The Dallas Cowboys are in it to win it this season, and that’s why Jerry Jones has been doing so much juggling, adding and subtracting. It’s been too long since “America’s Team” has been a real contender, and that’s despite having a stellar quarterback in Dak Prescott.
The quarterback usually gets all the praise and criticism, depending on how things fall. But, even when the Cowboys have lost, people often agree that Prescott wasn’t the problem. He’s a reliable signal-caller, but it’s been hard for the team to build around him.
ESPN has released its training-camp previews for all 32 teams, and in it, they also point out each team’s biggest storyline. For the Cowboys, it isn’t Prescott.
Cowboys have the spotlight on defense
The question for the Cowboys is all about defense. Their defense has to get the job done. Period.
“How quickly can Christian Parker’s defense get up to speed? There are a lot of changes in personnel — potentially up to seven new starters — and scheme, as the Cowboys move to a 3-4 system,” Todd Archer says in the feature. “The pass rush has much to prove, with the biggest addition being the trade for edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers.”
He adds that he believes the linebackers room isn’t super deep, and DeMarvion Overshown will need to “prove he can stay healthy.” He’s not wrong.
But, on the bright side, the secondary has improved with additions in free agency, and the Cowboys have also beefed up their entire defense in the draft.
“The Cowboys do not have to have another Doomsday Defense to succeed in 2026,” he adds, “but it needs to be much improved over last season to make a difference.”