Dallas Cowboys' Young Defenders Face Pressure

0:00On March 4th, the Dallas Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in NFL history last season, giving up 511 points, the most in the league, and allowing over 340 yards of total offense in 11 out of 17 games. To turn things around heading into 2026, the team needs big improvements, and while they might add new talent, two young defenders already on the roster face the biggest pressure to step up. Cornerback Shavon Rebel, a 23-year-old third-round pick from last year's draft at the 76th spot, came in recovering from an ACL, tear, and didn't debut until week 11. In his seven games, he struggled badly, posting the league's worst coverage grade at 34.6 and a passer rating against of 100, 19.7. Team leaders, including new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, still believe in Rebels' potential and work ethic, expecting his skills to shine, better in the updated scheme, but another week year could sink the whole unit. Linebacker

1:03Demarbian overshown, also 25 and back from major knee injuries, returned the same week and showed promise with 22 tackles. Over six games before concussion sidelined him. With a full healthy offseason ahead, he must stay on the field and elevate his game to anchor the revamped defense long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long term long