'Christian The Magician'? Cowboys Coach Parker Praised Ahead Of Saints Joint Practice

The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been the major talking point this offseason, with new coordinator Christian Parker looking to transform one of the worst defenses in football.

After an offseason that saw the likes of Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Caleb Downs, Jaishawn Barham, Malachi Lawrence, and more be added, on paper, the defense does appear improved.

We know that the bar for improvement isn't exactly high based on what Matt Eberflus did last season, but the Cowboys held their own in the joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams.

Yes, Matthew Stafford still managed some good plays, but the defense/Justin Barron, did manage three interceptions, a handful of would-be sacks, and several PBUs on the day.

So they didn't get the doors blown off of them as they did a year ago in that same practice.

Same thing in the preseason win at Seattle last Saturday, a 17-7 decision in which, after a shaky start, Parker's guys gave up just the one TD and missed zero tackles.

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And for Gary, who was on the Rich Eisen show, when asked how good the defense can be under Parker, he gave a confident answer.

"As good as we want," Gary said. "Can't really put no ceiling on us, we got to come in every day, we got to punch in, we got to get that one consistent, better, and just be who we are.

"He understands the backend, understands the fronts, understands how offenses want to attack our defense. On top of that, he understands how to maximize his players. Don't want to say too much, but he's a magician with what he does. 

"Right now, we cooking, and we are the right way with it."

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So, it has been a good start to like for Parker, and yes, the Rams practice was good and the Seattle game was good, despite several starters on both sides of the ball reportedly not participating.

On Tuesday, Dallas conducts a joint workout with the Saints in Oxnard ... and hopeful the improvement is again there for all to see.

As for Gary, he has taken many by surprise this offseason, consistently making plays and being disruptive.

Most Cowboys fans were excited by the Parker hire and the moves the franchise made in the offseason, and now that we are seeing it come to life, albeit you don't truly know what's real and what isn't at this time of year, it sure beats the alternative.

There is growing confidence about what the defense could be. Are they going to be a top unit? Maybe, but more importantly, at least right now, they don't look like they will be the disaster we saw last season.