Cowboys' defense called out for one major failure during 2025 season

The Dallas Cowboys' putrid defense has been a talking point for the team throughout the entirety of the 2025-26 NFL season, with the unit shouldering blame for failing to provide the necessary support for Dak Prescott and the team's offense.

Prescott and the Cowboys' offense have put together a strong season, but they are being forced to be perfect with the defense's inability to get any stops.

With the team officially eliminated from the playoffs, it is time for the Cowboys to go into full evaluation mode, taking a close look at the players and coaching staff as the team determines who should be a part of the team's for future.

MORE: Week 17 power rankings roundup shows faith in Cowboys was already gone

When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer shared his thoughts on one major issue for the defense that has held the team back.

Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer at a training camp press conference at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

For Schottenheimer, the defense's inability to generate turnovers has been one glaring failure.

"When you look at where we are with creating turnovers, it starts with that — we have to hit the quarterback to make him make errant throws or get strip sacks," Schottenheimer told the media.

MORE: Stephen Jones' comments on Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus could point toward pink slip

This season, the Cowboys have only forced 11 turnovers, which is the third worst in the league. The Cowboys trail only the Washington Commanders and New York Jets in the takeaway category.

The Jets have just three wins this season, while the Commanders have tallied four. Without generating turnovers, the Cowboys aren't allowing Prescott and the offense to ever take advantage of short fields. They are also allowing opposing defense's extra time to rest on the sidlines while their offense is on the field.

Dallas Cowboys fans react to a play against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

A lot of the issues start with scheme, and a lack of blitzing, which is yet another reason the Cowboys strongly need to consider moving on from defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus in the offseason.

MORE: Dak Prescott praises Jerry Jones' enthusiasm, desire to improve Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys 2025 defensive ranks

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus looks on during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Total Defense: Ranked No. 29, allowing 374.9 yards per game and 45 touchdowns.

Pass Defense: Ranked No. 32, allowing 254.8 passing yards per game and a league-high 31 passing touchdowns.

Rushing Defense: Ranked No. 18, allowing 120.1 rushing yards per game and 19 rushing touchdowns, the second most in the league.

— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys-Commanders initial Week 17 injury report is bad news for star LB

New Cowboys mock draft adds 2 stud defenders after Week 16 disaster

Cowboys-Commanders Week 17 uniform matchup to make franchise history

Dak Prescott receives respectable Week 16 grade despite fading late

Cowboys-Commanders announcer pairing & assignment for Week 17 on Christmas

Meet Brenley Herrera: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader 2025 rookie