The Cowboys haven't lacked talent on defense, but they have lacked unpredictability. Everything in 2025 looked the same before the snap, and offenses have known exactly where to go with the ball. Parker's background suggests that's not how he wants to run a defense. His approach leans toward more movement, disguise, and putting more on the safeties to read what's developing instead of just sitting. That alone could put the safety position front and center in this reset.
Claxton, the longest-tenured Net, continues to search for consistency as a rim protector, just as the team as a whole has struggled to find its defensive identity. He's yet to record a block entering Wednesday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn has been bullied inside, allowing 55.5 points in the paint per game. That's tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for 25th in the NBA.
