Sean McVay makes simple but telling assessment about the 2026 Dallas Cowboys, and he was quickly proven right
The Dallas Cowboys’ biggest question entering the 2026 NFL season is the defense. But to Sean McVay’s point, this is not last year’s unit. And it’s plainly obvious he’s right.
The Dallas Cowboys play preseason football on Saturday but when it comes to evaluating starters, the most important day of the preseason is already in the rearview mirror.
That’s because Tuesday’s joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams took place. And for the Cowboys defense, it was a particularly important measuring stick. You see, these two teams practiced together last year. And the truth is the Rams offense picked apart the Cowboys defense.
This year, it was a way more even matchup, with MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford forced to accept sacks, throw away the football, and even turn the ball over. It was an even matchup against one of the high-powered offenses of the NFL. That alone is telling.
But if you’re wondering about the why that happened, Rams head coach Sean McVay inadvertently explained it when talking to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
McVay on 2026 Cowboys roster
Speaking on the Up & Adams! Show, Schottennheimer revealed what McVay told him even before practice started.
“It was funny talking to Sean before,” Schottenheimer said. “He said, ‘Man, Schotty, you guys have adjusted your roster a little bit,’ and some different names that he didn’t get a chance to go against last year.”
It’s a simple comment on the surface but one that carries plenty of weight. Think about it, what’s the No. 1 reason why doubters are quick to write off the Cowboys? It’s their defense, which was the NFL’s worst last year.
This is indeed a different Cowboys defense
But to McVay’s point, consider this: Compared to last year’s Week 1, the Cowboys have a projected new seven starters. SEVEN. That’s over 60% defensive overturn. And even that falls short.
I’m not even counting players like edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, who is expected to start in his second year. Nor am I counting Shavon Revel Jr., who could wind up winning the battle for starting cornerback.
The Cowboys added Jalen Thompson via free agency through a $33 million deal. They picked one of this year’s most talented prospects in Caleb Downs in the first round. They got DeMarvion Overshown back from injury and a veteran presence in Dee Winters. Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is part of the defense since Week 1 and edge rusher Rashan Gary looks to complement him.
Is it enough? That remains to be answered. But combined with the fact that the coaching staff was also overhauled on defense, it’s unfair to blame this year’s unit for the sins of last year’s.
What we do know so far is this unit competed against the Rams starters in practice. Both the Rams and Cowboys beats described the session as a pretty even matchup. As for Schottenheimer, he saw what he wanted to see.
“On defense, I thought you felt our play style, our demeanor,” Schottenheimer said. “That was really, really cool. And I thought we created a bunch of turnovers.”
Can they make this count in September when the regular season starts? Time will tell. For now, even Sean McVay this isn’t your 2025 Dallas football Cowboys. And it’s time we start acting like it.
