Several questions need to be answered for the Dallas Cowboys. From Brian Schottenheimer to other coaches and players, no shortage of bones can be picked following a 2-4 start.
The defense has been under scrutiny this season, especially in the secondary. Newly acquired Joey Porter Jr. looks like the real deal, but there are other issues, including second-year pro Shavon Revel Jr.
Revel has been splitting snaps with Ameer Speed, but based on how the two have looked out there, Speed has seemingly pulled away from the 2025 third-round pick. Going forward, defensive coordinator Christian Parker giving Speed the bump over Revel would give Dallas their best chance to stabilize the position.
Shavon Revel has been put on notice by Ameer Speed
Through six weeks, Revel is second among Dallas CBs in snaps (151), and Speed is third (101). With Porter Jr. acquired, he's the CB1, with DaRon Bland owning the CB2 spot. That leaves CB3 between Speed and Revel, yet it's clear who has played better.
In 2026, Revel has given up 12 catches (18 targets) for 161 receiving yards on 71 coverage snaps. Per Next Gen Stats, he is allowing 6.3 YAC per reception, giving up 3.4 yards of separation, +5.7 coverage EPA, and a +6.2 percent catch rate allowed over expected.
As for Speed, it seems to be a stark difference. He has given up two passes (seven targets) for 17 yards and a score in 48 coverage snaps. His catch rate allowed over expected is -9.6 percent, and his coverage EPA is +0.5. Speed is also giving up just -1.5 YAC per reception allowed.
Across the board, Speed has been a better cornerback, and it seems like the coaching staff agrees. In Week 6, Revel. played in 17 snaps compared to Speed's 25. For the second straight week, Speed has outsnapped Revel., and the staff needs to keep it this way.
Cowboys need to keep Speed ahead of Revel Jr. in pecking order
Parker has been swapping Revel Jr. and Speed at one of the wide corner spots for weeks, but that needs to stop. Whenever Revel is out there, teams look to seek him out and attack. In the times they've done it, it has yielded positive results.
The same can't be said for Speed, which is a good sign. When he's been on the gridiron, opposing teams don't have the same success. The Cowboys defense is looking to improve in all facets and if they want start turning things around, Speed needs to take all over Revel's reps.
There's no need to continue playing both of them, as Speed has looked better to the eye and the stats back it up. Bland has already been a weak point at corner for the Cowboys this year, so they can't afford to have another.
With the Cowboys sitting at 2-4, they need to find some answers quickly. Based on the season thus far, Speed has been a better player than Revel.
The coaches seem to feel the same way, as Speed has gotten more reps than Revel since Week 4. With urgency kicking in for Dallas, Speed needs to take all of Revel's snaps and allow him to fully settle into his role as CB3 for this team.
And when Cobie Durant is back, Speed -- not Revel -- should be CB4.
Add us as a preferred source on Google