The Dallas Cowboys started their game against the Seattle Seahawks allowing a 13-play drive for 80 yards that lasted over seven minutes. It felt like watching the 2025 defense, but from then on they didn't allow a single point, forced two three-and-outs, and conjured up a goal-line stand on a four-and-out to seal the victory.
The defense was terrific overall, going from 19 missed tackles in last season's first preseason game to zero against Seattle.
They held the Seahawks offense to 14 first downs, only two yards per pass, under four yards per rush attempt, and one touchdown in four red-zone trips. Seattle managed only 29 passing yards after the opening drive and went under 50% on third- and fourth-down conversions. The incredible play leaves plenty of options for players to see their stock rise on the Dallas defense, but here are the top three.
The post-game signing of Von Miller makes every snap more important for every edge not named Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezieruaku, and Malachi Lawrence. James Houston could be in a battle for one spot with Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat, Isaiah Land, and Marist Liufau, and he stepped up against the Seahawks once again.
He had three tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss, and a QB hit. Houston was the highest-rated defensive player by Pro Football Focus (PFF) with an 86.5 overall grade. He was already a tough cut after how he produced last season, but his first game of 2026 was another step to the 53-man roster.
#game #three #first
The defense was terrific overall, going from 19 missed tackles in last season's first preseason game to zero against Seattle.
They held the Seahawks offense to 14 first downs, only two yards per pass, under four yards per rush attempt, and one touchdown in four red-zone trips. Seattle managed only 29 passing yards after the opening drive and went under 50% on third- and fourth-down conversions. The incredible play leaves plenty of options for players to see their stock rise on the Dallas defense, but here are the top three.
The post-game signing of Von Miller makes every snap more important for every edge not named Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezieruaku, and Malachi Lawrence. James Houston could be in a battle for one spot with Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat, Isaiah Land, and Marist Liufau, and he stepped up against the Seahawks once again.
He had three tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss, and a QB hit. Houston was the highest-rated defensive player by Pro Football Focus (PFF) with an 86.5 overall grade. He was already a tough cut after how he produced last season, but his first game of 2026 was another step to the 53-man roster.
#game #three #first
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