The Dallas Cowboys are making serious changes after their defense hit rock bottom in Week 6. Following a humiliating performance against the Panthers, the team is now focused on rebuilding its identity — starting with the secondary.

Under the direction of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Thursday’s practice looked noticeably different. Instead of the familiar zone coverage that’s plagued them all season, Eberflus introduced intensive man-to-man drills, signaling a complete strategic shift.

The move comes after the Cowboys’ defense surrendered 1,617 passing yards through just six games — the worst mark in the entire NFL. Opposing quarterbacks have been slicing through their zone schemes with ease, leaving massive coverage holes across the field.

Eberflus believes the key lies in the personnel. Star corners Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland possess elite man skills, but both have looked out of sync under the current zone-heavy approach. The new drills aim to unleash their full potential by letting them play to their strengths — physical, aggressive, and fast.

While the secondary gets a full reset, another concern lingers: a lack of pressure up front. Through six games, James Houston leads the team with just 3.5 sacks, followed by Kenny Clark with 1.5. No other Cowboy defender has managed more than one.

Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear he’s not ruling out roster moves. Reports indicate that Trey Hendrickson, a proven pass rusher, could be on the Cowboys’ radar before the trade deadline. However, Jones will only pull the trigger if the defense shows immediate improvement.

With Washington coming up in Week 7, Dallas fans are watching closely. Will this be the moment Eberflus’s defense finally finds its identity — or another chapter in a season slipping away?

“This isn’t about panic,” a Cowboys insider shared. “It’s about pride. They know the standard in Dallas — and right now, they’re not meeting it.”