The Dallas Cowboys are making a shock move for Week 2, handing rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham the green dot responsibility, meaning he’ll be calling the defense against the Washington Commanders. This isn’t just a personnel tweak; it’s a massive, unexpected shake-up this early in the season.
A Rookie In Charge?!
After a brutal Week 1 performance where the Cowboys’ defense got sliced up, allowing 28 points to the New York Giants, a shake-up felt inevitable. But nobody, and I mean *nobody*, saw this coming. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker is giving the keys to the entire defense to Barham, a raw third-round rookie out of Michigan. Think about that for a second: a rookie, calling plays, in Week 2, when the pressure is already mounting. Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys coach, even confirmed it. Most fans would have bet on Caleb Downs if any rookie was getting this kind of responsibility, not Barham. This is a massive curveball, and it shows Parker isn’t afraid to go bold after that Week 1 letdown.
Trial By Fire Against The Commanders
This isn’t some preseason stroll for Barham, either. This is a legitimate trial by fire. Both the Cowboys and the Commanders limped out of Week 1 with losses to divisional rivals. The loser of this game? They’re staring down an 0-2 record and already “well out of the hunt.” The stakes couldn’t be higher. Barham’s first real test running the show will be trying to slow down Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, backed by an up-and-coming Commanders defense on the other side. Sure, watching the Cowboys’ offense against that Commanders D will be interesting, but seeing how Barham and this defense operate? That’s the single most intriguing thing about this Week 2 matchup. It’s sink or swim, right now.
So, get ready. All eyes are going to be on Jaishawn Barham this Sunday. Can this rookie answer the call and rally a defense that looked completely lost last week? Or will this bold gamble blow up in the Cowboys’ face and send them reeling to 0-2? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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