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Cowboys Camp Has Answered These Things So Far

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Jul 29, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys training camp banners on W. Vineyard Ave. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dallas Cowboys training camp has begun in earnest and we have our first sniffs of football in months, the signal that the regular season is just around the corner is here. Yes, it is barely two days into training camp action, but we have seen enough to make some observations.

The intensity is sky-high

So far, players have just been in helmets and shorts, which is why the speed and pace of the plays jump out. At the same time, it’s weird to say, but the practices have felt physical as well, and that’s because the players are giving it 110% by all indications.

Rashan Gary’s forced fumble on potential number two back, Phil Mafah, stands out. As do Jaydon Blue’s two runs that have led to touchdowns, and Shavon Revel’s and Cobie Durant’s coverage on the receivers they’ve faced. There have even been a few ‘hits’ were players actually ended up on the ground.

They aren’t in pads today, so take it with a grain of salt, but Phil Mafah’s first carry featured him running through a Otito Ogbonnia tackle with some physicality.

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 29, 2026

Later on, Malik Hooker decked Phil Mafah.

Football! https://t.co/b1B3FXXbd7

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 29, 2026

Brian Schottenheimer shouted out Jaishawn Barham for his ability to get off blocks and be in on tackles. Said he was heavy handed. https://t.co/sJecxM1iTw

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) July 30, 2026

The drills have been crisp and efficient. Players have been shaking off the rust, and some of them look to be in form early. They are also showing a lot of confidence.

Dak Prescott wore a Super Bowl XXX championship shirt on the team charter to training camp this year.

Dak: “I’m not going to shy away from (Super Bowl talk).

“Why not now?” pic.twitter.com/tZ7HkLmxu7

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2026

Tyler Guyton said Dak Prescott has a new slogan for this year’s Dallas Cowboys offense:

GOTI

“Greatest offense there is.”

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 29, 2026

New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has been behind a lot of the trash-talk between the offense and defense, backing up and motivating his players on the field. Coach Schottenheimer must be pleased with how training camp has started. The group looks laser-focused and excited to compete, a welcoming sign if there ever was one this early in camp.

The Cowboys opening practices have had a good, football feel to them with high intensity. Schottenheimer starts it each day by roaming the stretching lines talking to the players. The players have responded with energy and communication, and a little trash talk. It’s early, but a good sign. When the pads come on come on, things will really heat up.