The Dallas Cowboys have had a historically poor start, and the statistics are appalling. In seven weeks, the Cowboys stand last in the NFL with a composite score of rushing defense DVOA, the PFF run grades, and the rushing EPA allowed. Although an offseason has been entirely dedicated to addressing the problem, the outcomes have worsened, indicating that something systemic goes beyond coaching and personnel.
Oct 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys helmet on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys established this clearly last offseason. They also marked downhill linebackers, sold a run-stuffing interior lineman, and even sold one of their best pass rushers to firm the trenches. It was a grave charge of putting right the most outstanding defensive liability on paper. In the field, however, there is no longer that commitment.
The Cowboys are gutted on the ground because they give their opponents the call to play, as in the third consecutive season, since the team allows them to control the tempo and play with possession.
The absence of discipline has been conspicuous. Getting splash plays and run fits, and missing simple reads that other teams perform efficiently are all things that defenders are abandoning. The absence of accountability or its presence has become the problem. Over the past few seasons, coaches have continued starting star players despite repeated assignment failures. That leniency has created what insiders describe as a consequence-free environment. Without repercussions, habits have calcified. And with a front office known for protecting marquee names, defensive coordinators have struggled to enforce standards.
Front-office dynamics are also at play. Frequent coordinator changes from Dan Quinn to Mike Zimmer to Matt Eberflus have deepened instability. If Eberflus had genuine autonomy, many believe personnel changes would already be visible. Instead, the pattern persists: great athletes, poor execution, zero accountability.
The Cowboys’ defensive collapse is not tactical; it is institutional. Until the franchise rebuilds its defensive identity from the top down, every new coach and scheme will meet the same fate.
The sentiment captures what data already confirms; unless Dallas redefines its standards, its “record-worst start” may be the beginning.