The Dallas Cowboys started their game against the Seattle Seahawks allowing a 13-play drive for 80 yards that lasted over seven minutes. It felt like watching the 2025 defense, but from then on they didn’t allow a single point, forced two three-and-outs, and conjured up a goal-line stand on a four-and-out to seal the victory.
The defense was terrific overall, going from 19 missed tackles in last season's first preseason game to zero against Seattle.
They held the Seahawks offense to 14 first downs, only two yards per pass, under four yards per rush attempt, and one touchdown in four red-zone trips. Seattle managed only 29 passing yards after the opening drive and went under 50% on third- and fourth-down conversions. The incredible play leaves plenty of options for players to see their stock rise on the Dallas defense, but here are the top three.
Edge James Houston
The post-game signing of Von Miller makes every snap more important for every edge not named Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezieruaku, and Malachi Lawrence. James Houston could be in a battle for one spot with Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat, Isaiah Land, and Marist Liufau, and he stepped up against the Seahawks once again.
He had three tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss, and a QB hit. Houston was the highest-rated defensive player by Pro Football Focus (PFF) with an 86.5 overall grade. He was already a tough cut after how he produced last season, but his first game of 2026 was another step to the 53-man roster.
CB Reddy Steward
Reddy Steward wasn’t gifted with the frame of a cornerback the Cowboys typically search for. He is under 6 feet and only 180 pounds, but his grit and determination led him to play in all 17 games last season, including five starts. The new regime had most fans believing he was on his way out, but this game might be turning the tide in his favor.
He makes plays, stays around the ball, and isn’t afraid to make a tackle or break up a pass. Steward ended the game with three tackles, half a sack, and a QB hit as possibly the best corner for Dallas in the game.
Ssafety Julius Wood
Julius Wood is beginning to look like a sure thing to make this team at a position that already includes Jalen Thompson, Caleb Downs, Malik Hooker, and P.J. Locke. He is a drumbeat player in camp, like Camden Brown, noticed in every practice on defense and special teams. Now he's making an impact in real game situations.
He was second on the team in tackles and had the third-highest PFF grade. Wood is different because, beyond the stats, the plays he makes are impactful. The hits are felt at a level higher than others on the defense. His tackle at the goal line isn’t one every player could make in this secondary, and it led to a goal-line stand to close out the game.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Preseason Stock Up: That's James Houston leading the way