Dallas
Cowboys

Brian Schottenheimer’s ascent to head coach of the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t a surprise to him, as he admitted on a recent podcast he intended to remain with the organization regardless, even if it meant only calling plays. His desire for the top job was palpable, and his eventual promotion has solidified his role as a ‘Jones-whisperer’ within the uniquely hands-on ownership structure. The Cowboys' projected starters have landed squarely in the middle of the NFL pack according to ESPN's latest rankings, a statistic that underscores the team's current standing. This middling assessment comes as the team prepares for training camp, where several newcomers face immense pressure to perform. Among those under the microscope is cornerback Cobie Durant, who is expected to anchor the secondary amidst potential lingering injury concerns for DaRon Bland and an unproven depth chart. On the defensive front, outside linebacker Rashan Gary, now in his eighth year and a first-year Cowboy, faces the most significant expectations of any newcomer. His veteran presence and established high level of play are crucial for a defensive front that faltered in edge setting last season. First-round pick Caleb Downs arrives with the highest ceiling and the colossal expectations that accompany being a highly touted player in Dallas, tasked with spearheading a defensive turnaround. Meanwhile, on offense, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling's situation is less about team success and more about individual roster security. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens locked in at the top, and Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin solidifying the next spots, Valdes-Scantling must battle for a limited number of receiver openings, despite his veteran status. The future of the cornerback position also presents a wide range of potential outcomes, with Shavon Revel needing to live up to his draft billing to avoid becoming another 'bargain that fizzled out.' DaRon Bland’s trajectory is also a major question mark; his 2023 performance was a stark departure from his elite 2022 form, and the team must hope for a return to that standard, or at least a solid 2022 version. On the defensive line, second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku has a chance to become the team's premier pass rusher, a scenario many believe is probable given the revamped interior defense. However, past second-round misses linger, creating a palpable pressure for him to finally fulfill his potential. In historical context, the Cowboys' 26-17 Week 7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in 1993 was highlighted as Day 66 of their countdown to kickoff. This regular-season clash underscored the decade's defining rivalry, with the Cowboys demonstrating the resilience and control that defined their dynasty years, reinforcing their status as the NFC's new standard.