There will be plenty of things to watch for when Dallas opens its season, but one player is set to take center stage.
Yes, I get it, we are months and months away from the Dallas Cowboys opening up their season at MetLife Stadium in Week 1 against the New York Giants, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about it.
With Brian Schottenheimer heading into his second season as head coach, he has the chance right out of the gate to gain an early edge in the NFC East with games against the Giants and Washington Commanders in the first two weeks.
Given the changes to the roster, Week 1 will have a little more riding on it for Cowboys fans, as Christian Parker gets set to call plays for the first time.
Not only that, but the personnel changes are something we'll be watching, as a host of players will be making their debuts for the Cowboys.
But who will be the most anticipated?
Well, for NFL.com's Matt Okada, it's easy, and it's Caleb Downs starting off his NFL career.
"The Cowboys made a concerted effort to improve their defense, and the crown jewel of their offseason haul was this versatile defensive back out of Ohio State," Okada wrote. "He'll be an immediate starter with high expectations right off the bat in Week 1, when the 'Boys have a key divisional matchup with the up-and-coming Giants.
"Downs will be charged with keeping Jaxson Dart and the rest of New York's refreshed offense from gashing Dallas' defense like they did in both 2025 meetings, scoring a combined 71 points."
The Giants in primetime isn't a bad way to introduce yourself to the NFL, and Downs, as the centerpiece of Parker's defense, will have a lot of eyes on him.
Now, we shouldn't expect the world from Downs early in the year, because he is still a rookie after all. There will be mistakes, missteps, etc, but there is no denying that Downs will capture the attention every time Dallas is on defense.
The Giants do have some weapons, and it isn't known if Malik Nabers will be healthy enough for Week 1, but with Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Downs, and the defense, they will have their hands full.
So, for all of the new faces we are set to see on the Dallas defense, Downs is the one we will all be watching as he hits the field for the first time in his NFL career.
Is it Week 1 yet?
