Dallas Cowboys Improve Defense With Man Coverage Shift In 2025 Season

The Dallas Cowboys' defense, once a cornerstone of their success, struggled significantly in the early 2025 NFL season, ranking near the bottom of the league in key defensive metrics such as yards allowed and points conceded. Under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the team made a strategic shift from a predominantly zone-based defense to a more aggressive man coverage scheme, which led to immediate improvements, including a dominant 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 7. This change increased man coverage to nearly half of defensive plays, revitalizing the pass rush and limiting opponents' passing effectiveness, as highlighted by key plays like a sack-fumble and a pick-six. The defensive resurgence has eased pressure on Eberflus and demonstrated that the Cowboys' defense can complement their high-powered offense, which remains a strong point for the team. While the defense still shows some vulnerabilities, such as rushing yards allowed, the recent adjustments suggest the Cowboys are positioning themselves better for a playoff run. Analysts and insiders emphasize that the Cowboys should continue investing in their offense while further strengthening the defense through upcoming drafts and potential trades to sustain their competitiveness.