Overview

• The Cowboys fell 30-27 at Carolina, surrendering 216 rushing yards as ex-Dallas back Rico Dowdle ran for 183 and the Panthers bled the final six minutes before a walk-off field goal.
• Through six games Dallas ranks last in total defense (about 411.7 yards per game) and 31st in scoring (roughly 30.7 points), despite an offense that has produced 104 points with no turnovers across the past three games.
• Dak Prescott has totaled 11 touchdowns with no interceptions over his last three starts, yet Dallas is 1-1-1 in that span, underscoring how defensive lapses are negating prolific offensive outputs.
• Players cited communication and schematic issues, with Trevon Diggs saying the unit lacks an identity; CBS Sports data shows Dallas is using zone on an NFL-high 87% of snaps and man on a league-low 7.9%.
• Head coach Brian Schottenheimer publicly called Matt Eberflus a "great coach," said he met at length with the defensive staff and intends to "ride this thing out," as outside calls for coaching changes and trade ideas, such as a speculative push for Kayvon Thibodeaux, gain volume without any moves announced.