Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is changing up how the team practices as they get deeper into training camp.
Speaking to the media this week, Schottenheimer announced that the team will be having more padded practices for 7-on-7 and 9-on-7 training. He declared that the team needs to "build some callouses" in preparation for the new season.
"Brian Schottenheimer said the Cowboys will have more padded practices with 7 on 7 and 9 on 7 work this year. 'We’ve got to build some callouses and get ready,' Schottenheimer said," ESPN's Todd Archer wrote today.
More padded practices certainly couldn't hurt. One of the many complaints about the Cowboys last season in their first year under Schottenheimer was that the defense was too soft.
But at this point, almost any change to the way they do things will be welcome.
The Cowboys endured a 7-9-1 season in their first year under Schottenheimer and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season. While Dallas fielded one of the NFL's most explosive offenses behind quarterback Dak Prescott and playmakers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the defense struggled throughout the year, allowing an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game. The Cowboys were plagued by inconsistency, losing several high-scoring games despite ranking among the league leaders in total offense.
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Heading into the 2026 season, expectations remain high despite last year's frustrations. Jerry Jones spent the offseason aggressively reshaping the roster, adding pass rusher Rashan Gary and using premium draft capital to bolster the defense while emphasizing that he is willing to trade future assets in pursuit of a Super Bowl.
The Cowboys will again rely on Prescott to lead an offense featuring Lamb and Pickens, but the team's success will largely depend on whether a revamped defense under coordinator Christian Parker can make significant improvements. If Dallas can pair its high-powered offense with even an average defensive performance, the Cowboys should contend for a playoff berth in a competitive NFC. Otherwise, another disappointing season could intensify pressure on Schottenheimer and the organization.
