DALLAS COWBOYS FANS LEFT FRUSTRATED: THE SECONDARY STRUGGLES CONTINUE AS SEASON SLIPS AWAY

Sunday was yet another frustrating experience for Dallas Cowboys fans, who watched helplessly as their defense faltered against the New York Giants. In a game where the Cowboys’ secondary was exposed yet again, missed tackles were aplenty, and poor angles left them chasing shadows. The inability to wrap up tackles became all too evident, making it impossible for the defense to prevent the Giants from exploiting a weakened aerial attack.

It was not just the missed tackles that stung; it was the fact that the Giants were without their top two wide receivers and yet managed to move the ball almost at will. This sums up what has been a difficult season for the Cowboys’ defense. Fans were left wondering when this defensive nightmare would end, and with the defense’s continued struggles, it seems inevitable that changes will come, particularly at the defensive coordinator position. This could very well mean the end of Matt Eberflus’ tenure with the Cowboys, a move that many believe is a foregone conclusion at this point.

THE FUTURE OF THE COWBOYS’ DEFENSE: WHO WILL STEP IN TO FIX THE SECONDARY?
The question on everyone’s mind now is: Who will replace Eberflus? While there are plenty of names in the mix, several candidates stand out as potential successors. The Cowboys’ defensive secondary is in desperate need of a makeover, and whoever takes the reins will have to focus on fixing the glaring weaknesses in that unit. Here are some of the top candidates to consider:

DANIEL BULLOCKS: THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS’ DEFENSIVE MASTERMIND

One name that has risen to the top is Daniel Bullocks, the safeties coach and pass game specialist for the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have one of the most impressive coaching trees in the NFL, with Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans having both gone on to achieve success as head coaches after their time in San Francisco. Bullocks has been with the 49ers since 2017 and has helped develop one of the NFL’s most consistent secondaries.

Though the 49ers’ defense hasn’t been quite as dominant this year as in seasons past, Bullocks’ unit remains among the best in the league. If the Cowboys want to get serious about improving their pass defense, Bullocks is a natural fit. His experience coaching elite talent in San Francisco would bring a much-needed boost to the Cowboys’ struggling secondary.

AUBREY PLEASANT: THE LOS ANGELES RAMS’ RISING STAR

Another intriguing candidate is Aubrey Pleasant, the assistant head coach and pass game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Pleasant has been on the radar for several years now, interviewing for various defensive coordinator positions. Since joining the Rams in 2023, he has earned a promotion to assistant head coach and continued to refine his defensive philosophy.

Under Pleasant’s guidance, the Rams have developed one of the most aggressive secondaries in the league, and his ability to coach cornerbacks and safeties is second to none. Pleasant’s work with the Rams speaks volumes about his potential to bring a new defensive identity to the Cowboys, one that could finally shore up their secondary and help them compete with the top teams in the NFC.

CORY UNDLIN: THE TEXANS’ PASS DEFENSE SPECIALIST

Next up is Cory Undlin, the pass game coordinator for the Houston Texans. Undlin has been instrumental in the development of the Texans’ young defense, which is now emerging as one of the toughest units in the league. Before joining Houston, he served as the pass game specialist for the 49ers, where he helped shape the defensive backs into one of the most feared groups in the NFL.

With DeMeco Ryans now at the helm of the Texans, Undlin has played a key role in transforming their defense, which is known for its hard-hitting safeties and physical cornerbacks. If the Cowboys want a coach who has already proven himself in helping young players develop, Undlin would be a perfect fit to take over the secondary in Dallas.

AL HARRIS: THE BEARS’ DEFENSIVE COACH WITH COWBOYS CONNECTION

For those who have followed the Cowboys closely over the years, one name will immediately stand out: Al Harris. Harris, who was a key part of Dan Quinn’s defensive staff in Dallas, played a pivotal role in developing the Cowboys’ ball-hawking defense, particularly with players like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. His ability to coach up defensive backs and teach them how to create turnovers is well documented.

Unfortunately, Harris left the Cowboys this offseason and joined the Chicago Bears as their pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach. Since his departure, the Bears’ defense has flourished, generating turnovers at an impressive rate. Many fans feel Harris should have been kept in Dallas, and it’s clear that his expertise has made an immediate impact in Chicago. Bringing Harris back could be just the spark the Cowboys need to regain their defensive dominance.

RAHEEM MORRIS: THE DEFENSIVE VETERAN WITH A SUPER BOWL RING

Last but certainly not least is Raheem Morris, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and current defensive mind for the Los Angeles Rams. While Morris may have been let go after two seasons as the Falcons’ head coach, his pedigree as a defensive mastermind is well established. He won a Super Bowl as the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the NFL’s top defensive coaches.

Morris brings a wealth of experience to the table, having won two Super Bowls — one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a defensive quality control coach in 2002. Morris is widely respected for his work with defensive backs, and his ability to get the most out of young talent is exactly what the Cowboys need. Morris could be the perfect candidate to help revamp the Cowboys’ secondary and guide them back to defensive excellence.

THE BIG QUESTION: WILL JERRY JONES MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE?

As the Cowboys continue to falter on defense, the pressure is mounting for Jerry Jones to make a move and find the right person to fix the secondary. The Cowboys have a talented roster, but their defense has been inconsistent at best. Whether it’s Bullocks, Pleasant, Undlin, Harris, or Morris, one thing is clear: the Cowboys’ defense needs a change, and the right hire could be the difference between returning to the playoffs or continuing to struggle on defense.

With the Cowboys’ playoff hopes still alive, it’s imperative that they address their defensive woes as soon as possible. If they want to contend with the top teams in the NFC, they’ll need to shore up their secondary and prevent another season from slipping away.

The question now is: who will step in to guide the Cowboys’ defense back to glory? Fans are hoping that the answer comes sooner rather than later, as another disappointing season is the last thing the team — and its loyal fan base — needs.

STAY TUNED: WHO WILL LEAD THE DALLAS COWBOYS DEFENSE INTO THE FUTURE?
As the Cowboys look to the future, the pressure on the front office and coaching staff will only grow. With so many talented candidates available, the Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to bring in a coach who can help take their defense to the next level. Whether it’s a coach with deep ties to the Cowboys or someone who can bring in fresh ideas and strategies, the right hire will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward.