The Dallas Cowboys finally put the pads on, and with that came the first real glimpse of what this roster looks like when football gets physical.
While it’s still early in training camp, Monday offered several encouraging signs — especially on the defensive side of the ball. From standout performances in the secondary to a physical showing in the trenches, here’s what stood out from Dallas' first padded practice.
1. The defense set the tone
If there was one clear winner from the first padded practice, it was the Cowboys' defense.
Dallas defensive backs consistently disrupted passing lanes throughout practice, making life difficult for Dak Prescott and the first-team offense. Cornerbacks Shavon Revel Jr., DaRon Bland and Cobie Durant all made impact plays, with Durant coming away with a red-zone interception that highlighted an aggressive day from the secondary. Caleb Downs also continued to flash, showing the instincts and physicality that have already made him one of camp’s biggest storylines.
The physical nature of padded practices also benefited the defensive front. Dallas generated steady pressure, won several one-on-one battles and looked noticeably faster to the football than it had during the first few non-padded sessions. According to multiple camp observers, the defense controlled much of the practice from start to finish.
For a team expected to lean on its defense in Brian Schottenheimer’s second season as head coach, that’s an encouraging sign.
2. Shavon Revel Jr. looks ready for a breakout
One player who continues to build momentum is Shavon Revel Jr.
After spending much of last season working his way back from injury, Revel looked like one of the best players on the field during Dallas' first padded workout. He was physical in coverage, stayed attached to receivers and showed the confidence that made him one of the Cowboys' most intriguing young defensive backs entering camp.
His ability to match up against Dallas' talented receiving corps without giving up many clean looks stood out throughout practice.
The Cowboys have high expectations for their revamped secondary, and if Revel continues stacking performances like this, he could become one of the defense’s biggest difference-makers by Week 1.
3. The offensive line is beginning to show its identity
The first padded practice is often where offensive linemen separate themselves, and Dallas' front showed flashes of becoming a physical unit.
While the defense had the better overall day, the offensive line had several encouraging moments in run blocking, creating lanes during team drills and showed improved chemistry. The physicality of the session allowed coaches to get a better evaluation of battles across the line, particularly among young players competing for depth roles.
There were also positive signs from the running game, even if explosive plays were harder to find against a defense playing with plenty of confidence.
The offense still has work to do against a defense that’s flying around the football, but the first padded practice showed Dallas beginning to establish the toughness coaches have emphasized throughout camp.
It’s dangerous to overreact to one practice, but the Cowboys' first session in pads reinforced a trend that’s been developing since camp opened: the defense has played better than the offense.
Dallas' defense appears to be setting the standard early in training camp. If the offense can continue developing its chemistry in the trenches, the Cowboys could leave Oxnard with one of the league’s most balanced rosters heading into the preseason.
