What happened: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker dismissed the notion that missed assignments on defense stem primarily from poor communication. Parker noted that blaming communication is often a convenient explanation when players simply fail to execute their responsibilities.

Why it matters: The defensive breakdowns follow a 33-30 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 1 as Dallas seeks consistency under its first-year play-caller. Structural issues and execution breakdowns have kept the unit under scrutiny, leaving the defense as the team's primary vulnerability midway through the season.

What to watch: The Cowboys face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 ahead of the Nov. 10 league trade deadline.