3 Cowboys on Thin Ice With Matt Eberflus as Defensive Coordinator
As the Dallas Cowboys continue to build a Super Bowl-contending team for the upcoming seasons, they have made substantial strides with both offense and defense. However, the 2025 season is shaping up to be pivotal for several players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, as the team navigates new changes and the influence of Matt Eberflus—the recently hired defensive coordinator.
Eberflus, who comes from the Chicago Bears where he served as the head coach, is known for his disciplined, aggressive defense that places a premium on speed, ball hawking, and getting after the quarterback. His defensive schemes have a reputation for being complex yet effective. With the Cowboys looking to stay competitive in a loaded NFC, the introduction of Eberflus’ defensive mentality is expected to bring both immediate benefits and challenges.
For some Dallas Cowboys defenders, the arrival of Eberflus could mean the difference between securing a long-term role or finding themselves on the outside looking in. The defensive coordinator’s approach could lead to significant changes in personnel, as Eberflus likely has a very specific vision of the kinds of players he needs in his system.
In this article, we’ll take a look at three Cowboys defenders who could be on thin ice under Matt Eberflus’ leadership, as well as how their performances and future with the team could be affected by the shift in defensive philosophy.
1. Leighton Vander Esch – Linebacker
Leighton Vander Esch has been a staple of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense since he was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His size, athleticism, and instincts made him an immediate contributor, and he became a key member of the linebacking corps. However, over the past couple of years, Vander Esch has faced issues with injuries that have hindered his ability to stay on the field and perform at the level he’s capable of.
As Vander Esch enters his contract year, his future with the Cowboys could be in question, particularly under the new defensive system introduced by Matt Eberflus. Eberflus’ defensive schemes require linebackers who are not only physical but also incredibly versatile. They need to excel in coverage, have the ability to disrupt the pocket, and be consistently engaged in the run game. Eberflus emphasizes the importance of speed and playmaking, which could be a concern for Vander Esch.
Why Vander Esch Is on Thin Ice
Vander Esch’s injury history has always been a concern, and it’s now compounded by Eberflus’ system. While Vander Esch is a strong run stopper and a smart player, his inability to consistently stay on the field has led to questions about whether he can remain a focal point of the Cowboys’ defense, especially under a coach like Eberflus who values availability and consistency.
In addition, Matt Eberflus’ defense often requires linebackers to be fast and agile, capable of covering a lot of ground. Vander Esch, at times, has struggled in coverage, particularly in situations where quick lateral movement is required. The rise of Micah Parsons has further complicated Vander Esch’s role, as Parsons has become the most dynamic linebacker in the NFL. With Parsons having a more prominent role, Vander Esch’s future with the team could be tied to how well he adapts to Eberflus’ style and if he can stay healthy.
The Cowboys have also invested heavily in their linebacker group, with Damone Clark and Jabril Cox both being young players on the roster, providing the team with more flexibility. If Vander Esch cannot prove he’s still a viable starting linebacker and fails to impress under Eberflus’ system, he could find himself relegated to a depth role or, at worst, out of the picture entirely.
Outlook for Vander Esch Under Eberflus
Vander Esch’s fate will likely depend on whether he can show he’s fully recovered from his injuries and can contribute at a high level in Eberflus’ fast-paced, aggressive defense. If he struggles to make plays or stay healthy, the Cowboys may move forward without him, looking to get younger and more dynamic at linebacker.
2. Jourdan Lewis – Cornerback
Another player on the Dallas Cowboys’ defense who could be on thin ice under Matt Eberflus is Jourdan Lewis, the veteran cornerback who has been a staple in the Cowboys’ secondary for several seasons. Lewis, known for his agility, physicality, and ability to make plays on the ball, has been a reliable contributor, particularly as a nickel cornerback. However, there are a few aspects of his game that may not align with Eberflus’ aggressive defensive approach, especially considering the changes in the defensive backfield.
Why Lewis Is on Thin Ice
Eberflus’ defensive scheme places a strong emphasis on press-man coverage and creating turnovers, areas where Lewis has been solid but not outstanding. Lewis has been best utilized in a zone-based system where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball in passing lanes. However, in Eberflus’ system, corners are expected to stay tight on receivers in man coverage situations and challenge receivers with physicality from the line of scrimmage.
Lewis’ lack of elite size and length compared to some of the more physically dominant corners in the NFL could hurt him in Eberflus’ press-man defense. Though Lewis is quick and possesses good ball skills, his inability to consistently match up physically with larger receivers could be a limitation under this scheme. Eberflus is also likely to value corners who can play a more complete game, both in coverage and in run support, and this is an area where Lewis has sometimes struggled.
What’s at Stake for Lewis
With the emergence of DaRon Bland, the addition of Stephon Gilmore, and the continued development of young corners like Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright, the Cowboys now have more depth at cornerback than in recent seasons. If Lewis struggles to adapt to the new system or if his skills no longer match the needs of the defense, he could find himself pushed down the depth chart or even released.
Outlook for Lewis Under Eberflus
Lewis will have to prove that he can thrive in a more aggressive and physical defensive scheme. If he can’t adapt to the new system or find a way to stand out in an increasingly crowded cornerback room, he may not have a long-term future with the Cowboys, especially with the team needing to focus on improving other areas in future drafts.
3. Dante Fowler Jr. – Edge Rusher
While Dante Fowler Jr. has been a solid contributor to the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, particularly as an edge rusher, his future with the team could be in jeopardy under Matt Eberflus. Fowler’s role has been valuable in the Cowboys’ pass rush rotation, but with Eberflus bringing in his own defensive philosophy, it remains to be seen whether Fowler will be able to remain a consistent part of the team moving forward.
Why Fowler Is on Thin Ice
Fowler’s play style has often been about using speed to get around the edge and create pressure on the quarterback. However, Eberflus’ defense is more focused on creating consistent pressure through discipline and team-oriented pass rush schemes. Eberflus wants his edge rushers to be fast, but also disciplined enough to hold their edge and not get too far upfield, allowing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket.
Fowler’s inconsistency in this regard could be problematic for Eberflus, as he tends to take a more disciplined and fundamental approach to pass rushing, relying on team pressure rather than one-dimensional speed rushers. While Fowler still has bursts of elite talent, he has not consistently shown the type of all-around impact that Eberflus seeks from his edge rushers.
Additionally, the Cowboys have several young, talented edge rushers, including Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, and Demarcus Lawrence—all of whom can contribute in different ways to the pass rush. If Fowler does not show enough improvement or consistent play under Eberflus’ system, his role may be reduced significantly.
What’s at Stake for Fowler
Fowler’s role could be minimized if he doesn’t adapt to the nuances of Eberflus’ system. The Cowboys have more versatile and younger pass rushers at their disposal, and they could prioritize developing these players over continuing to invest in Fowler’s play. Fowler’s performance in training camp and the early part of the season will be crucial in determining his place on the roster moving forward.
Outlook for Fowler Under Eberflus
Fowler will need to demonstrate his ability to thrive in a more disciplined pass rush scheme, where teamwork and coverage work in tandem with the rush. If he can’t adjust to this more methodical approach, he may not remain in the Cowboys’ long-term plans under Eberflus.
