Matt Eberflus: Take ‘full accountability’ for Cowboys’ defensive woes – Todd Archer, ESPN
Matt Eberflus gives an update on what went wrong in 2025 (kind of).
FRISCO, Texas — One game remains in one of the most disappointing defensive seasons in Dallas Cowboys history.
Entering Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants, the Cowboys rank last in the NFL in points allowed per game (29.8) and hope to avoid becoming the first defense in team history to allow 30 points per contest. Also of note: They are last in pass defense, 31st in red zone defense, and 30th in third-down defense, takeaways and yards.
Their best statistical category is run defense, which ranks 20th.
All of it has the job status of first-year defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus up in the air.
“Ownership and accountability is right with me,” said Eberflus, who joined the Cowboys after he was fired last season as coach of the Chicago Bears. “I’m the defensive coordinator. It’s always that. So, if there’s things that need to be improved, it falls on the coach and it falls on the assistant coaches and working with the players, making sure we’re doing the best we can to put them in position. I take full accountability for that.”
Rueben Bain Jr. embraces idea of being selected by Cowboys in 2026 NFL draft – Randy Gurzi, SI.com
Could Miami’s Reuben Bain be available for the Cowboys in April?
The Dallas Cowboys will play their season finale this Sunday against the New York Giants. With a record of 7-8-1, they’re eliminated from playoff contention, but they still feel they made great strides in Brian Schottenheimer’s first season as head coach.
That’s especially true on offense, where they were one of the more explosive teams in the country. Defensively, however, Dallas left a lot to be desired. Their decision to trade Micah Parsons left them without a dominant pass-rusher, which is where they’re expected to focus their attention in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Armed with two picks in the opening round, the Cowboys hope to find a game-changer who can get after the quarterback. One player they would love to select is Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., who is arguably the best EDGE in this class.
As for Bain, he would have no issues with Dallas making him their top selection. When asked about potentially playing for the Cowboys, who had representatives in attendance for their win over Ohio State on New Year’s Eve, Bain said it would be “amazing.”
“It’d be amazing,” Bain said about potentially getting selected by Dallas, via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Any opportunity I can get, no matter where I’m playing, it’d be a blessing. I’ve already made myself familiar with the [stadium] grounds. It’d be an amazing opportunity.”
3 starters the Cowboys should sit against the Giants in the season finale – Brian Martin, Blogging the Boys
It is still to be determined how the Cowboys will handle their meaningless Week 18 game.
QB Dak Prescott
Although Dak Prescott has been adamant about his plans on playing Sunday in the season finale against New York Giants, there’s absolutely zero reason for him to suit up in Week 18. We all know this is a meaningless game and putting them at risk behind a patchworked offensive line that left him battered and bruised last week against the Commanders is ill-advised. There is absolutely no reason to risk him sustaining an injury that could hinder his 2026 season before it even gets underway. Sitting him is in his best interest and the organizations.
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb is another starter who should close out the season on the sideline. Right now, he’s the only wide receiver under contract who can be counted on in the future. The George Pickens situations has yet to be resolved and we all know how quickly things can go south in contract negotiations with the Cowboys, like Micah Parsons last year. That means ensuring No. 88 heads into the offseason as healthy as possible all the more important. In a meaningless game there’s no reason to place them at risk of injury, especially if Dak Prescott sits as well.
Cowboys’ Joe Milton is staying ready as opportunity looms in finale against Giants – Calvin Watkins, DMN
How much of Joe Milton will we see on Sunday?
FRISCO — Dak Prescott is scheduled to start the regular season finale against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Backup Joe Milton is preparing to play just in case.
Whether Prescott starts or not, Milton might get some playing time. It was something he didn’t know when talking to reporters this week.
“Prepare as your (the) starter and then to the whole season, it’s been a progression from last year,” Milton said. “From being the No. 3, emergency quarterback (in New England) to being the No. 2, making sure I was ready for every game, just in case (a) shoelace gets untied, whatever it may be, I’ll be ready for sure.”
Milton has played in three games this season, mainly with the game out of reach. He’s completed eight of 11 passes for 119 yards with a touchdown and one interception.
Milton’s progression has impressed the Cowboys.
Cowboys icon Troy Aikman to serve as consultant in Miami Dolphins’ GM search, per reports – SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News
A lot of Cowboys fans have been begging for Troy Aiman to be more involved in the Dallas’ decision making. He will look to help Miami out first.
New reports by NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero on Thursday night say that former Cowboys quarterback and franchise icon Troy Aikman will serve as a consultant in the Miami Dolphins’ hunt for a new general manager.
The Dolphins have been without an official GM since the franchise mutually parted ways with Chris Grier after a 2-7 start this season. Champ Kelly has been serving as the Dolphins’ interim GM.
Aikman’s role won’t be a permanent one, according to Schefter, but he will serve as an adviser throughout the process of the team’s search for a GM.
According to Schefter’s report, Dolphins ownership “wanted an outside respected perspective from someone who had strong relationships across the league.” Aikman brings that in droves as a Hall of Fame player and current ESPN color commentator for Monday Night Football. Aikman’s role with the Dolphins isn’t expected to impact his job at ESPN.
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