ss Unbelievable: Trevon Diggs Delivers a 4-Word Message Blasting Matt Eberflus’ Defense Following Week 6 Meltdown Against the Panthers.
The Dallas Cowboys suffered a crushing 27-30 defeat to the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, exposing glaring weaknesses in their defense, which ranks dead last in the NFL, surrendering over 411 yards per game. Following the loss, star cornerback Trevon Diggs delivered a blunt four-word critique of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ unit: “We have no identity.” His comments, reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, highlight the frustration within the team as the defense continues to struggle with busted coverages and a lack of cohesion.
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A Defensive Collapse in Carolina
The Panthers racked up 410 total yards and 30 points against a Cowboys defense that appeared disjointed and ineffective. Diggs didn’t hold back in his assessment, stating, “It’s very frustrating. It’s all these points (given up), the receivers are running wide open down the field, too many busted coverages. It’s a lot. I feel like we’re all over the place.” This meltdown is part of a broader trend for Dallas, whose defense has managed only 11 sacks and four takeaways (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) through six games.
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Eberflus, hired to instill his “HITS principle” (hustle, intensity, takeaways, and smart situational football), has yet to deliver a cohesive defensive unit. His reluctance to adapt the scheme to the strengths of his players, particularly star cornerbacks like Diggs and DaRon Bland, has drawn scrutiny from both players and analysts.
Diggs’ Call for Change
Diggs has been vocal about his preference for a more aggressive, man-coverage approach, a scheme he believes would better utilize his and Bland’s elite coverage skills. Earlier this season, he pushed for more press coverage, arguing that the current soft zone scheme leaves the secondary vulnerable. “If you’re going to pay two cornerbacks north of $20 million per season, do you really need to play so much zone defense?” wrote Nick Eatman of Cowboys.com, echoing Diggs’ sentiment. Eatman added, “The best corners are the best because they can cover. And we’ve seen both Diggs and Bland play exceptional 1-on-1 defense.”
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Despite Diggs’ advocacy, Eberflus has largely stuck to his zone-heavy scheme, a decision that has frustrated players and fans alike. This approach mirrors Eberflus’ tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears, where he underutilized elite cover corner Jaylon Johnson in man-to-man situations, opting instead for zone coverage.
Analysts Echo Diggs’ Concerns
Diggs’ criticism isn’t an isolated opinion. Former Cowboys great Michael Irvin took to X, exclaiming, “I have never seen an NFL defense with so many people running WIDE OPEN.” Similarly, Eatman called for immediate changes, stating, “It’s been six games, and it’s time for a change on defense. Big or small, something has to be fixed.” The consensus is clear: the Cowboys’ defense, as currently constructed, is failing to leverage its talent or establish a clear identity.
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The lack of a complementary pass rush further exacerbates the issue. Without consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Diggs and Bland are often left exposed in coverage, making it difficult to execute any defensive scheme effectively. A more aggressive pass rush could alleviate some of the secondary’s burden, but Eberflus has yet to find a solution to this ongoing problem.
A Challenging Road Ahead
The Cowboys face a daunting schedule moving forward, with matchups against formidable offenses like the Washington Commanders (twice), Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles. If the defense doesn’t find its footing soon, the season could spiral further out of control. Diggs’ comments underscore the urgency for change, whether through schematic adjustments or a renewed focus on the team’s strengths.
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Can Eberflus Turn It Around?
With six seasons of experience and two Pro Bowl selections, Diggs brings credibility to his critique. His 20 career interceptions and 194 solo tackles highlight his ability to make plays when positioned correctly. However, the current defensive approach isn’t playing to his strengths, and the results are evident on the field.
Eberflus, a veteran coach since 1992, was brought to Dallas to build a robust defense, as he did in previous roles. Yet, six weeks into the season, the Cowboys’ defense remains a liability. Diggs’ four-word message—“We have no identity”—serves as a wake-up call. There’s still time to change the narrative, but without significant adjustments, the Cowboys risk a long and disappointing season.
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For more details on Diggs’ performance, including his 2025 season stats (13 tackles, 5 assists, 0 interceptions through 6 games), refer to the sports card above. The question now is whether Eberflus can adapt his scheme to maximize his players’ potential or if Dallas’ defensive woes will continue to define their 2025 campaign.
