Cowboys Are Different This Year… But David Helman Isn't Sold Yet

Are the Dallas Cowboys finally doing things differently?

Kevin Gray is joined by The Athletic's David Helman to break down the state of the Cowboys heading into the 2026 season.

Helman explains why he believes the Cowboys deserve credit for changing the way they operate, from moving on from Micah Parsons to hiring Christian Parker, bringing in Quinnen Williams and changing the coaching structure under Brian Schottenheimer.

But is it enough?

David breaks down the Cowboys' revamped defense, Caleb Downs, Christian Parker, Quinnen Williams, Von Miller and the biggest remaining concerns at linebacker and cornerback.

He also explains why the Cowboys could have a TOP 5 offense with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens — and why he believes Dak has finally earned widespread respect as a quarterback capable of leading a team to a championship.

Plus, Helman gives his thoughts on George Pickens' contract situation, the Cowboys' chances of winning the NFC East, Jerry Jones and the pressure surrounding this team, and what would actually make 2026 a successful season in Dallas.

Chapters
00:00 David Helman Joins Kevin Gray
00:48 The NFL Season Is Almost Here
02:10 Are the Cowboys Really Doing Things Differently?
03:00 Cowboys Deserve Credit for Changing
04:03 Christian Parker & Brian Schottenheimer's Impact
05:20 Can the Cowboys Sustain These Changes?
06:04 Has the Cowboys' Defense Improved Enough?
06:48 Is Dallas a Legitimate Super Bowl Contender?
08:02 Cowboys' Brutal Early-Season Schedule
09:01 Did the Cowboys Handle George Pickens Correctly?
10:52 Why Dallas Kept Its Options Open
12:19 George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb & Dak Prescott
13:55 Has Dak Finally Earned League-Wide Respect?
15:23 Cowboys Could Have a TOP 5 Offense
16:48 Can Dallas Win the NFC East?
17:33 Why Philadelphia Is Still the Favorite
18:34 Can Christian Parker Transform the Defense?
21:36 The Defensive Players Who Could Make the Difference
22:13 David Helman's Biggest Defensive Concerns
24:32 How Much Does Von Miller Have Left?
26:38 What Jerry Jones Means for the Cowboys
27:38 David Helman's Biggest Concern About Dallas
29:29 Can the Cowboys Handle the Hype?
30:16 What Would Make 2026 a Successful Season?
31:28 Where to Find David Helman