Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Dallas Cowboys defense utilizes a 4-3 Zone base scheme under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Dallas Cowboys Defense?

The Dallas Cowboys haven't been playing great defense, sitting near the bottom at #32 in points allowed per game. To make matters worse, they are allowing 7.1 more points per game than the league average.

In the NFC East, they are currently trailing the Philadelphia Eagles (#5), New York Giants (#26) and Washington Commanders (#27) in scoring defense.

This unit lacks a consistent pass rush and struggles to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. They are essentially average in terms of taking the ball away from opponents.

35
Total Sacks
6
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is average (6 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Leading the charge in 2025 is Quinnen Williams, tallying 53 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception on the season. Another bright spot in 2025 has been Jadeveon Clowney, who has chipped in with 41 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

What is the Dallas Cowboys defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Matt Eberflus

The Dallas Cowboys defense runs a 4-3 Zone under coordinator Matt Eberflus.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Zone
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Matt Eberflus brings his 'HITS' principle 4-3 scheme to Dallas, emphasizing zone coverage, discipline, and turnover generation.

Key Principles

HITS PrincipleZone CoverageDiscipline

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Dallas Cowboys Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
8.1/g
Turnovers
AVG
1.1/g
Aggression
AVG
4.9/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
8.1
POOR
They disrupt the offense 8.1 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.1
AVG
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.1 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
4.9
AVG
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.9 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Dallas Cowboys defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
30.1 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Dallas Cowboys defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
S
Markquese Bell
Safety
QuestionableJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Alijah Clark
Safety
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
DeMarvion Overshown
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 5
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Shavon Revel Jr.
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
DaRon Bland
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Jack Sanborn
Linebacker
Injured ReserveNov 3
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Juanyeh Thomas
Safety
OutDec 19
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Payton Turner
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 24
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
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