberflus said. “That to me is like kind of a hypothetical deal there, so, again, it’s about doing your job. I know this is the NFL. We got to do a good job this week and focus on that. That’s where our feet are.”
Matt Eberflus is making a big decision that he believes could yield positive results amid the Cowboys’ season-long defensive struggles. He disclosed to reporters on Thursday that he will be calling defense from the coaching booth in the final three games of the season.
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“It’s a real chance to get a good perspective, get information and see the game develop,” Eberflus said. “I’ve done it before, it’s been a while, but we think it’s going to be a good adjustment.”
What Jerry Jones said about Matt Eberflus
Following the Sunday loss to the Vikings, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was directly asked whether he still believed Matt Eberflus could get the job done in his role at the franchise. The owner didn’t hide his clear frustration at the team’s defensive performance.
“The adjustments that we should be making (defensively) should be with these next three games in mind,” Jones said. “With three games left in the short time that we’ve got to play them in, then that will impact any adjustments that you make regarding coaching with the time frame we’re dealing with. That’s a legit question.
“I’d like to play better defense, and at the end of the day, that’s what he does. From the standpoint, I know Matt, of course, individually, since he’s coached here for many, many years. But I thought we made some adjustments. They handled it pretty good.”
Matt Eberflus’ defense has been everything but impressive this season, ranking 31st in the NFL in points allowed with 30 points per game and 29th in total yards surrendered with 374.9 yards per game. The team has conceded 78 points in the last two weeks, raising further concern.