Since Matt Eberflus took over as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in January, the team’s defense has begun to show signs of improvement. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa recently expressed how Eberflus’ fresh strategies are helping players identify and correct mistakes from last season, suggesting a promising shift in defensive performance for the Cowboys.

Odighizuwa reflected on the adjustments, saying,

“Just based on some of the things we’re being asked to do right now, I was going back and watching some of the tape from last year, and I’m like, if I was doing the stuff we’re being coached to do now, I’m making this play, I’m making that play.”

Last year, the Cowboys ranked 28th in the NFL in total yards allowed, surrendering 355.2 yards per game, including 137.1 rushing yards on average. Under former coordinator Mike Zimmer, the defense struggled to contain opponents effectively. Odighizuwa expressed optimism about the new defensive scheme’s potential, stating,

“Just seeing there are going to be a lot more opportunities based on the stuff he’s having us do.”

Before assuming his current role, Eberflus was Dallas’ linebackers coach and passing game coordinator and also led the Chicago Bears as head coach from 2022 to early 2024. Odighizuwa, drafted in the third round in 2021, has now worked with three defensive coordinators in his NFL career. His first coordinator, Dan Quinn, contributed to elevating the Cowboys’ defense into a top-five unit in 2023, allowing 299.7 yards per game.

Despite the team facing numerous challenges in 2024, Odighizuwa reached a career milestone with 4.5 sacks, and the Cowboys ranked third in the league for sacks with a total of 52.

Expectations for Cowboys Defense Growth Under Eberflus

With Matt Eberflus shaping the defense, the Cowboys are expected to continue developing into a strong unit. Cody Warren from Inside the Star highlighted the team’s depth on the defensive line, pointing to Micah Parsons as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers and recognizing Odighizuwa’s growing impact as a disruptive force on defense. Warren also noted the potential return of DaRon Bland to his 2023 form, when Bland set an NFL record with six interception returns for touchdowns.

Eberflus brings a proven track record in defensive performance. His linebacking group was responsible for 34% of the team’s tackles during the 2017 season when the Cowboys ranked eighth in total defense, allowing just 318.1 yards per game. Additionally, under his guidance in 2016, Dallas boasted the league’s top rushing defense, limiting opponents to only 83.5 yards per game on the ground.

This history, combined with the current players’ talents, suggests the Cowboys’ defense has strong potential to improve significantly in the 2025 season under Eberflus’ leadership.