{"id":404327,"date":"2026-08-12T07:42:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/404327\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T07:42:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T07:42:22","slug":"cowboys-defense-passes-early-test-vs-rams-in-joint-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/404327\/","title":{"rendered":"Cowboys defense passes early test vs. Rams in joint practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer watches as Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford takes a snap during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. \u2014 The demise of last year\u2019s Dallas Cowboys<\/a> defense was foretold at the team\u2019s joint practice in Oxnard against the Los Angeles Rams. Any optimism about Matt Eberflus’ defense was suddenly cast with skepticism by the recurring sight of Rams running wild.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown recalled, the Rams \u201cdamn near had a field day\u201d last year against the Cowboys’ defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If last year\u2019s joint practice was a signal for a historically bad defense, then let this year\u2019s joint practice<\/a> be a signal the Cowboys’ defense might actually turn things around this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Related: Dallas’ defense has big day in joint practice vs. Rams<\/a><\/p>\n

Christian Parker<\/a> and the Cowboys’ defense successfully passed their first test against an opposing team at the Rams’ practice facility Tuesday. The starting defense limited the Rams and quarterback Matthew\u00a0Stafford, the reigning MVP of the league, to a few big plays. The Cowboys had some wins, too, highlighted by three interceptions from second-year linebacker Justin Barron. He intercepted Stafford once while he and fellow backup linebacker Shemar James worked with the first-team defense, and he intercepted Stetson Bennett twice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (45) returns an interception as defensive back Josh Butler (31) celebrates during a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Barron was far from the only standout. Second-year corner Shavon Revel<\/a> nearly had an interception in the endzone on a fade pass inside the 10-yard line that was targeted for receiver Davante Adams. He also showed some physicality when he popped a Rams running back so hard that the running back flew and coughed up the ball.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Overshown set the tone early when he essentially forced a punt with back-to-back stops, sparking a big reaction from the sideline and head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who spent half of his time during Tuesday\u2019s practice<\/a> simply watching Parker\u2019s defense against one of the league\u2019s best units.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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After practice, Overshown almost cautioned against making any grand conclusions about what Tuesday could mean for this defense moving forward. He made sure to mention multiple times that it was good work against a really good offense. He said they were excited to look at the film and see where they could improve.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Overshown was, however, one of the few remaining witnesses to last year\u2019s joint-practice debacle left on this defense. That means he couldn\u2019t help but point to the obvious.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s a complete difference from when they came to Oxnard last year,\u201d Overshown said.<\/p>\n

And it should be. The Cowboys almost completely overhauled their defensive personnel<\/a> this offseason. They overhauled their entire defensive staff outside of assistant linebackers coach J.J. Clark. They poured resources into the group, starting with signing safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year deal and using their first three draft picks on defensive players, including 11th overall pick Caleb Downs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How confident are you in the Cowboys’ revamped defense?<\/p>\n

The Cowboys almost completely overhauled their defensive personnel this offseason. Christian Parker and the new-look defense successfully passed their first test in a joint practice with the Rams.<\/p>\n

The newcomers flashed against the Rams’ starting offense, too. Free agent corner pickup Cobie Durant had a pass breakup in coverage against\u00a0Adams. Linebacker Dee Winters, acquired in a trade from the 49ers during the draft, had a tackle for loss where he wrapped and threw Rams running back Blake Corum to the ground. Downs tagged down Rams running back Kyren Williams early in team drills for what would\u2019ve been a tackle for loss.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cYou can look at us on paper and see we\u2019re a completely different defense,\u201d Schottenheimer said. \u201cHaving practiced against us every day, the mentality and the mindset of the defense is different, so I think that\u2019s great.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s looked for a while that this defense could be different. In minicamp, wide receiver Ryan Flournoy<\/a> noted how difficult it was to compete against the defense compared to the ease of last season. Quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko said the defense has given them nightmares.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There was still a question, however, about how the defense \u2014 under a 34-year-old first-time coordinator \u2014 could do against an opposing team. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, busy on his own during Tuesday\u2019s split practice, didn\u2019t have to see to believe his defense was playing well. He could hear it.<\/p>\n

\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Shavon Revel (28) breaks up a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) laughs with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Los<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay (right) laughs with Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer before a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Los<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay (left) hugs Dallas Cowboys chief sales marketing officer Jerry Jones Jr. alongside chief operating officer Stephen Jones (left) and owner Jerry Jones (right) before a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) shakes hands with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott stretches before a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James stretches before a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke pushes a blocking sled during a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday,\u00a0Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Los<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay (right) laughs with Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer before a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) tussles with Los Angeles Rams linebacker Omar Speights (48) during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Los<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Myles Garrett slaps hands with a teammate during a joint training camp practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday,\u00a0Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) hauls in a pass as Los Angeles Rams defensive back Trent McDurrrie (22) defends during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen calls a play during a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Julius Wood (32) celebrates as Los Angeles Rams wide receiver CJ Daniels (6) is knocked out of bounds during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (45) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brennan Presley (81) during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (45) celebrates after intercepting a pass with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (0) during a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Quinnen Williams lines up for a snap during a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Los<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass during a joint training camp practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Los<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) can\u2019t make a catch as Dallas Cowboys defensive back Daron Bland (26) defends during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Shavon Revel (28) breaks up a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during a joint training camp practice on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Reddy Steward (27) celebrates after breaking up a pass during a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott waits to talk with reporters following a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks with reporters following a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in Woodland Hills, Calif.<\/p>\n

Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard the cheers and the hollering and could tell those were our guys,\u201d Prescott said. \u201cObviously they\u2019ve been doing it to us throughout camp and getting after us, so it\u2019s cool to see that energy and that identity continue. I know they\u2019re pumped about it, but they\u2019re not satisfied with what they\u2019ve done. They\u2019re going to go back, same as we are, and look at it, be hard on ourselves and see where we can get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Rams’ offense had their moments Tuesday. Stafford found Adams for a touchdown against tight coverage from DaRon Bland. Revel allowed a couple of completions. The Rams’ running attack found some lanes against the Cowboys’ defensive line.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was a battle,\u201d Schottenheimer said of the defense against the Rams’ offense. \u201cThey had their plays. It\u2019s what a joint practice should look like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Which is a whole lot different than last year\u2019s joint practice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all know they were running base calls and we were running base calls, but to see our bread and butter working out to how we envisioned it and working versus other teams, that feels good,\u201d Overshown said. \u201cSo it\u2019s going to be great to build off that confidence.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer watches as Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford takes a snap during…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":404328,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103,135716,93042,124547,88227],"class_list":["post-404327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news","tag-tp-christian-parker","tag-tp-dallas-cowboys","tag-tp-training-camp","tag-tp-brian-schottenheimer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=404327"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/404327\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/404328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=404327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=404327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=404327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}