**Kurt:** There is definitely more excitement among the fan base for the Cowboys defense heading into the season. With a young, innovative coach on board, several free-agent veterans brought in, and two first-round draft picks added to the mix, it's hard not to be.
But I think you're right. This thing is going to need some time to jell. While he certainly has been impressive thus far during his short time in Dallas, Christian Parker has never called plays before. These players have never worked in his schemes or, for the most part, with each other, as more than 50% of the defensive roster was turned over this offseason.
Consider that even in Dan Quinn's first six games with the Cowboys as defensive coordinator in 2021, the team gave up an average of 24.3 points. After coming back from the bye in Week 7 of that season, Dallas surrendered only 19.3 points per game. The team then finished fifth in the NFL for fewest points allowed in each of the next two years.
And, of course, we know what life was like under Mike Zimmer and Matt Eberflus in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Players never did seem to get comfortable in their systems, which obviously showed in the results. Awful.
While the vibe around the defense is more positive, expecting Parker and his men to burst out of the gate firing on all cylinders might be wishful thinking, especially since many starters never touch the field during the preseason. How could they possibly be completely in sync?
Finally, you can throw in that gauntlet of opponents and travel the Cowboys have to face to start the schedule, which wouldn't be easy for the most seasoned coach and team. Given all that, I think good times lie ahead, but some patience will be needed.