The Dallas Cowboys are looking to turn their defensive potential into better results after dropping to 2-4, and Rashan Gary and DeMarvion Overshown believe consistency will be critical to getting the team back on track.
Dallas fell 23-13 to the Green Bay Packers, leaving the defense searching for ways to eliminate costly mistakes and sustain its better performances. With a Monday night matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles approaching, both defenders emphasized the importance of preparation, accountability and execution.
Rashan Gary emphasizes consistent preparation
For Gary, defensive improvement begins during the week, long before the team takes the field on game day. The veteran outside linebacker believes the habits developed in meetings and practices must carry over into games.
“Starts in the meeting room, starts in practice, creating those habits,” Gary said. “Just being consistent with the habits that we create. Practice to game day, we have to consistently have good habits throughout the week, consistently have good habits throughout practice so it can show up on game day.”
The Cowboys showed progress against Green Bay by recording three sacks and generating 20 pressures on quarterback Jordan Love. Gary wants the defense to build on that performance rather than allow it to become an isolated success.
He also stressed that defenders must remain committed to their techniques and the game plan, even when their individual statistics do not immediately reflect their work.
“Once you get it rolling, the ball starts rolling and it starts rolling fast,” Gary said. “Just believing and being consistent with the plan.”
DeMarvion Overshown wants Cowboys to stop beating themselves
Overshown believes Dallas can become a more effective defense by ensuring all 11 players execute their assignments and avoid giving opposing offenses unnecessary opportunities.
“When 11 are guys doing their job, it’s kind of hard to beat you,” Overshown said. “In this league, offenses, they win games by explosive plays and the other team making mistakes.”
The linebacker, who is expected to return against Philadelphia after missing five games with a hamstring injury, said the defense has spent time discussing how to play cleaner football.
The Cowboys’ third-down struggles against Green Bay illustrated the problem. The Packers converted nine of their first 10 third-down opportunities in the first half, preventing Dallas from consistently getting off the field.
Overshown also explained that frustration alone will not produce different results.
“I wouldn’t say it makes me angry. I wouldn’t say we’re frustrated,” Overshown said. “But I would say as competitors, we want to play better. We want to win.”
Cowboys face an urgent opportunity against Eagles
Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer has said he wants his players to respond after the loss to Green Bay. Gary, however, said he sees no reason to remain angry when the team has another opportunity to win.
“I’m excited man. You can’t be angry,” Gary said. “This game of football teaches you a whole lot of life lessons.”
Gary believes the Cowboys can respond quickly if they remain committed to improving their habits and executing consistently. Overshown similarly stressed that the defense must take the next step rather than continue relying on flashes of strong play.
“Until we’re shutting out opponents, it’s always going to be room for improvement,” Overshown said. “It’s now or never.”
The upcoming Eagles matchup gives Dallas an immediate chance to demonstrate progress. The Cowboys know their defensive potential is there, but turning it into victories will require better execution from the entire unit.
