3 main takeaways from Cowboys’ joint practice with Rams

The biggest takeaway from Tuesday was another encouraging performance from Dallas’ defense.

Christian Parker’s unit reportedly generated more than five would-be sacks while consistently creating pressure against the Rams. The secondary also held its own against Stafford and Los Angeles’ talented receiving corps.

One of the most encouraging performances came from Shavon Revel Jr. The second-year cornerback continued his impressive training camp while getting valuable reps against Puka Nacua. Revel recovered on a deep route to break up a potential completion and continued showing why he could become an important part of the Dallas secondary.

The Cowboys still have plenty to prove once the regular season begins, but dominating stretches against an offense led by Stafford and Sean McVay is another positive sign for Parker’s revamped defense.

2. Justin Barron might be forcing Dallas to find him a role

Justin Barron was arguably the biggest winner of the entire practice.

Barron recorded three interceptions, picking off Stafford once before adding two more against backup quarterback Stetson Bennett. The converted safety also contributed against the run, putting together one of his strongest performances since joining Dallas.

His versatility could make him particularly valuable in Parker’s defense.

Dallas also received encouraging linebacker play elsewhere. Dee Winters recorded a tackle for loss against Blake Corum, while DeMarvion Overshown flashed against the running game.

Barron entered training camp without a guaranteed major role, but performances like Tuesday’s could quickly change that. Creating three turnovers against another team is difficult to overlook, especially for a defense searching for versatile playmakers.

3. Cowboys offense finishes strong in the red zone

Dallas’ offense wasn’t just perfect during the joint practice.

The Cowboys struggled at times to consistently move the ball and establish their running game. However, the offense found its rhythm when practice shifted toward red-zone situations.

Prescott threw four touchdowns during red-zone work, connecting with CeeDee Lamb twice and KaVontae Turpin once while finding tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford once. Backup quarterback Sam Howell also threw a touchdown to rookie tight end Michael Trigg.

Considering Dallas’ red-zone inconsistencies last season, that production was an encouraging development.

George Pickens also continued his strong training camp with multiple catches, including a back-shoulder catch near the. His connection with Prescott remains one of the best and it looks the chemistry between the two keeps getting better and better.

There were mistakes, including a Jaydon Blue fumble that won’t help him in the competition for the No. 2 running back role.

Still, Dallas walked away from its joint practice with plenty of positives. The offense showed improvement where it matters most, but the defense was the story of the day.

If Parker’s unit can carry this momentum into the regular season, the Cowboys could have the foundation for a significant defensive turnaround in 2026.