It has been a long wait, but we are getting closer to seeing Parker's defense in full throttle.
The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been the talk of the NFL world this offseason, and that is a little odd for some, given how bad they were last season.
But with Christian Parker now at the helm, the Cowboys, thanks to several additions in free agency and the NFL Draft, coupled with other coaching hires, have completely revamped the defense.
So why the hope? Well, they've made it tough for the Cowboys' offense, which is one of the best in football.
As Week 1 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium edges closer, naturally, players are getting excited about being able to unleash everything they've learned this offseason in a real NFL game.
And for Rashan Gary, he's ready for the defense to put what they've learned, into practice.
"I've been excited, especially in the joint practice opportunity that we had, being able to put [on] different color, being able to communicate on grass against different looks especially unscouted looks," Gary said.
"So, being able to have a game plan ready to execute together as all 11, man, it's going to be fun because all OTAs to camp to even now we've been flying around communicating and we've been growing week by week."
Gary has been lauded this offseason for his work both on the field and as Parker's defensive leader.
But he comes with a little question mark hanging over him.
Last season, he finished with 7.5 sacks, which is nothing to sneeze at, but those all came in the first seven weeks. After that? Zero.
A "weird zero,'' really. How does that happen?
But more ...
Does that impact him at all as he looks to make his Cowboys debut in Week 1?
"I was going to come in and be me," he added. "That's one thing I know how to do is come and be me. But last year is last year. This year is this year. And y'all get to see on Sunday night."
It has been a hopeful offseason for Dallas as we have seen the defensive growth under Parker, but that has been against the Cowboys' offense.
Now we get to see how this revamped unit goes against proper NFL competition when the games matter.
