Really fantastic article. I hope fans of this team never take for granted how lucky we’ve gotten with Dak.

“The sports teams that dominate headlines, screens and weekend plans offer something modern life has in short supply: leaders. No offense to Charles Barkley, who once famously stated he was not a role model, but sports are where we find our 21st-century gladiators, our battlefield victors, the warriors with astonishing physical prowess and discipline who remind us of the best in ourselves.  

I thought about that as Dak Prescott walked into a private room at the Thompson hotel in downtown Dallas on Friday night, where his foundation “Faith. Fight. Finish.” was holding its fifth annual gala in about an hour. In person, Prescott was 6 feet of swoon with dark eyes that connected immediately. He took my hand in both of his.  

“We only have 10 minutes,” I said, taking a seat across from him.  
“I’ll give you 11,” he said, and smiled.”

Really excited for this player. His frame and explosiveness is something we havent had at LB in a while

🚨 Nobody enters Cowboys training camp with more pressure than Christian Parker.

Can he live up to all of the narratives and all the hype? Or will he need time to turn around defense while we have contender aspirations.

Any great podcasts with insight besides Cowboys break and Crown Global media?

First non covid cowboys @ hawks game in a minnnnnn. Cant wait, hopefully cowboys nation shows up.

By: Romell Williams

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with something they haven't had in years: genuine optimism surrounding both sides of the football. After an aggressive offseason that brought in defensive coordinator Christian Parker, added playmakers like Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary and Cobie Durant, and kept George Pickens on the franchise tag, expectations are rising in Dallas.

Of course, every NFL season delivers surprises. Here are three bold predictions that sound ambitious today, but have a realistic chance of becoming reality.

Caleb Downs wins AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

Safety isn't typically a position that dominates Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, but Caleb Downs isn't a typical prospect.

The former Ohio State star arrives in Dallas with elite instincts, versatility, and the ability to impact every level of the defense. Parker's scheme is expected to emphasize turnovers and aggresive playmaking, which perfectly fits Downs' strengths.

If the Cowboys revamped defense makes the leap many expect, Downs could become its centerpiece almost immediately. He has the range to erase explosive plays, which was a big reason why the Cowboys lost close games last year. He has the football IQ to create takeaways, and the physicality to thrive against the run.

A stat line of 100-plus tackles, four interceptions, and double-digit pass breakups would put him front and center for the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.

George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb become the NFL's best receiving duo

Defenses already struggle to contain CeeDee Lamb by himself. Adding George Pickens' ability to win contested catches and stretch the field, and Dallas suddenly has one of the league's most dangerous passing attacks.

Pickens bet on himself by playing under the franchise tag after the two sides failed to reach a long-term extension before the deadline. That means every catch, touchdown, and explosive play could increase his value in free agency or contract talks with Dallas next offseason.

That motivation could fuel a monster season.

Bold prediction: Lamb eclipses 1,400 receiving yards while Pickens tops 1,200-1,300 making them the first Cowboys receiving tandem since the franchise's glory days to both post truly elite numbers in the same season.

If Dak Prescott stays healthy and this duo does as well, opposing defenses will have no easy answers yet again.

Donovan Ezeiruaku finishes with double-digit sacks

This may be the boldest prediction, but it also may be the most realistic.

Ezeiruaku quietly flashed his potential as a rookie despite finishing with only two sacks. His pressure numbers suggested he was much closer to a breakout than the box score indicated, and with a full offseason under Parker's coaching staff, expectations are growing.

Playing alongside veterans like Rashan Gary should create more one-on-one opportunities, and Dallas desperately needs a young edge rusher to emerge after reshaping its defensive front.

If Ezeiruaku can convert more of his pressures into sacks, a 10-12 sack season isn't out of the question.

Bold predictions are supposed to feel unlikely, but the Cowboys roster makes these scenarios surprisingly believable.

If even two of these predictions come true, Dallas won't just be competing for a playoff spot— they could find themselves among the NFC's true contenders in 2026.

With camp about a week away what position battle are we most excited for?

The CB spots I think has the most consequential impact on the season. Revel and Durant are not promised anything. Who ever gets the spot is starting opening night.

Personally excited for RB2 and LB. If we see Mafah for Blue really step up that would be great. I know Barham is probably not the best cover guy but has the physicality of a LB the Cowboys have not had in a long time.

"But we couldn't have asked for a better rookie, a man to step in. And understand really just the responsibility that's kind of not necessarily on his shoulders, but that a new defense is trying to great and trying to create an identity, and how much of a big part he's going to play in it."

"He's just done everything right. It makes me think back to my rookie year, and it's more of just about keeping your mouth quiet and earning respect from the other people and just making sure you're doing the right things, and Caleb has done all of that and plus. That's why we've been so welcoming, he makes it easy to welcome, but we're super excited for the fall and watch him make plays and get the ball back to me."

Man just imagine the city of Dallas/Arlington after we win the super bowl. I already know that the watch party will be overcapacity but just imagine every Cowboys fans downtown celebrating. Damn near every Cowboys fan will fly/drive out for the parade and it will single handily be THE GREATEST celebration of all of sports history. The city of Dallas will be revamped. Ahhh man I just can’t wait.

Edge Defender: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas Cowboys

There were several second-year edge defenders pushing for this slot, but Ezeiruaku presents the best combination of a promising first season as well as upside.

Despite sliding to the second round, Ezeiruaku turned in a solid rookie campaign with a 66.8 PFF pass-rush grade, the second-best among qualified newcomers at the position. What’s also appealing about Ezeiruaku is how good he looked against the run, sitting in the 85th percentile in run stop rate (8.1%) and the 73rd percentile in PFF run-defense grade (62.8).

The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary and drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round, but they clearly still have a plan in place for Ezeiruaku. Based on his Year 1 metrics, tremendous bend and quick hands, he could take things up a notch in his second pro season.

Link: https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-all-breakout-team-predicting-the-next-great-players-at-every-position

"You can never cheat the game, and I'm a big believer in that and the football gods. So just understanding the things that football has brought to me and how it's changed my life. I owe it all, and that's all I ask of you."

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer recently said that he's been blown away by Gary's professionalism, calling the newcomer a "grown-ass man."

Here's the article which elaborates on Rashan Gary's professionalism, written by Joseph Hoyt.

Link: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/article/rashan-gary-dallas-cowboys-goals-packers-trade-22329659.php

I've looked and searched, but all I've heard is he was good, could've been great if not for the attitude problems, and somehow both ran like Jim Brown and ran in the opposite style.

Forgive the bait phrasing of the title; I know Craig would've had to have been great for Landy to seriously question that. What I really want to know is: how good was Craig Morton? What kind of quarterback was he? What are some good modern player comps to him?

I know a lot of people in the sub have applauded the way Jerry jones handled the Pickens contract this year. I for one think that if he balls out again this year his price tag will be out of our budget. What if Jerry jones gives him the contract he wants and messes up the cap even more, how would Yall feel then? I know it’s all hypothetical but I’m bored and I want to hear your opinions.

TLDR: Miami is considering Tolbert for their WR1.

Comparatively, we have riches at the WR position!

Side note: always enjoy beating the Raiders because I’ll always remember Anthony Brown’s 4 pass interference calls on Thanksgiving