BREAKING: Matt Eberflus Singles Out Cowboys Defender That He Must Play More

The NFL world received an unexpected twist this week when Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus openly praised a Dallas Cowboys defender and strongly suggested that the league was “not seeing enough of him on the field.” In a surprising turn of events, Eberflus—known for his measured and strategic remarks—broke from his usual restraint to shine a spotlight on a player he believes deserves a far bigger role in Dallas’ defense.

While Eberflus carefully avoided turning his statement into a direct critique of Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, his comments carried a sharp undertone. The Bears head coach, whose team is preparing for its own set of challenges, told reporters:

“When you look at the Cowboys, there’s one guy that jumps off the tape every single time. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he’s disruptive. Frankly, I don’t think they’re using him enough. If I were coaching him, he’d be on the field for nearly every snap.”

Eberflus did not hesitate to identify the player: linebacker Damone Clark.

The former LSU standout has been an under-the-radar presence for Dallas, often overshadowed by the star power of Micah Parsons and the veteran leadership of DeMarcus Lawrence. But according to Eberflus, Clark’s skill set is “too valuable to be confined to rotational duties.”

Why Damone Clark?

Clark entered the league with high expectations but also with concerns about his recovery from spinal fusion surgery in college. The Cowboys took a chance on him, and while he has flashed moments of brilliance, his snaps have often been limited behind established starters. Yet in games where Clark has been given more opportunities, he’s consistently produced impact plays—ranging from open-field tackles to quarterback pressures that disrupted opposing offenses.

Eberflus, who built his reputation as a defensive strategist during his time as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator, has long admired linebackers who combine sideline-to-sideline speed with instincts to sniff out plays. Clark, in his words, “fits that mold perfectly.”

“The Cowboys’ defense is already elite, but you add Clark in a larger role and it becomes overwhelming. He’s a difference-maker, and teams don’t want to admit it because it means more headaches for opposing offenses.”

Tension in Dallas?

While Eberflus’ comments may sound like nothing more than praise, NFL insiders believe his statement could fuel internal conversations within the Cowboys organization. Mike Zimmer, who is known for favoring veteran reliability and established rotations, has not traditionally been quick to expand young players’ roles unless they prove absolute consistency.

Cowboys fans, however, have echoed Eberflus’ sentiments for weeks. Many on social media have questioned why Clark’s snap counts remain modest despite the linebacker’s explosiveness when given the chance. Some fans have even gone as far as suggesting Clark could be the “X-factor” that pushes the Cowboys’ defense into all-time great territory.

Strategic Move or Genuine Admiration?

Critics of Eberflus argue that his comments might not be purely complimentary. Some suggest that the Bears coach, facing mounting pressure to turn Chicago’s season around, could be trying to subtly sow tension within the Cowboys locker room ahead of potential future matchups. By publicly calling for a bigger role for Clark, he may be attempting to disrupt Dallas’ defensive game planning or stir controversy around their coaching staff’s decisions.

Still, those who know Eberflus best dismiss the idea of gamesmanship. One former Colts assistant coach told local Chicago media:

“That’s just Matt. He’s a defensive guy through and through. If he sees talent, he acknowledges it. He’s not the type to play media mind games—he just respects great defensive football.”

Clark’s Response

When asked about Eberflus’ endorsement, Clark himself kept things humble.

“I appreciate the recognition, but I’m just here to do my job and help the team however the coaches want. I’ll always be ready when my number is called.”

His teammates, however, weren’t shy in showing support. Micah Parsons praised Clark as “a dog” and “one of the most slept-on linebackers in the league.” DeMarcus Lawrence added that Clark brings “juice and energy that can flip a game.”

The Bigger Picture

The Cowboys are already one of the most feared defenses in football, but the pressure on them to deliver deep into the postseason grows heavier with every season. If Clark were to take on an expanded role, it could address lingering depth concerns and further solidify Dallas’ reputation as a defensive juggernaut.

Eberflus’ public endorsement has now placed the spotlight squarely on the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Will Zimmer and head coach Mike McCarthy heed the unexpected advice from outside their building? Or will they double down on their current rotations, insisting that Clark’s development continues at a steady pace?

Either way, one thing is clear: Damone Clark has officially been put on the NFL’s radar in a big way.

For the Bears’ head coach to single out a Cowboys defender with such emphasis is not just rare—it may be the beginning of a larger conversation about how Dallas manages its wealth of defensive talent.