Dallas Cowboys linebackers drew heavy fan ire after Week 1 as Liufau, who shined in the preseason, played only six defensive snaps but graded as the unit’s top performer on those plays. Meanwhile, Kenneth Murray handled every snap but posted a notably low grade, fueling questions about the staff’s snap distribution.

With Overshown out early and veterans struggling, Sanborn and Clark still logged 40+ reps while Liufau sat. The discord over usage underscores a broader: can the Cowboys unlock a potentially explosive LB corps by cadence shifts, Liufau’s development, and Overshown’s return?

Dallas left Week 1 with a narrow defeat to Philadelphia, showing the ceiling of a potent offense but also a handful of warts that fantasy managers will want to monitor. Kenneth Murray Jr. must clean up gaps, George Pickens needs a bigger impact, and CeeDee Lamb must regain reliable hands after late drops. Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons anchor a unit that must tighten in multiple phases, while Sam Williams offers an aerial-edge threat. Week 2 vs the Giants is a chance to reset and prove the offense can sustain big weeks behind improved execution.

Dallas opens Week 1 at Philadelphia with a reimagined linebacker corps led by Murray and Sanborn, backed by Liufau and Overshown to adapt on the fly in Matt Eberflus’ new scheme. The trade that sent Parsons altered expectations, but the Cowboys lean on trusted veterans and versatile first-year pieces to contain Hurts and the Eagles’ attack from the jump.

The preseason exposed depth concerns, yet Dallas insists Murray and Sanborn can anchor gaps and coverage, with Liufau, Overshown, and Clark providing needed rotation. Upshaw-like looks, rapid communication, and a sharper pass rush from James Houston and Perrion Winfrey could tilt the balance early, while the offense counters with George Pickens and Javontae Williams to diversify the attack.

Dallas Cowboys host Baltimore in the second preseason game, a true dress rehearsal for a roster still sorting depth. Tyler Booker is set to debut at right guard, aiming to prove he belongs as the team looks for a long-term answer there. Booker’s training-camp buzz and first-round pedigree frame his Week 2 test as a potential breakthrough for the Cowboys’ interior line. Marist Liufau steps into a larger role on defense with Kenneth Murray out, while Perrion Winfrey has drawn steady camp applause at defensive tackle. Zion Childress brings UDFA versatility that could keep him in the nickel mix, and Traeshon Holden has shown week-to-week flashes at wideout. Rookie Mazi Smith and Jay Toia carry some uneven Week 1 notes, but Winfrey’s rise and Holden’s early production keep Dallas’ camp narrative lively. All eyes on Week 2 against the Ravens as the Cowboys push to lock in depth before the final preseason stretch.

The Dallas Cowboys are ramping up preparations for the 2025 NFL season, with their opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles just weeks away. In a recent practice, a collision between Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson and linebacker Kenneth Murray raised concerns about intensity levels. Ferguson, who was down briefly, walked off the field under his own power but did not return to practice.

This incident underscores the fine line teams must navigate during training camp between pushing players to prepare for the season and avoiding injuries. Coaches are keenly aware that physical practices are necessary, but the risk of injury can derail a team's early momentum.