FRISCO, Texas — Rashan Gary spent seven seasons in Green Bay under a handful of defensive coordinators. Christian Parker is the newest one he has played for.
“Swagger, confidence, his belief in his players, and just his skill, just putting his players in position to make plays,” Gary said.
Parker is in his first season running the Dallas Cowboys defense. He replaced Matt Eberflus, whose unit allowed 30.1 points per game in 2025, a franchise record, along with 511 points and 60 touchdowns, both league worsts.
The Green Bay Packers took Gary 12th overall in 2019 out of Michigan. He came to Dallas this offseason and was voted onto the Cowboys’ leadership council alongside Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Jalen Thompson, and Bryan Anger. Sunday will be his first opening day as a Cowboy.
Rashan Gary On What The Joint Practices Gave The Dallas Cowboys Defense
Brian Schottenheimer said Monday that the play style under Parker showed up throughout the preseason without the veterans on the field, and that Dallas has speed at every level.
“I’ve been excited, especially in the joint practice opportunity that we had, being able to play different color, being able to communicate on grass, it gets different looks, especially unscouted looks,” Gary explained. “So being able to have a game plan ready to execute together as all 11, man, it’s gonna be fun. Cuz all OTAs, the camps even now, we’ve been flying around communicating and we’ve been growing week by week.”
Dallas rebuilt the front around Parker. The Cowboys traded for Quinnen Williams last November and signed him to a three-year, $105.9 million extension on Aug. 10. Kenny Clark arrived by trade shortly before last season, and players voted both defensive tackles team captains for 2026. Malachi Lawrence was the first-round pick in April. Donovan Ezeiruaku, a second-round pick in 2025, is in his second season. Von Miller signed a one-year deal on Aug. 16, and Schottenheimer said Monday he sees no physical reason Miller could not play Sunday.
Rashan Gary On Where The Dallas Cowboys Defense Starts This Season
Thompson signed a three-year, $33 million deal this offseason and joins DaRon Bland, Caleb Downs, and Malik Hooker in the secondary. Derrick Ansley coaches the defensive backs. Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown are the linebackers Schottenheimer named for speed.
“Last year is last year. This year is this year. And we’re already feeling like we’re off to a better foot and a better start,” Gary said. “So all in all, man, Sunday y’all going to be able to see. But make sure y’all stay tuned.”
Schottenheimer said he has not decided who starts opposite Bland and that it will come down to packages and plans.
The defense opens against Jaxson Dart, who is entering his second season and accounted for 262 total yards and 2 passing touchdowns in the New York Giants‘ 34-17 win over Dallas in last season’s finale. Cam Skattebo is in the Giants backfield. Matt Nagy runs the offense under John Harbaugh, who brought 15 assistants with him from the Baltimore Ravens.
Dallas set its initial 53-man roster on Aug. 30 with 26 players on defense. The Cowboys finished 7-9-1 and have missed the playoffs two years running.
Dallas will be without Tyler Smith on the other side of the ball. The starting left guard has thumb surgery Tuesday and is headed for injured reserve.
Kickoff is 7:20 p.m. CT Sunday on NBC at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
