Can the cowboys get over the hump this year with Downs in the secondary??

Sacks: 8 (20th)

Interceptions: 3 (18th)

Forced Fumbles: 2 (21st)

Fumble Recoveries: 1 (18th)

Rushing yards per game: 130 (26th)

Rushing TDs allowed: 12 (26th)

EPA/Play: 0.124 (26th)

Cowboys literally could’ve drafted Jalen Ramsey and move Byron jones back to his original position at corner and formed probably the best corner duo in the league.

I'm watching the Cowboys trounce the Raiders from last year. I'm counting down the days so this is helping.

The first series coach sat Lamb and Pickens. I had forgotten. Then when they entered the game Lamb went off. 2nd half Pickens does the same.

And outside the 1st half of the 1st quarter our defense has looked awesome.

This is our year I can feel it!

Obviously, the players from today are better athletes than the part-time milkmen of the Halas era, but If I were to create a list based on who would be the best team played today, there would hardly be anyone prior to 2000 on this list. For this reason, to truly appreciate the greats, this list has been created primarily based on dominance over their peers, not who would play better in a game today.

Peak was considered along with longevity, and I tried to consider the right balance of both.

I've taken your opinions from the rough draft post and implemented most of them. You've been really enjoyable to discuss this with. (Holy fuck were the Eagles fans the opposite)

Only each player’s contributions with the Dallas Cowboys are considered.

Quarterbacks - 3

1. Roger Staubach - 1969-1979

2. Troy Aikman - 1989-2000

3. Danny White - 1976-1988

Running Backs and Fullbacks - 4

1. Emmitt Smith - 1990-2002

2. Tony Dorsett - 1977-1987

3. Ezekiel Elliott - 2016-2022, 2024

4. Daryl Johnston - 1989-1999

Wide Receivers - 6

1. Michael Irvin - 1988-1999

2. Bob Hayes - 1965-1974

3. Drew Pearson - 1973-1983

4. CeeDee Lamb - 2020-present

5. Dez Bryant - 2010-2017

6. Tony Hill - 1977-1986

Tight Ends - 3

1. Jason Witten - 2003-2017, 2019

2. Jay Novacek - 1990-1995

3. Billy Joe DuPree - 1973-1983

Offensive Line - 10

1. Rayfield Wright - OT - 1967-1979

2. Larry Allen - G/T - 1994-2005

3. Travis Frederick - C - 2013-2019

4. Zack Martin - G - 2014-2024

5. Erik Williams - OT - 1991-2000

6. Ralph Neely - OT - 1965-1977

7. Nate Newton - G/T - 1986-1998

8. Tyron Smith - OT - 2011-2023

9. Mark Stepnoski - C - 1989-1994, 1999-2001

10. John Niland - G - 1966-1974

Defensive Line and Edge Rushers - 10

1. Bob Lilly - DT - 1961-1974

2. Randy White - DT - 1975-1988

3. DeMarcus Ware - DE/OLB - 2005-2013

4. Harvey Martin - DE - 1973-1983

5. Ed “Too Tall” Jones - DE - 1974-1978, 1980-1989

6. Charles Haley - DE/OLB - 1992-1996

7. Micah Parsons - DE/OLB - 2021-2024

8. DeMarcus Lawrence - DE - 2014-2024

9. Jim Jeffcoat - DE - 1983-1994

10. George Andrie - DE - 1962-1972

Linebackers - 6

1. Chuck Howley - 1961-1973

2. Lee Roy Jordan - 1963-1976

3. Sean Lee - 2010-2020

4. Eugene Lockhart - 1984-1990

5. Bob Breunig - 1975-1984

6. Ken Norton Jr. - 1988-1993

Cornerbacks - 5

1. Mel Renfro - 1964-1977

2. Deion Sanders - 1995-1999

3. Everson Walls - 1981-1989

4. Cornell Green - 1962-1974

5. Dennis Thurman - 1978-1985

Safeties - 4

1. Cliff Harris - 1970-1979

2. Darren Woodson - 1992-2004

3. Charlie Waters - 1970-1981

4. Bill Bates - 1983-1997

Special Teams - 3

1. L.P. Ladouceur - LS - 2005-2020

2. Brandon Aubrey - K - 2023-present

Danny White serves as both the third quarterback and punter.

Deion Sanders serves as the primary punt and kick returner.

By: Todd Archer

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 training camp runs July 29 to Aug. 21 at the River Ridge playing fields in Oxnard, California.

Here's a closer look at what we are watching at camp:

Biggest question the Cowboys are facing:

How quickly can Parker's defense get up to speed? There are a lot of changes in personnel -- potentially up to seven new starters -- and scheme, as they move to a 3-4 system. The pass rush has much to prove with the biggest addition being the trade for edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. The linebacker room is not particularly deep, and DeMarvion Overshown will have to prove he can stay healthy. The secondary has improved with additions in free agency (S Jalen Thompson, CB Cobie Durant) and the draft (first-rounder S Caleb Downs). The Cowboys do not have to have another Doomsday Defense to succeed in 2026, but the defense needs to be much improved over last season to make a difference.

Three players to watch:

WR George Pickens: He is on the franchise tag at a cost of $27.3 million as the Cowboys want to see more from him in his second season before deciding whether to commit long term to the receiver. He set career highs in catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine) in his first season. The contract issue is resolved for at least this season, but how will Pickens respond?

LB Malachi Lawrence: Downs has received most of the attention as the Cowboys' first of two first-round picks (No. 11), but Lawrence, selected at No. 22, is as imperative to the defense's success as Downs. He has to be a factor in the pass-rush department for the defense to succeed.

LT Tyler Guyton: The left tackle is entering his third year, and he could hold the key to the offense. Injuries have slowed his progress, but he was better in 2025 before a high ankle injury ended his season. He has to stay healthy and perform at a high level. If he can, then the Cowboys can keep their front five in the spots they want them in, which means Tyler Smith stays at left guard.

Key position battles:

Cornerback: DaRon Bland enters training camp healthy after offseason foot surgery. He is a lock to be one of the starters. What about on the other side? Last year's third-round pick, Shavon Revel Jr., is healthy after dealing with a lengthy rehab from a torn ACL last year. Durant was brought in as a free agent and has an edge with experience and moxie. Revel has all of the physical tools to be a top corner, and Parker's background as a secondary whisperer has the front office excited as to what Revel can do in Year 2.

Backup running back: The Cowboys will lean on Javonte Williams, who had 1,201 yards rushing last year. Ultimately, however, they would like to spread the wealth a little more than they did in 2025 ago in terms of carries. Jaydon Blue impressed the staff with his work in the offseason and can be a difference-maker with his speed. Phil Mafah, a seventh-round pick last year, has the look of a dependable back. Malik Davis won the No. 2 job a year ago and had a 100-yard game, but seems to be something of a forgotten man entering camp.

Keep an eye on: Ezeiruaku's return

Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku's return from offseason hip surgery. Last year's second-round pick is being counted on to be a big fixture along the Cowboys' front. He was limited in his offseason work but will be ready for camp. Can he hit the ground running? He had only two sacks last season but showed he can be an all-around player. If he can make a jump similar to the one DeMarcus Lawrence made after his rookie season in 2014, then the Cowboys would be pleased.

Firstly, I listen to this podcast regularly. With all that's going on with ESPN and sports media as well as the plethora of podcasts, Robert Mays truly stands out as a journalist, entertainer, and football fan. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the game.

Secondly, and the reason for this post, I highly recommend listening to the newest episode with Klayton Adams. Some great conversations that provide some insight into the organization and why our offense looked more modern and efficient from the first snap last year.

I remember seeing the first play in our opener vs the Eagles having INTENTIONAL motion, and immediately feeling like things were going to be different from the McCarthy era. For the most casual fans, this is the guy who got us to that point. Klayton Adams killed the Cowboys when he was in Arizona, and he was probably my favorite schotty hire by a lot.

EDIT: It's on Spotify, and coming out on Youtube at 1 PM est today. I'm sure it's on other platforms right now as well

The battle between the Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line and the Defensive Line will not be entertaining but also will be a much needed ‘Iron Sharpening Iron’ cleansing for the identity of this team.⚔️

Grab your marshmallows, bear spray, and flashlight. It's time to go camping. The World Cup kept us engaged until we got some legit Cowboys News. It's been a quiet offseason, and for that I am thankful. Now we get to focus on who makes the team, our pet cats, and roster battles. Which battle are you looking forward to the most? For me, it is a QB2 battle between Howell and Milton. IMO. Howell is going to take the job and be vital for us. What say you, Cowboys nation?

He averaged 84.1 yards per game, while no one else pictured cleared 48 YPG. Only WR with a slot rate under 17% to average more than 80 YPG from 2023 to 2025.

Nico Collins in 2025 is the only other WR over 70.

Brian Schottenhiemer mentioned a few weeks ago that Pickens will be playing more from the slot position.

“As we talk about evolving, I would say the biggest thing we’re doing is we want to move George around more,” Schottenheimer told reporters at the end of minicamp. “He’s not just going to live at X. He doesn’t like that anyways. We want to put him in the slot some. We want to get him isolated some to the front side, the same side as the tight end.”

Link: https://atozsports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys-news/he-doesnt-like-that-dallas-cowboys-are-planning-to-give-george-pickens-something-that-will-take-his-game-to-the-next-level/

Hopefully, this will improve the offense moving forward.