Marshawn Kneeland flashed the Cowboys’ blueprint Week 1: relentless motor, decisive attacking bursts, and a sack that echoed DeMarcus Lawrence’s early-career impact. DAL’s run defense leaned into a more cohesive front, bottling Barkley to 60 yards on 18 carries as Kneeland’s high-energy play and growth behind Lawrence began to show.

Coaches stressed Kneeland’s growth curve—learning through film, trusting preparation, and then bombing forward after a cautious start. The performance hints at a rising edge presence for fantasy managers who chase rookies with a Lawrence-like ceiling, especially if Kneeland sustains this pace and continues to sharpen his run and pass rush instincts.