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Eberflus Report Week 8 - It Continues To Get Worse
The bodies are dropping and the solutions are gone. The defense continues to fail badly.
Bob Sturm
Oct 29, 2025
Here we go and this is going to be rough. Our objectives today will be:
OVERALL DEFENSIVE EVALUATION
There is no easy way to take us through this Wednesday piece other than to marvel at how badly the defense performed in Denver. Was this the worst defensive showing of 2025 by Matt Eberflus’ defense?
Well, that would probably not give enough credit to what we saw against the Giants, Bears, Packers, or Panthers. There are five candidates for what was the worst job by the defense – and somehow the Cowboys are 1-3-1 in those five games. How they did not go 0-5 is a testament to how good the offense can perform (at least at home) to keep things afloat as we explore the depths of despair once again with a Dallas defense that can’t stop anything way too often for our liking.
Take a look. I circled the indicators of a rough day in Denver across the board. They stopped next to nothing in this one.
Here is the damage and look at all of the red:
Failing grades across the board. They only “won” time of possession, but you can trick that stat by succumbing too fast so we refuse to celebrate that.
This was brutal by ever mark and honestly, us trying to decipher it feels like an exercise in futility.
They gave up 40-plus points, 400-plus yards, and had zero sacks.
Historical Perspective for how bad Sunday truly was.
We could end the column here today with that because Denver achieved all of this and didn’t even look like they were taxed. If you read the piece on Monday, you know that Sean Payton was basically mocking the Cowboys defense. It is a joke and he knows it so he felt weird complimenting his offense for carving it up.
We remember Sean’s merciless beatdown of the Cowboys in 2013 at the Superdome and this one was even worse.
In fact, there are only four other occasions of 40-400-0 in Cowboys defensive history and each one has a story:
The big issues are everywhere. The one we will discuss here is that this team cannot get any pass pressures. We will not discuss Micah Parsons again here (however acknowledging that he is the single best pass pressure player on planet earth and has been for years should likely be part of this).
They cannot pressure passers. In the NFL that is death.
They did try eight blitzes and it resulted in only three pressures and zero sacks and had almost no impact on Bo Nix.
Here are his splits. As you can see, pressure vs no pressure is a thing. Even the best look different with grass stains.
But, they simply cannot home with any regularity. It is a killing them on the backend, where of course, you are down several safeties and several corners.
There was more man coverage, but what is the point. You cannot touch their guy.
So, here is Bo Nix looking like the best QB possible.
I think there are so many problems right now with this defense that we are stuck trying to identify the biggest one. And you can’t. Because it keeps changing based on how opponents want to attack you.
Why would any team stop running the ball?
But, right now, the biggest problem for an opponent is picking which play you want to run next – they all seem like the right choice. Again, Payton was clowning on Dallas. He sees the issues and he can’t believe it.
Here is the JK Dobbins cut-up and he WASN’T the RB who had the two touchdowns. He was the other one.
We are doing this every week. The run defense is so bad and the linebacker play is just as awful as I have seen and we have seen some awful times for this run defense over the years.
The biggest problem for Cowboys opponents is to stay focused on running the ball. Some want to pass more but most weeks if they would just keep running, Dallas would have no chance.
An honest appraisal of Kenneth Murray
This is all going to seem that I am picking on one guy and I have been confronted on this as to why I single him out over Shemar James, Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau.
So, allow me to explain.
They traded a draft pick to get him.
They hand picked him to run their defense and he has played more snaps that any single player on this defense.
Those three other LBs make a combined $3.7 million this season. Murray is being paid $7.75 million against the 2025 cap (that guy in Green Bay is getting $9.9 million against their cap, if you are curious).
So, he is making a lot of money, he is playing every snap, and he is killing them.
Please allow me to show you the PFF ranks of high-usage players (50% of snaps or more) over a 4-year trend. Murray has played 3,110 snaps during this 4-year trend for three different NFL teams:
Guys, I know we liked him at Oklahoma. I know it. And the Chargers found out that the guy they loved in college could not do it in the NFL. The Titans decided the change of scenery might work.
What are the Cowboys doing? Help me understand how Dallas can see this level of play and say that A) we want him running our defense, B) we want him playing more snaps than anyone, and C) we want him helping our young guys to learn what being a professional is all about.
I am going to give you the last three road games in one reel so you can see if these grades seem fair. I am not sure I have seen a veteran LB play more poorly against the run and I just want to know how the Cowboys can watch this same film and not literally go get anyone to give them something more.
Just make a play. Once. On any of these. Stopping the run at its core is about effort, determination, and pride. I will not get blocked and I will not wait for someone else to beat their block. I just am not seeing it at all right now and each week I wait for the coaches to do something about it. So far, they reward him with every single snap.
I don’t understand it anymore.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is starting to show up more.
I owe you some good news, so here we go. Donovan Ezeiruaku has a 23.9% pass rush win rate over his last three games and that ranks him fourth in the league during that timeframe behind just Hutchinson, Joey Bosa, Karlaftis, according to NFL Draft Files.
My numbers are slightly different. But, they are still very impressive and they still show the Cowboys rookie 2nd rounder as one of the very best pass rushers in the league over the last month (total pressures and pressure rates, not sacks).
I sorted by DL who have at least 50 pass rushes in the last 4 games, sorted by pressure rate. Look at those names!
DeMarcus Lawrence, you say? Well, now. Also, Dante Fowler looking better than I thought and there is Jacob Martin who has really impressed me. But, if you sort by rookies, then Ezeiruaku goes to the top and the only other one listed is JT Tuimoloau (look at all the Colts!).
Also, don’t mind the fact that Al-Quadin Muhammad was in the Cowboys camp in 2024 and of course Tank is Tank.
But, as we earmark pieces for the future and just like on draft day, I remain steadfast that Ezeiruaku is a dude.
OK, this is one of those film sessions that we will get through a bit faster because we are all tired of this game by now.
All-22 Film Study:
1Q - 13:44 - 1-10-DEN 46 - B.Nix pass short right intended for P.Bryant INTERCEPTED by T.Bridges at DAL 41.
I’d like to tell you that 25-Bridges made a great play here, but this is just Bo Nix and a RPO where he properly pulls it, identifies an open receiver, and then just throws an awful ball that is right to a defender for no good reason. No pressure, nothing. He is just 5-feet off on location and it is a gift interception against Cover-1 man. Bridges should get credit for the interception, but oof. Just a bad throw and a complete gift.
1Q - 9:07 - 3-2-DEN 34 - B.Nix pass short middle to T.Franklin to DAL 40 for 26 yards
Big third down here. Up 3-0, if you can get a stop (don’t laugh), you can get back to business. Instead, I think this is Cover 3 (tough to fully know), but Troy Franklin is running free through the middle of the field. I believe the bust is 50-James not getting deep enough on the drop, but the two receivers on the mesh route in front make that difficult. Also, 25-Bridges is sort of covering nobody, but this route combination is used to confuse a zone and it works. Wide open Franklin, easy pitch and catch, and the first big explosive of the day.
1Q - 8:21 - 2-10-DAL 40 - R.Harvey left end for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Two plays later….the next explosive play. I will use Monday’s piece to describe:
And now, let’s show you the ENTIRE third drive of the Denver Broncos. Although I do want to show you that paragraph from Monday again:
Cowboys playing Cover 4 or Cover 6 (split safety zone) and with zero pass rush, Denver attacks on play-action and then a zone beater where you isolate the far right defender and put him in conflict with a go-route behind him and an out-breaker in front of him. Whichever way he goes, Nix throws it to the other guy who will be wide-open. There is a pitch and catch for an easy 16 yards.
Next play…
Play 2 of Drive 3: 1Q - 5:07 - 1-10-DAL 46 - J.Dobbins right tackle to DAL 25 for 21 yards
Now, they come back with outside zone right. Any RB worth his salt is ready for the cutback if the zone blocks get over-pursuit on the backside. Well this one is too easy for JK Dobbins. As the entire DL is washed out to the numbers, the entire field is bare back to the left. Easy money for 21 yards.
Next play…
Play 3 of Drive 3: 1Q - 4:31 - 1-10-DAL 25 - B.Nix pass short right to T.Franklin to DAL 15 for 10 yards
OK, this one is easy. Cowboys try a corner blitz by Bland and Nix is ready to throw it to where now the Cowboys are outnumbered on the right. Franklin is given a free first down because of great recognition and preparation by the QB.
Then, a holding that sets up 1st and 20:
Play 4 of Drive 3: 1Q - 3:10 - 1-20-DAL 25 - B.Nix pass deep middle to T.Franklin for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
2Q - 0:44 - 2-2-DAL 24 - B.Nix pass deep left to P.Bryant for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cover 2 right before halftime. This one is just a beautiful throw to rookie WR Pat Bryant and this is simple stuff. Bridges vs Bryant. Again, no pressure, no chance. This will have to change to make these throws more difficult. In the NFL, this is death.
Mercifully, just three more from the 2nd half.
4Q - 15:00 - 2-12-DEN 40 - B.Nix pass deep left to C.Sutton to DAL 21 for 39 yards
Ok, six man blitz means you have to get home before the QB can find a solution. He knows that it is man coverage, so Nix quickly finds Courtland Sutton vs Trikweze Bridges who they were obviously targeting over and over again. Now, see Franklin is wide open over the middle, but the Broncos are looking for chunk plays at every turn and here is another one. Sutton gains 39.
4Q - 12:54 - 3-6-DAL 7 - B.Nix pass short left to T.Franklin for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cover 1. Find Bridges. Wait all day with no pressure. Franklin gets open again. Touchdown.
Guys, this is rough.
Last one.
4Q - 7:18 - 3-5-DAL 5 - B.Nix pass short right to R.Harvey for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Last one because the design is so beautiful, this is a man-beater across the formation for RJ Harvey against James. All the traffic going one way and Harvey back the other way. James gets beat, but this is so hard for anyone to work all the way back and make a play.
Like the entire day, it was easy money.
There weren’t many splash plays, but here is what we found.
We will talk more Cowboys on Monday morning for a preview against the Cardinals.
The bodies are dropping and the solutions are gone. The defense continues to fail badly.
Bob Sturm
Oct 29, 2025
Here we go and this is going to be rough. Our objectives today will be:
- Overall Defensive Evaluation - Rock Bottom?
- Historical Perspective for how bad Sunday truly was.
- Why would any team stop running the ball?
- An honest appraisal of Kenneth Murray
- But, Donovan Ezeiruaku is starting to show up more!
- Film Study: Splash Plays and Playing Time
OVERALL DEFENSIVE EVALUATION
There is no easy way to take us through this Wednesday piece other than to marvel at how badly the defense performed in Denver. Was this the worst defensive showing of 2025 by Matt Eberflus’ defense?
Well, that would probably not give enough credit to what we saw against the Giants, Bears, Packers, or Panthers. There are five candidates for what was the worst job by the defense – and somehow the Cowboys are 1-3-1 in those five games. How they did not go 0-5 is a testament to how good the offense can perform (at least at home) to keep things afloat as we explore the depths of despair once again with a Dallas defense that can’t stop anything way too often for our liking.
Take a look. I circled the indicators of a rough day in Denver across the board. They stopped next to nothing in this one.
- 3rd worst day in yards allowed (Giants and Packers were worse).
- 2nd worst day in yards per play (Giants game).
- 2nd worst day in yards per rush (Jets game was worse).
- Worst day in sacks (tied with Chicago).
- 3rd worst day in yards per pass (Chicago and Giants).
Here is the damage and look at all of the red:
Failing grades across the board. They only “won” time of possession, but you can trick that stat by succumbing too fast so we refuse to celebrate that.
This was brutal by ever mark and honestly, us trying to decipher it feels like an exercise in futility.
They gave up 40-plus points, 400-plus yards, and had zero sacks.
Historical Perspective for how bad Sunday truly was.
We could end the column here today with that because Denver achieved all of this and didn’t even look like they were taxed. If you read the piece on Monday, you know that Sean Payton was basically mocking the Cowboys defense. It is a joke and he knows it so he felt weird complimenting his offense for carving it up.
We remember Sean’s merciless beatdown of the Cowboys in 2013 at the Superdome and this one was even worse.
In fact, there are only four other occasions of 40-400-0 in Cowboys defensive history and each one has a story:
- The Green Bay playoff game in January 2024 is still the marker of when the Cowboys felt broken as a franchise and the recovery is still ongoing.
- The Denver game in 2013 is the best example in history of how the Cowboys failed Tony Rom.
- The 49ers game of 2000 was Terrell Owens going to the star.
- The Broncos game in 1998 was a broken Aikman clavicle and Terrell Davis having arguably the greatest single day of his career. It was one of the definitive Mile High Salute days the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Broncos ever had.
The big issues are everywhere. The one we will discuss here is that this team cannot get any pass pressures. We will not discuss Micah Parsons again here (however acknowledging that he is the single best pass pressure player on planet earth and has been for years should likely be part of this).
They cannot pressure passers. In the NFL that is death.
They did try eight blitzes and it resulted in only three pressures and zero sacks and had almost no impact on Bo Nix.
Here are his splits. As you can see, pressure vs no pressure is a thing. Even the best look different with grass stains.
But, they simply cannot home with any regularity. It is a killing them on the backend, where of course, you are down several safeties and several corners.
There was more man coverage, but what is the point. You cannot touch their guy.
So, here is Bo Nix looking like the best QB possible.
I think there are so many problems right now with this defense that we are stuck trying to identify the biggest one. And you can’t. Because it keeps changing based on how opponents want to attack you.
Why would any team stop running the ball?
But, right now, the biggest problem for an opponent is picking which play you want to run next – they all seem like the right choice. Again, Payton was clowning on Dallas. He sees the issues and he can’t believe it.
Here is the JK Dobbins cut-up and he WASN’T the RB who had the two touchdowns. He was the other one.
We are doing this every week. The run defense is so bad and the linebacker play is just as awful as I have seen and we have seen some awful times for this run defense over the years.
The biggest problem for Cowboys opponents is to stay focused on running the ball. Some want to pass more but most weeks if they would just keep running, Dallas would have no chance.
An honest appraisal of Kenneth Murray
This is all going to seem that I am picking on one guy and I have been confronted on this as to why I single him out over Shemar James, Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau.
So, allow me to explain.
They traded a draft pick to get him.
They hand picked him to run their defense and he has played more snaps that any single player on this defense.
Those three other LBs make a combined $3.7 million this season. Murray is being paid $7.75 million against the 2025 cap (that guy in Green Bay is getting $9.9 million against their cap, if you are curious).
So, he is making a lot of money, he is playing every snap, and he is killing them.
Please allow me to show you the PFF ranks of high-usage players (50% of snaps or more) over a 4-year trend. Murray has played 3,110 snaps during this 4-year trend for three different NFL teams:
Guys, I know we liked him at Oklahoma. I know it. And the Chargers found out that the guy they loved in college could not do it in the NFL. The Titans decided the change of scenery might work.
What are the Cowboys doing? Help me understand how Dallas can see this level of play and say that A) we want him running our defense, B) we want him playing more snaps than anyone, and C) we want him helping our young guys to learn what being a professional is all about.
I am going to give you the last three road games in one reel so you can see if these grades seem fair. I am not sure I have seen a veteran LB play more poorly against the run and I just want to know how the Cowboys can watch this same film and not literally go get anyone to give them something more.
Just make a play. Once. On any of these. Stopping the run at its core is about effort, determination, and pride. I will not get blocked and I will not wait for someone else to beat their block. I just am not seeing it at all right now and each week I wait for the coaches to do something about it. So far, they reward him with every single snap.
I don’t understand it anymore.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is starting to show up more.
I owe you some good news, so here we go. Donovan Ezeiruaku has a 23.9% pass rush win rate over his last three games and that ranks him fourth in the league during that timeframe behind just Hutchinson, Joey Bosa, Karlaftis, according to NFL Draft Files.
My numbers are slightly different. But, they are still very impressive and they still show the Cowboys rookie 2nd rounder as one of the very best pass rushers in the league over the last month (total pressures and pressure rates, not sacks).
I sorted by DL who have at least 50 pass rushes in the last 4 games, sorted by pressure rate. Look at those names!
DeMarcus Lawrence, you say? Well, now. Also, Dante Fowler looking better than I thought and there is Jacob Martin who has really impressed me. But, if you sort by rookies, then Ezeiruaku goes to the top and the only other one listed is JT Tuimoloau (look at all the Colts!).
Also, don’t mind the fact that Al-Quadin Muhammad was in the Cowboys camp in 2024 and of course Tank is Tank.
But, as we earmark pieces for the future and just like on draft day, I remain steadfast that Ezeiruaku is a dude.
OK, this is one of those film sessions that we will get through a bit faster because we are all tired of this game by now.
All-22 Film Study:
1Q - 13:44 - 1-10-DEN 46 - B.Nix pass short right intended for P.Bryant INTERCEPTED by T.Bridges at DAL 41.
I’d like to tell you that 25-Bridges made a great play here, but this is just Bo Nix and a RPO where he properly pulls it, identifies an open receiver, and then just throws an awful ball that is right to a defender for no good reason. No pressure, nothing. He is just 5-feet off on location and it is a gift interception against Cover-1 man. Bridges should get credit for the interception, but oof. Just a bad throw and a complete gift.
1Q - 9:07 - 3-2-DEN 34 - B.Nix pass short middle to T.Franklin to DAL 40 for 26 yards
Big third down here. Up 3-0, if you can get a stop (don’t laugh), you can get back to business. Instead, I think this is Cover 3 (tough to fully know), but Troy Franklin is running free through the middle of the field. I believe the bust is 50-James not getting deep enough on the drop, but the two receivers on the mesh route in front make that difficult. Also, 25-Bridges is sort of covering nobody, but this route combination is used to confuse a zone and it works. Wide open Franklin, easy pitch and catch, and the first big explosive of the day.
1Q - 8:21 - 2-10-DAL 40 - R.Harvey left end for 40 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Two plays later….the next explosive play. I will use Monday’s piece to describe:
I will add that you must focus on the Broncos RG 77-Quinn Meinerz destroy everyone in his path on that play. It is incredible work and not a “great look” for the defense.
And now, let’s show you the ENTIRE third drive of the Denver Broncos. Although I do want to show you that paragraph from Monday again:
Play 1 of Drive 3: 1Q - 5:43 - 1-10-DEN 38 - B.Nix pass short right to P.Bryant pushed ob at DAL 46 for 16 yards
Cowboys playing Cover 4 or Cover 6 (split safety zone) and with zero pass rush, Denver attacks on play-action and then a zone beater where you isolate the far right defender and put him in conflict with a go-route behind him and an out-breaker in front of him. Whichever way he goes, Nix throws it to the other guy who will be wide-open. There is a pitch and catch for an easy 16 yards.
Next play…
Play 2 of Drive 3: 1Q - 5:07 - 1-10-DAL 46 - J.Dobbins right tackle to DAL 25 for 21 yards
Now, they come back with outside zone right. Any RB worth his salt is ready for the cutback if the zone blocks get over-pursuit on the backside. Well this one is too easy for JK Dobbins. As the entire DL is washed out to the numbers, the entire field is bare back to the left. Easy money for 21 yards.
Next play…
Play 3 of Drive 3: 1Q - 4:31 - 1-10-DAL 25 - B.Nix pass short right to T.Franklin to DAL 15 for 10 yards
OK, this one is easy. Cowboys try a corner blitz by Bland and Nix is ready to throw it to where now the Cowboys are outnumbered on the right. Franklin is given a free first down because of great recognition and preparation by the QB.
Then, a holding that sets up 1st and 20:
Play 4 of Drive 3: 1Q - 3:10 - 1-20-DAL 25 - B.Nix pass deep middle to T.Franklin for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
That was the “stand tall” drive. Yikes.
2Q - 0:44 - 2-2-DAL 24 - B.Nix pass deep left to P.Bryant for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cover 2 right before halftime. This one is just a beautiful throw to rookie WR Pat Bryant and this is simple stuff. Bridges vs Bryant. Again, no pressure, no chance. This will have to change to make these throws more difficult. In the NFL, this is death.
Mercifully, just three more from the 2nd half.
4Q - 15:00 - 2-12-DEN 40 - B.Nix pass deep left to C.Sutton to DAL 21 for 39 yards
Ok, six man blitz means you have to get home before the QB can find a solution. He knows that it is man coverage, so Nix quickly finds Courtland Sutton vs Trikweze Bridges who they were obviously targeting over and over again. Now, see Franklin is wide open over the middle, but the Broncos are looking for chunk plays at every turn and here is another one. Sutton gains 39.
4Q - 12:54 - 3-6-DAL 7 - B.Nix pass short left to T.Franklin for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cover 1. Find Bridges. Wait all day with no pressure. Franklin gets open again. Touchdown.
Guys, this is rough.
Last one.
4Q - 7:18 - 3-5-DAL 5 - B.Nix pass short right to R.Harvey for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Last one because the design is so beautiful, this is a man-beater across the formation for RJ Harvey against James. All the traffic going one way and Harvey back the other way. James gets beat, but this is so hard for anyone to work all the way back and make a play.
Like the entire day, it was easy money.
There weren’t many splash plays, but here is what we found.
We will talk more Cowboys on Monday morning for a preview against the Cardinals.
