The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and owner Jerry Jones isn’t pretending otherwise.
With the season nearing its final stretch, Jones delivered a blunt assessment that made one thing clear. The Cowboys’ owner is not blaming the offense for where things stand, but he put the defense on notice.
Speaking on @1053thefan, Jones drew a sharp contrast between the two sides of the ball, praising the offense while openly expressing disappointment with the defense, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. The comments come at a critical moment, as Dallas fights to stay relevant in a tightening NFC playoff race.
Jones said he has been “very, very pleased” with the Cowboys’ offense this season, signaling confidence in the unit’s production and overall execution. However, his tone shifted noticeably when discussing the defense, which he admitted has played at a level he did not expect.
The Cowboys’ defense has been a disaster in 2025
The Cowboys’ defense is allowing around 28–30 points per game, placing them bottom five league-wide. In total defense, Dallas is giving up approximately 375–390 yards per game, ranking around 29th–31st in the NFL. The majority of that damage has come through the air, where opponents have consistently exploited coverage breakdowns.
Against the pass, the Cowboys are allowing roughly 255–270 passing yards per game, putting them in the bottom third of the league by ESPN and FOX Sports metrics. Explosive plays and extended third-down conversions have been a recurring issue.
The run defense has also underperformed, giving up about 125–135 rushing yards per game, which ranks bottom 10. Opponents have regularly controlled tempo and time of possession against Dallas.
Jones’ public critique is significant given his usual tendency to balance optimism with caution. Calling out the defense so directly suggests internal urgency and raises questions about accountability as the season winds down.
But who is more responsible for this situation with the Dallas Cowboys’ defense? Head coach Brian Schottenheimer or defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus? Meanwhile, Jerry Jones has sent a strong message to defensive coordinator Eberflus.
Jerry Jones sent strong warning to DC Matt Eberflus
Jerry Jones sent a clear message to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus while speaking on @1053thefan, stressing that coaching should adjust to personnel rather than forcing players into a system. “I think coaches should adapt their scheme to the players,” Jones said.
The Cowboys owner also dismissed concerns about talent on the roster, adding, “I’m satisfied that the players we have fit what we’re trying to do very well.” The comments shift the spotlight squarely onto the coaching approach as Dallas looks to stabilize its defense.
So, whether changes come through schematic adjustments, personnel decisions, or offseason moves remains to be seen.
For now, the message from the top is unmistakable. The Cowboys’ offense has done its part, in the owner’s eyes. If Dallas is going to keep its postseason hopes alive, the defense will have to prove Jerry Jones wrong.
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