FRISCO, Texas — Rashan Gary believes the key to sustaining the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive improvement starts long before kickoff. For the veteran edge rusher, building pressure on opposing quarterbacks requires disciplined preparation, trust in the game plan and consistent execution.
Gary delivered one of his most productive pass-rushing performances of the season last week against Green Bay. According to Next Gen Stats, he recorded nine quarterback pressures on 27 pass-rush attempts, matching his career high for pressures in a single game. His 33.3% pressure rate would rank as the highest single-game mark among NFL edge rushers in 2026, with a minimum of 20 pass-rush attempts.
The performance reinforced Gary’s belief that effective pass rushing often comes down to maintaining confidence in the techniques and assignments emphasized throughout the week.
“Once you get it rolling, the ball starts rolling fast,” Gary said, describing how momentum can build during a game.
He stressed that the foundation begins in the meeting room and continues through practice, where players develop the habits needed to perform consistently on game day.
Gary also acknowledged that pass-rush production does not always translate immediately into sacks or other measurable results. Winning individual matchups and repeatedly executing the moves coaches emphasize can eventually create opportunities to finish plays.
That approach will be important as the Cowboys prepare for Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles, a divisional matchup with significant implications for the NFC East race.
With the division still competitive, Gary said the team must focus on the game immediately ahead rather than becoming distracted by the broader playoff picture. He emphasized the importance of handling divisional opponents, particularly when positioning for the postseason is at stake.
For Gary, the challenge is maintaining that approach regardless of the previous week’s outcome.
He acknowledged the frustration that comes with losing but pointed to football’s weekly schedule as an opportunity to respond and regain momentum. The ability to move forward, learn from mistakes and improve remains central to his outlook.
Gary said the Cowboys must continue pursuing consistency while approaching each week with the urgency needed to improve on both sides of the ball.
Against Philadelphia, that mentality will be tested. Generating pressure, disrupting the quarterback and sustaining defensive execution could prove critical as Dallas looks to make a statement in one of its biggest divisional games of the season.
