Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus announced that he will move to the dugout for the final three games. Eberflus has previously officiated on the sidelines and coached in the dugout during the first 14 games. The changes he made were to give the defense a different perspective.
This is Eberfus’ first season as defensive coordinator with the Cowboys after firing former D.C. player Mike Zimmer last season. Dallas ranks 31st in points allowed, averaging 30 points per game, and ranks 29th in yards allowed per game, at 374.9. Before the season started, the Cowboys traded their best linebacker, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers.
advertise
While the defense has shown signs of improvement since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Cowboys have allowed more than 28 points in each of their past three games.
Jones was asked on “105.3 The FAN Dallas” on Tuesday whether Eberfus’ job status will depend on how the Cowboys’ defense performs in the final three games of the regular season.
“I think that should be an important criterion because these three games are critical for us,” Jones said. “We’re not going to play games that aren’t important to us. … But, yeah, how we perform over the next few weeks is going to be an important criterion because I think, actually, we’re at one of the peaks of our health right now. … If we can go out and have three good games, then I think that should factor into the decision-making.”
Eberfus also addressed Jones’ comments about being evaluated over the final three games.
“This is the NFL,” Eberflus said. “Everybody across the league is being evaluated. It’s part of the job.”
Eberflus was the head coach of the Chicago Bears and previously the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts before becoming the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator last offseason. He compiled a 14-32 record as head coach of the Bears.
advertise
With a 6-7-1 record, the Cowboys have little chance of making the playoffs, but these last three games could impact the team’s performance next season. The Cowboys must win and hope the Philadelphia Eagles lose the remaining games to make the playoffs.
If the Cowboys fail to make the playoffs this season, it will be the second consecutive season they have missed the playoffs in four of five seasons. The Cowboys will face the 10-4 Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
