Cowboys’ 45% Man Coverage Sparks Defensive Revival – Cody Warren, Inside The Star

The Cowboys played to their strengths of their defensive personnel better than they have all season against the Commanders.

Yet under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys proved that adaptability — not rigidity — can spark a defensive revival.

Eberflus, long known for his predominantly zone-based system, changed course.

Instead of relying on spot-drop coverage and soft zone looks, he unleashed a man-heavy attack — calling man coverage on more than 45% of defensive snaps, the highest rate of the season. The impact was immediate.

While in man coverage, the Commanders’ passing game completely collapsed: • 5-for-15 passing • 57 total yards • One pick-six interception • One forced fumble a

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