Dallas wrapped Oxnard camp with notable optimism. Jerry Jones singled out Juanyeh Thomas and Sam Williams for their growth and for lifting the defense's energy and physicality during a camp that finished with the Cowboys leaving Oxnard largely healthy ahead of the preseason.

Thomas, a former UDFA, has shown range and playmaking as injuries stressed Dallas’ secondary, giving him real opportunity to prove himself this season.

Williams closed practice with an interception return that sparked chatter on the sideline, with Jones drawing a parallel between his rebound and the hunger Irvin showed after a scare, underscoring Williams' mental toughness.

Both players are headed for free agency next spring, and Jones hinted extensions could follow if they maintain trajectory. Schottenheimer has fostered a physical, high-energy culture, and Dallas exits California in good shape health-wise, setting up a critical dip toward Week 1 against the NFC champion Eagles.

Overall, the vibe is competitive, the depth in the defensive front and secondary is improving, and the Cowboys head toward the opener with potential breakout contributors and a healthy roster.

The Dallas Cowboys are entering the season with a robust safety corps, featuring four players who have all shown potential as starters. Donovan Wilson, a veteran with nearly 50 starts, is known for his aggressive playing style and impact in run defense, evidenced by his consistent production in interceptions, forced fumbles, and sacks. However, his coverage skills are a concern, which could affect his playing time against top wide receivers. Malik Hooker, with 38 starts, also contributes significantly but faces his own challenges.

Backup Markquese Bell has proven himself as a capable player, showcasing his skills in an unexpected linebacker role last season, while Juanyeh Thomas is touted as a promising young talent with the potential to step up. The competition for playing time will be fierce, as each safety brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. The Cowboys' coaching staff will need to navigate these dynamics to optimize their defensive strategy.

The Dallas Cowboys are banking on their track record of discovering undrafted talent with the signing of linebacker Justin Barron from Syracuse, who received a $20,000 signing bonus. The Cowboys have a history of transforming undrafted players into key contributors, having successfully brought in players like Tony Romo and Dan Bailey in the past. Current undrafted talents expected to make the 53-man roster include Terence Steele, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Luepke, showcasing the organization's ongoing commitment to identifying and nurturing latent talent.

In a pivotal Week 18 matchup, the Washington Commanders (11-5) visit the struggling Dallas Cowboys (7-9) at AT&T Stadium, aiming to secure the NFC's sixth seed in the playoffs. The Cowboys, led by head coach Mike McCarthy, face a potential end to their season and coaching staff as they clinch their first losing record since 2020. McCarthy acknowledges the emotional weight of the game, reflecting on his previous Super Bowl win at the venue.

The Commanders, powered by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, boast a top-five offense, averaging 28.9 points per game. In their earlier encounter, the Cowboys managed to disrupt Daniels, leading to a victory. The matchup between Daniels and Dallas' defense, particularly star edge rusher Micah Parsons, will be crucial. Meanwhile, the Cowboys' offense, which features rookie running back Rico Dowdle, remains uncertain at quarterback, with both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance vying for the starting position.

The Dallas Cowboys suffered a heavy defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles, ending the game 41-7, but the aftermath was marked by a chaotic fight that resulted in three player ejections. The altercation, involving Eagles safety Sydney Brown and Cowboys players Troy Pride Jr. and Jalen Brooks, stemmed from a buildup of tension throughout the game, particularly during special teams plays. The incident escalated late in the fourth quarter after a punt, leading to shoving and a pile-up that knocked down officials and involved several players from both teams trying to intervene.

All three ejected players now face substantial fines under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which stipulates a maximum penalty of $42,381 for game ejections. The financial impact is significant, especially for Brooks, whose weekly salary is around $51,000. Pride, who had just been elevated from the practice squad, also faces a hefty fine that could negate his potential earnings from the game.

On the field, the Cowboys struggled offensively, with quarterback Cooper Rush throwing two interceptions and losing two fumbles, while the Eagles capitalized on these mistakes. The Eagles' running back Saquon Barkley shone, surpassing 2,000 rushing yards for the season, aided by a strong offensive line. Despite the loss, a moment of sportsmanship was displayed by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, who paused the game to allow the crowd to acknowledge Barkley’s achievement.

In a notable subplot, third-string quarterback Tanner McKee made his debut for the Eagles, throwing his first NFL touchdown pass, while the Cowboys' defense faced challenges, particularly in the secondary. The game not only highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the teams but also showcased individual player resilience and moments of unexpected camaraderie amidst the fierce competition.