Even when things weren’t going well for the Dallas Cowboys defense earlier this season, Jerry Jones spoke highly of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

The Cowboys owner and general manager’s tune changed following their 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. His answers during his Tuesday morning radio interview backed up those postgame feelings, seemingly putting Eberflus on notice that these final three games will go a long way in determining if he will be back next season.

Allowing a young quarterback like Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy to have the success he did specifically bothered Jones. McCarthy, who has struggled throughout his first season as the Vikings’ starter, threw for a career-high 250 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while posting a 108.0 passer rating. He also had four carries for 15 yards and a touchdown.

Opponents have averaged 3.5 sacks per game against McCarthy this season. The Cowboys did not sack him once.

“We let their quarterback have a big day on us,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. “That wasn’t the plan. We could have used more pressure, without question, at different times. The result was that we let him make some pretty significant plays out there, plus, he played pretty well. It seems like we’re always saying that about these (opposing) quarterbacks. Some of them hadn’t played as well, but when they play us, they play better. I think that’s telling, too.”

Opposing quarterbacks are averaging league-highs of 255 passing yards, 2.2 passing touchdowns and a 109.1 passer rating per game against the Cowboys.

Cowboys defense: The numbers

COORDINATOR

RECORD

YPG (RANK)

PPG (RANK)

Matt Eberflus

6-7-1

374.9 (29)

30.0 (31)

Mike ZImmer

7-10

355.2 (28)

27.5 (31)

Dan Quinn

12-5

299.7 (5)

18.5 (5)

Dan Quinn

12-5

330.2 (12)

20.1 (5)

Dan Quinn

12-5

351.0 (19)

21.1 (7)

Mike Nolan

6-10

386.4 (23)

29.6 (28)

Jones said he’s been “very, very pleased” with Dallas’ offense, but added that the defense has played at a level that he did not expect. He also noted that he is “surprised” by how poorly the linebackers have played.

While answering a question about Eberflus, Jones said he believes coaches should adapt their scheme to the players.

“I’m satisfied that the players we have fit what we’re trying to do really well,” Jones added.

Jones would prefer to have continuity at defensive coordinator, as Eberflus is their third DC in the last three seasons. But if the results continue to head in this direction, Jones sounds like he will make a change.

The front office did Eberflus no favors by trading All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons a week before the start of the season. But even after trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the trade deadline while also getting LB DeMarvion Overshown and CB Shavon Revel back from injuries, the results the past two weeks have looked similar to the first half of the season when Dallas had arguably the NFL’s worst defense.

“Candidly, just to be very up front about it,” Jones said, “I think if we could have gotten this defense in better shape earlier that we could be sitting here with the kind of wins that would’ve not had us in this tight spot.”