The Dallas Cowboys have faced intense scrutiny this past week. The Micah Parsons trade sparked endless debate among analysts who question the defense and wonder about locker room chemistry.
Outside noise grows louder each day. Inside the building, however, the atmosphere tells a different story.
The organization maintains confidence despite widespread criticism. Players and coaches believe they have the pieces to succeed without their former star pass rusher.
Analyst Peter Schrager recently shared insight into the team’s internal perspective during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I will say this, as much as this network and every other network has been destroying Jerry Jones over the last two weeks for this trade, and maybe rightfully so, the Cowboys don’t feel like their defense is going to be 32nd in the league. In fact, the Cowboys feel pretty darn good with their defense, even without Micah Parsons,” Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show.
"The Cowboys feel pretty good about their defense even without Micah Parsons..
A lot of people in that building think that they're being underestimated" ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5u2je6uuBo
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 4, 2025
The Cowboys have assembled a rotation they trust at the pass rush positions. Dante Fowler Jr. leads the group with Sam Williams developing behind him.
Second-round rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College provides depth alongside Marshawn Kneeland.
Multiple sources told Schrager the organization sees enough talent across the front seven to remain competitive.
If their assessment proves accurate, this controversial move might not create the disaster critics expect.
Dallas prepares for Thursday night’s season opener against the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus works with a talented secondary featuring Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. The team added pieces through trades and the draft while focusing on building chemistry.
The Cowboys enter the season determined to prove their internal confidence was justified.
The defense’s first true test without Parsons awaits, and the outcome, good or bad, won’t be known until the final whistle.
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