Matt Eberflus coached from the box in the loss to the Chargers, and while for most, it was not a good adjustment, Brian Schottenheimer thinks otherwise.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season somehow took another dark turn, being rolled over 34-17 by the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus moved into the box to coach, rather than staying on the sidelines. And nothing changed.
The Cowboys' defense was as bad as it has been all season.
Justin Herbert (23 of 29 for 300 yards and two touchdowns) had his way with the defense, scoring three touchdowns on all three first-half possessions. The Chargers then managed a field goal in the third quarter before their first punt.
So yeah, it didn't work.
But it appears head coach Brian Schottenheimer thinks otherwise.
"I thought it was OK," Schottenheimer said. "I thought it was fine. We'll watch the film and see how everything went. I know we need to get more pressure on the guy and didn't do a great job getting pressure on him, and I thought both quarterbacks played great, and unfortunately, their guy got the win."
Hmm, no Brian. It wasn't "OK.'' It wasn't "fine.''
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The Cowboys gave up 452 total yards of offense, allowed 7.3 yards per play, didn't get a sack, and allowed seven of 11 third downs, most of which were third-and-longs.
Owner Jerry Jones stated post-game that he won't be making a coordinator change in the final two games of the season.
That is on brand for Jerry because he doesn't usually fire coaches in season.
But Jones also said, "Obviously the target’s on (Eberflus) because of our statistical as well as actual play on the defensive side of the ball. But that goes with it. ... That’s the life that the guys have chosen, and they know that you’re under the gun almost every game ...''
And now Jones has a choice. And to most in Cowboys Nation, "obvious'' is the right word.