There has been some talk about the new defensive coordinator’s fit with the Cowboys since his style is different from the previous two DCs with the team. However, Matt Eberflus’ hopes to continue the reputation of the defense being able to force turnovers.
“Yeah, pretty simple – we take the ball away, that’s what we do. We stop the run. And we want to make exciting plays for our football team. That’s really what we do.”
That’s great news for a team that has been one of the best defenses in the league in taking the ball away under former DC Dan Quinn, and something that aided the team’s defensive turnaround last season. The Cowboys were a different team when Mike Zimmer’s unit began taking the ball away more, even with a depleted roster.
The challenge for Eberflus and the philosophy he mentioned, is stopping the run. The Cowboys’ defense have been one of the worst against the run in the last handful of seasons, so it’s not going to be easy turning things around in that area.
Considering the lack of talent on the interior of the defensive line, Eberflus’ job is even tougher. The veteran DC spoke about being sound fundamentally as a key to stopping the run, but also acknowledged better personnel helps. That’s something the Cowboys currently lack, but perhaps Eberflus can get more out of his defense than the previous two coordinators.
An ability to keep forcing turnovers, while also stopping the run would warrant a huge high-five from the Cowboys and their fans.
