The Dallas Cowboys have a minuscule chance of making the playoffs this season. But they’re still technically alive. And as long as the math works, they will continue operating like the Cowboys.
And that means that members of the organization will continue to openly criticize one another on a regular basis. It’s just how owner/general manager Jerry Jones does business.
He called out the defense this week after allowing 34 points to J.J. McCarthy and company in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings that dropped the team to 6-7-1. He was specifically critical of the unit’s preparation, which speaks to coaching.
It was a veiled way of taking a shot at defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. The former head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2022-2024, Eberflus has been at the head of a Cowboys defense allowing 30.0 points per game, second-most in the NFL.
And after Jones’ comments, not even his buddy, head coach Brian Schottenheimer, is jumping to the defense of Eberflus’ defense. The first-year head coach said candidly that Dallas “has not played well enough” on that side of the ball. When asked if Eberflus was coaching for his job over these last three weeks of the 2025 season, Schottenheimer didn’t refute the suggestion, per Jon Machota.
“At the end of the day, we all understand the business we’re in. This is the National Football League. I think Flus is a great coach. We have not played well enough in that area,” Schottenheimer said frankly.
While Schottenheimer was also critical of the product Eberflus has put out this year, he did also say that he feels empathy for Eberflus. Most coaches in the NFL have been fired at least once.
“But my biggest thing is I’ve been Flus. I’ve been through those people saying, ‘Hey, what about Schotty …?’ That’s part of it. We’re used to it,” Schottenheimer said. “My job is to help Flus and the entire staff to come up with a great game plan and try to play the best we can these next three weeks. That’s what I’m committed to doing.”
The Cowboys are one of three teams, along with the woeful Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals, that are bottom five in both rushing and passing defense. The trade deadline acquisition of Quinnen Williams gave hope for a few weeks. Clearly, that has not lasted.
Dallas has only the slimmest of chances to make the NFL playoffs
Dallas’ only chance at the playoffs is now to win the NFC East. To do that, they’ll need to win out and the Philadelphia Eagles will need to lose out.
Philly does play the Buffalo Bills, but it’s hard to believe they will lose twice in three weeks to the lowly Commanders.
With the Chargers at home and the New York Giants and Commanders on the road to finish the season, however, Dallas could very well run the table on their side.
Still, NFL.com and The Athletic are both giving Dallas a less than one percent chance at making the postseason from this spot. Their destiny is out of their hands now as they likely start to look to the 2026 season. And that’s largely on Eberflus and his defensive unit.