Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Recap: Defense is getting the meteoric rise it needs from player that raises unit’s ceiling
The most noteworthy notes from the latest Dallas Cowboys practice, headlined by yet another good day from second-year cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.
The Dallas Cowboys held their second-to-last practice before the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, and it was difficult to walk away without thinking Shavon Revel Jr. was one of the day’s biggest winners. At this point, Revel appears to be the pass breakup leader of Cowboys training camp.
Let’s dive into that and other takeaways from Cowboys practice.
Shavon Revel Jr. thrives
Early in Thursday’s session, Revel lined up against wide receiver Ryan Flournoy on an intermediate route and extended his arm to deny quarterback Dak Prescott the completion. That was one of several standout moments for the second-year cornerback.
Later in practice, safety Markquese Bell intercepted a pass intended for George Pickens, but the play told a bigger story about Revel. He was trailing Pickens on what looked like a post route from the sideline angle, roughly three full steps behind. While the ball was in the air and Pickens tracked it without slowing down, Revel simply caught him. His ability to close that distance after falling so far behind was impressive.
Ideally, you don’t want him that far behind in the first place. But his recovery speed is undeniable. Because he had to make up ground, he couldn’t get himself turned around to play the ball. Bell was there to make the pick, though. Consistency from Revel in staying connected to his man has been a theme.
Dallas Cowboys insider Patrik Walker from DallasCowboys.com offered this observation on social media: “The Cowboys are indeed developing him as a starter.”
Revel was listed on the Cowboys’ unofficial depth chart as the starter, though the listing reflects a competition between him and Cobie Durant, who is also having a strong camp. That battle remains ongoing.
And Revel wasn’t done. He delivered another standout rep later in practice covering Pickens on what appeared to be a comeback route. Revel had outside leverage, and when Pickens broke inside, Revel was fast and twitchy enough to loop all the way around Pickens and gain inside leverage before breaking up the pass. Pickens wanted a defensive pass interference flag but didn’t get one.
Caleb Downs continues to impress
Cowboys first-round rookie Caleb Downs continues to put together a strong training camp, this time flashing in man coverage against CeeDee Lamb. On one play, Downs followed Lamb in pre-snap motion, then stayed step for step as Lamb ran to the flat and tried to get upfield during a Prescott scramble drill. Downs broke up the pass.
This is noteworthy because Ohio State didn’t ask Downs to do this consistently. For him to succeed as a slot defender in the NFL, he needs to prove he can handle these reps. Practice after practice, he’s hanging with Lamb. Does he get routed up at times? Sure. Does he bite on fakes? Absolutely. He’s a rookie. But Downs keeps showing up in the slot, and that deserves applause.
Dee Winters flashes with multiple pass deflections
Linebacker Dee Winters showed up on Thursday with a couple of pass breakups. On a Prescott bootleg, Winters figured out what was happening, leaped in the air, and broke up a pass that appeared intended for tight end Luke Schoonmaker or fullback Hunter Luepke. It was a big-time athletic play.
On another rep, Winters came on a blitz from his off-ball position, jumped again, and deflected the pass. Multiple pass deflections in a single practice made for a fun afternoon from the linebacker.
Tyler Guyton looks like Cowboys LT1
Thursday felt like another positive outing for left tackle Tyler Guyton. The highlight came against Marist Liufau, who is fighting for a roster spot. Liufau rushed the edge and tried a spin move, but Guyton tossed him to the ground and didn’t have any of it.
Guyton stayed on his toes throughout practice and continues to put together encouraging sessions. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Nate Thomas isn’t challenging him for the left tackle spot, but independent of that, Guyton appears to be a very improved version of himself. He also showed great chemistry with guard Tyler Smith in combo blocks, specifically in handling stunts from the defensive line.
For now, the Cowboys’ defense is generating the buzz heading into the preseason opener. We’ll see if it carries over against Seattle.
