There’s a new sheriff in town, and the Dallas Cowboys are already feeling the effects.
Brian Schottenheimer, in his first training camp as head coach, has brought a bold and physical energy to a team that needed a reset. Gone are the slogans and the soft starts. In their place: real competition, higher expectations, and a mentality built on daily accountability.
“This is going to be a physical ass camp,” Schottenheimer said on Day 1—and he meant it.
The first few days of practice included back-to-back scuffles, fast-paced drills, and players pushing each other harder than in previous seasons. The culture is changing in real time.
His core message is simple: “Compete every day.”
The shift is especially important for quarterback Dak Prescott, who’s stepping into 2025 with a new system, new weapons, and a greater sense of urgency. To emphasize leadership, Schottenheimer rearranged the locker room—placing Micah Parsons next to Prescott to build a stronger connection between the offense and defense.
Prescott is already showing strong command of Schottenheimer’s evolving scheme, which is more versatile and creative than in years past. The offense now features more motion, multiple formations, and unique personnel groupings—designed to keep defenses off balance.
“We’re gonna be multiple,” Schottenheimer said. And with playmakers like CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and KaVontae Turpin (now taking reps at running back), Prescott has the tools to thrive in a more dynamic system.
On the defensive side, Schottenheimer is emphasizing toughness and playmaking. The goal is to be aggressive without being undisciplined—something players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs are already embracing.
DeMarvion Overshown, who tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL late in the 2024 season, remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. While he won’t be available to start the season, Overshown has been fully engaged in camp—rehabbing aggressively and helping guide teammates from the sideline.
“He’s attacking his rehab like he attacks the field,” Schottenheimer said. “You still feel his energy out here.”
The Cowboys are hopeful Overshown can return around November. In the meantime, his voice and football IQ are making an impact off the field, especially with the younger defenders.
Even with some roster uncertainty, the defense is already playing with an edge—flying around, communicating, and setting a physical tone.
The Cowboys are no longer operating like a team stuck in neutral. Schottenheimer’s no-frills, physical approach is already changing how Dallas trains, communicates, and prepares. For a talented core that’s long lacked the right spark, this could be the beginning of something real.
There’s a new sheriff in Big D—and this team is falling in line.
