After what has been a putrid showing from the Dallas Cowboys' defense this season, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is on the hot seat.
Entering Week 16, the Cowboys rank 29th in total yards allowed per game, 32nd in passing yards, 18th in rushing yards and 31st in points given up.
We saw another example of just how bad Dallas' defense can be on Sunday night, when the Cowboys were diced up by Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled all season but managed to drop 34 points on Dallas' unit.
The idea that Eberflus is on the hot seat isn't just a take fans and analysts have.
When asked about Eberflus' future with the team after the 34-26 loss to the Vikings, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made it quite clear he has not made up his mind on Eberflus' future in Dallas.
“The adjustments that we should be making (defensively) should be with these next three games in mind,” Jones said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.
“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," Jones added.
The Cowboys made a splash to improve their defense at the trade deadline when Dallas acquired defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in a trade. Jones also pulled off a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for linebacker Logan Wilson.
Since those trades, the Cowboys are giving up 28.6 points per game, as compared to the 30.7 Dallas was surrendering before them. Not exactly the return on investment Jones was hoping for.
Also bear in mind, the Cowboys have been getting healthier on the defensive side of the ball in that span, yet we're still not seeing much of a difference.
One thing is clear: the Cowboys have a lot of work to do on defense in the offseason and that could include bringing in a new defensive coordinator.
More NFL News
- Can Cowboys still make the playoffs after Week 15 loss to Vikings?
- Davante Adams injury update from Rams leaves Week 16 status in doubt
- Packers' Micah Parsons feared to have season-ending injury
- Patrick Mahomes' injury diagnosis is worst-case scenario for Chiefs
- Patrick Mahomes makes first public comment since knee injury