Shemar James setting Cowboys' records; bright spot for struggling defense

The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant defensive struggles as they approach their Week 7 matchup with the Washington Commanders, with the team's performance described as more bad than good. However, there are positive aspects, such as the emergence of rookie linebacker Shemar James, who has become a bright spot despite initial inactivity at the start of the season.

Shemar James, a late-round rookie, was activated for Week 5 against the New York Jets and immediately made an impact by leading the team in tackles, contributing to a victory after Jack Sanborn's injury. In just two games, including one start, James has accumulated 19 solo tackles and 35 combined tackles, ranking closely with team leaders despite fewer starts. He set a franchise record for the most tackles in a first start by a Cowboys player since the mid-1990s and is the first rookie linebacker to exceed 12 tackles in his first two NFL games.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised James for his instincts, ability to dissect plays, tackle effectively, and blitz, noting that these qualities were evident during his college career at Florida. However, James has areas for improvement, such as alignments, formation recognition, and eye discipline, as he adjusts to the complexities of NFL offenses compared to college. Despite these rookie challenges, Schottenheimer emphasized that James has a natural football sense and a promising future.

James' performance on both defense and special teams makes it difficult for the Cowboys to bench him, especially as the team deals with issues like missed tackles. Additionally, amidst the defensive struggles, veteran DT Kenny Clark analyzed the Cowboys' performance against the Panthers, highlighting areas for improvement. Owner Jerry Jones expressed confidence in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, and the team anticipates the return of DeMarvion Overshown, with Schottenheimer providing a timeline for his comeback.