The 2025 NFL season has become a lot more real for Dallas Cowboys fans ever since training camp opened on Monday. It didn't long long for the action to pick up as the Cowboys' first practice was held on Tuesday, followed by another session 24 hours later, giving head coach Brian Schottenheimer a better idea of what he has to work with in Year 1 of leading Dallas' bench.
It's always exciting to see how players will (or won't) mesh with a new head coach, especially when a franchise draws as much attention as the Cowboys. Unfortunately, Dallas supporters likely won't be thrilled with Schottenheimer's review of his team's inaugural training camp practice.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer Disappointed with 1st Training Camp Practice
On Wednesday, Schottenheimer finally gave reporters a review of his first practice as Cowboys head coach. According to Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, the 51-year-old HC admitted that he thought the opening practice session got off to "a good start, but the team didn't finish great."
Brian Schottenheimer said yesterday's first practice was a good start but the team didn't finish great.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 23, 2025
First impressions are important in all walks of life, and it would've been great if the Cowboys gave Schottenheimer some encouraging results in Practice No. 1. Instead, it's back to the drawing board for the veterans and rookies, so that they can figure out ways to prove to their new coach that they're deserve of a 53-man roster spot.
Much to Schottenheimer's dismay, though, the second practice wasn't riddled with positive performances either. Watkins reported that safety Markquese Bell got into separate physical altercations with tight end Tyler Neville and defensive back Troy Pride, while offensive lineman Tyler Guyton had to be stopped from getting into a fight of his own.
On one hand, training camp scuffles constantly happen around the NFL due to the competitive nature of the summertime practices. On the other hand, Schottenheimer likely hoped that he could get into the swing of things before fights started breaking out.
Hopefully, the poor start to training camp is a temporary phase, and the Cowboys show their potential sooner rather than later. This year's roster has a better shot at succeeding than the 2024 unit, especially if it stays healthy, and achieving success can only come if every member of America's Team remains on the same page.
Otherwise, it's going to be another long NFL season in the Lone Star State.