Aug. 16, 2026, 1:00 p.m. CT
The Dallas Cowboys traveled to Seattle to begin their 2026 journey, squaring off against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks in the exhibition opener for both teams. Dallas emerged with a 17-7 win in front of a rowdy Seahawks crowd — uncharacteristic for most preseason games, but on par for the NFL version of the 12th Man.
The Dallas defense was impressive and it appears the hiring of defensive coordinator Christian Parker could pay dividends. Of course with both teams playing their backups, Dallas’ reserves overcame an opening drive score to shut out Seattle the rest of the way.
Although vanilla in approach, the offense looked palatable with a few eyebrow-raising performances from players who have had their names mentioned periodically throughout camp. Who stood out for both good and bad reasons? The inaugural 2026 winners and losers list will focus on individual players rather than units.
Winner – WR Camden Brown
The Cowboys seem to find late-round or undrafted free-agent wideouts on the regular, and Camden Brown is the new flavor of the year. The UDFA out of Georgia Southern began to make some noise in camp, but he broke out against the Seahawks and is making a surprising push for the fifth and possible last wideout roster spot.
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Brown caught two touchdown passes — the first, a go-route towards the end of the first half and the second, an acrobatic one-handed catch at the back of the end zone — pushing the much discussed Cowboys red-zone scoring woes of 2025 to the back burner.
Two overlooked aspects about his performance — each TD pass came from a different QB highlighting his adaptability and second, as the supposed fifth wideout, Brown was seen lining up on the kickoff team right after his touchdown silencing any special teams capability questions.
Loser – CB Caelen Carson
Three different defensive coordinators in one’s first three seasons in the league is a tough draw. Against that backdrop, cornerback Caelen Carson has yet to fully display the traits that made him a fifth-round pick and a four-year starter at Wake Forrest.
Carson began the game with a pass interference call followed by a facemask penalty that extended Seattle’s opening drive, eventually ending with their lone touchdown. On the Seahawks’ second drive, Carson was called for defensive holding but the Dallas defense was able to stiffen and hold their opponent from scoring.
Carson is looking up at fellow corners DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, and Shavon Revel Jr. while facing a mid-round pick in Devin Moore which places him dangerously close to the cut line. If Carson has any hope of securing his roster spot, cutting down on his penalties is a priority.
Winner – RB Malik Davis
Second-year running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah have headlined the race for the backup RB spot behind starter Javonte Williams but nobody told that to Malik Davis. The former Florida product clearly outplayed the youngsters showing the ability to create when running lanes looked clogged.
Davis didn’t take a snap until the second half yet led all rushers with 39 yards on seven carries averaging 5.6 yards an attempt. His ability to put his head down and push forward seemingly gave the reserve offensive lineman confidence which turned a slow start into budding praise for the much maligned group.
With two games remaining, the backup running back competition is far from over.
Loser – WR Traeshon Holden
Broncos Hall-of-Fame running back Terrell Davis once famously made a ferocious special teams hit as an undrafted rookie free agent that earned him an opportunity which escalated into NFL immortality. For wideout Traeshon Holden, his special teams fumble may have the opposite effect on his chances for earning a roster spot.
Late in the third quarter and close to his own end zone, Holden attempted to secure a punt but was unable to hold onto the tumbling ball leading to the game’s only turnover.
Holden was also shut out as a receiver failing to register any offensive statistics while Camden Brown, Anthony Smith, Tyler Johnson, Jordan Hudson, and Jonathan Mingo, who reside in the same position group, all caught passes.
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