Optimism rising as Cowboys energy feels different in 2026
The buzz surrounding the Cowboys right now has been very optimistic, a far cry from last season.
Similar to last season, the Dallas Cowboys have yet another star player with one year left of team control, both with the same agent. They have a new defensive coordinator installing a defensive scheme; and they head into the season with major questions on the defensive side of the football. Even though the situation this season is very reminiscent of the 2025 concerns about Dallas this time last season, the optimism in the media and from fans is very different.
The Cowboys hosted rookie minicamp this weekend, and the vibe around the team is far more positive when compared to this time last season. That optimism has this team buzzing with renewed energy, a feeling Cowboys fans and players haven't felt in some time. But what's different?
They still have owner Jerry Jones and COO Stephen Jones pulling the strings, spouting the same old talking points, and igniting contract-negotiation drama. Well, there are a few things the Cowboys have done that have everyone looking at this team in a different light. One of the biggest reasons for the change in Dallas has a lot to do with how they hired defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Normally, the Cowboys' coaching searches have them bringing in a coach with whom they have a past relationship or a well-traveled former head coach. Not this time. Jerry and Stephen Jones have placed faith in head coach Brian Schottenheimer to build his defensive staff after seeing the success he had hiring his offensive staff last season.