Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus Downplays Trades to Help Defense, 'We Got What We Need'

The 3-4-1 Dallas Cowboys have allowed 31.3 points per game, the second-worst mark in the NFL. However, Dallas also has scored 30.8 points per game, the second-highest mark in the league. The Cowboys have the offense to compete and make a run to the playoffs, but the defense needs to step up.

As the trade deadline approaches, there have been plenty of rumors and speculation regarding Dallas potentially making defensive additions. However, Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus doesn't believe Dallas needs to add anyone to improve.

"Every year is different and you are who you are," Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "The facts are the facts, and the realities are the realities. And we have to be better. That's where we are right now. But I believe in every player in the room. We got what we need in that room. I'm excited about us improving every single week from this point."

Dallas just endured its ugliest defensive performance of the season in a 44-22 road loss to the Denver Broncos. Running back J.K. Dobbins rushed for 111 yards on 15 carries, fellow RB RJ Harvey scored three touchdowns and quarterback Bo Nix threw for 249 yards and four TD.

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Dallas' performance isn't a huge surprise considering the team traded two-time First Team All-Pro Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the season amid a contract dispute. Parsons amassed 52.5 sacks in four seasons with Dallas and had 6.5 more this year for a 5-1-1 Packer team currently sitting atop the AFC.

Dallas called in on Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Hendrickson as well as Las Vegas Raiders edge-rusher Maxx Crosby, but its efforts were shut down, per Fox Sports' Jay Glazer last Sunday.

It makes sense why Dallas would want a pass-rusher given the loss of Parsons. Only one player has more than 1.5 sacks this year (James Houston, with 3.5), and the team as a whole only has 14 sacks in eight games.

Ultimately, Dallas needs to figure something out on that end quickly. For his part, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott noted that a trade "definitely can help a team," per comments relayed by DallasCowboys.com staff writer Tommy Yarrish.

"Definitely can help a team," Prescott said on Thursday. "Not being naïve and understanding where we are, and to say one position is where we need to go or that, I'm not sure. Leave it to those guys who are in those talks, I'm sure making those decisions and working hard right now as we near the deadline to figure out something."

We'll find out soon enough if Dallas does something with the trade deadline set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.