The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their first padded practice of training camp in Oxnard, California, and all eyes are on the defense. With Micah Parsons yet to practice or sign a contract, second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku has been making waves. Here’s what’s on the mind of NFL reporter Todd Archer as the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season:

1. Donovan Ezeiruaku’s Emergence

With Parsons out, Ezeiruaku has stepped up, showcasing his potential in the pass rush. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus now has the challenge of creatively utilizing his third-down pass-rush package. The Cowboys boast a wealth of talent in this area, including Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams, who is recovering from an ACL tear. Eberflus could follow in the footsteps of former coordinator Dan Quinn, who effectively deployed multiple pass rushers by moving players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong inside.

2. Return to the Takeaway Elite

The Cowboys led the league in takeaways under Quinn, but last year saw a significant drop with only 22 takeaways. Eberflus has emphasized takeaways in early practices, with players aggressively going for the ball. Coach Brian Schottenheimer is optimistic, predicting a return to the top of the takeaway charts.

3. Building Brotherhood on the Field

A unique aspect of Cowboys’ practices is the interaction between coaches and players during stretching. Schottenheimer emphasizes the importance of building a brotherhood, with offensive and defensive coaches mingling with players from the opposite side. This fosters a sense of unity and teamwork essential for success.

4. KaVontae Turpin’s Role in the Offense

Turpin’s production on offense may be limited by the distribution of targets among a healthy roster. With CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson expected to have significant roles, Turpin’s opportunities could be capped. However, matching last year’s stats would still contribute to a potent Cowboys offense.

5. Receiver Depth and Roster Decisions

The Cowboys face decisions on how many receivers to keep on the final 53-man roster. While the top five are clear, the competition for a sixth spot is tight. Injuries and special teams play will be key factors in these decisions, with preseason games providing crucial insights.

As the Cowboys prepare for the season, the defense’s ability to adapt and the offense’s depth will be critical in their quest to return to the top of the NFL.