Cowboys stern message to defensive X-factor after heated Saints joint practice
ClutchPoints · Julian Ojeda · 2026-08-19T22:04:40+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker delivered a stern message to linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku after the second-year defender was ejected during Tuesday's heated joint practice with the New Orleans Saints.
Ezeiruaku was involved in a brawl between the two teams, resulting in his second ejection of training camp. Parker made it clear Wednesday that Dallas needs Ezeiruaku to keep his composure and remain on the field.
“Donovan knows we’re a better defense when he’s on the field,” Parker said, according to Joseph Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News.
Hoyt added that Parker echoed Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer's message that Ezeiruaku needs to play to the edge without going over it.
Cowboys want Donovan Ezeiruaku to control emotions
Schottenheimer also addressed Ezeiruaku's latest incident and emphasized that the young defender understands the consequences of losing his composure.
“Donovan's a very bright young man, and he understands that he can't hurt the football team,” Schottenheimer said, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell. “And unfortunately for him, there's two officiating crews that know that he lost his composure, but it's part of a growth mindset for him. We got to get him better and we've got the right type of leaders on this football team, myself included, Christian Parker, Quinn Williams, guys like that, that will help him do that.”
Ezeiruaku's second training camp ejection gives Dallas another teaching point as it prepares for the regular season. Parker's comments also underline the importance the Cowboys place on Ezeiruaku's presence within their defense when he keeps his emotions under control.
The Cowboys will return to preseason action Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals at 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network after opening the preseason with a 17-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Dallas will then conclude its preseason against the Saints on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.