Days before their preseason opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, the Dallas Cowboys participated in joint practices with this year's championship favorite, the Los Angeles Rams, on Tuesday. And somehow, Christian Parker's new-look defense was all the rage.
Yes, you read that right: the Cowboys' first-year defensive coordinator had his group firing on all cylinders against one of the most cohesive, experienced, talented and well-coached offenses in the entire NFL. Just imagine telling that to a fan of America's Team back in December of 2025.
Dallas' defense notably got a huge contribution from Shavon Revel Jr., who may not be in a position to dethrone Cobie Durant as the No. 2 corner just yet, but is certainly giving Parker and the staff more to think about as the preseason drags on and the second-year ECU product keeps stacking days.
Shavon Revel Jr. balls out in Cowboys' joint practice with Rams
Sean McVay and Co. clearly saw Revel Jr. as the weak link in the Cowboys' secondary (which, side note, is the sign of a pretty strong defensive backfield), as they tested him a lot on Tuesday. The sophomore corner wasn't perfect, but he put a lot more good stuff on tape than bad. It wasn't close.
Joseph Hoyt of the the Dallas Morning News noted that, while isolated against First-Team All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua in the red zone, the Rams threw at Revel Jr. on a fade route from inside the 10-yard line. Revel Jr. high-pointed the ball and almost intercepted it, thwarting Matt Stafford, Nacua and Los Angeles' efforts.
Later, during the first team period, Revel Jr. was part of a Cowboys defense that gave up zero big plays. Part of that reality was due to him breaking up a deep pass that Stafford intended for Nacua once again. For those counting at home, that is now two PBUs for Revel Jr. on the day.
It was also noted that, while Revel Jr. fell behind on the wheel route from Nacua, he used his great speed to catch up and force the incompletion. Perfection isn't expected from Revel Jr. or anyone, but having the physical tools to be imperfect and still thrive is a major advantage. Revel Jr. has that.
He is also showing some tremendous physicality that wasn't really on display last year, perhaps as he worked through the mental aspect of returning from a major injury. But Revel Jr. hit-sticked a Rams running back on Tuesday, popping the ball lose for a fumble or an incompletion.
As we mentioned, it wasn't all good for Revel Jr. He gave up a 12 to 15-yard pass to Nacua during the first team period, which was the longest play that the Rams had in that session. But Dallas Star-Telegram's Nick Harris summed up Revel Jr's showing quite well:
"Shavon Revel having a great day. Playing physical. Forced a fumble and has had two big PBUs on plays where the Rams were clearly testing him. One on a downfield ball to Nacua, another on a fade from the 10-yard line to Nacua. Hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been his best day in SoCal."
Shavon Revel is giving Cobie Durant little margin for error in Cowboys' CB2 battle
For young players, stacking days is important, as is being up to the challenge when one of the league's best offenses puts you on an island with their 1,700-yard receiver. But Revel Jr. answered the call on Tuesday, which should give Parker and Co. plenty to think about.
Does one great day mean that Durant should be supplanted as the starter? No. But does it mean that he and DaRon Bland may have a shorter leash or at least get rotated in for more often if Revel Jr.'s strong play continues? Absolutely.
Heck, if Revel Jr. keeps up at this rate and Bland's injuries persist or his rollercoaster play continues, the Cowboys could make Bland a cap casualty as they attempt to jumble around their financial commitments and keep George Pickens beyond the 2026 season.
Okay, I got a bit ahead of myself there, but it is irrationally exciting to think about Revel Jr. being the kind of guy who can slow down Nacua and Stafford. That's what he showed on Tuesday, but he needs to show it more often. In the meantime, Parker has to be happy with what he saw.
And it's giving him a lot to think about.
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