The Dallas Cowboys have one final preseason game left before the focus shifts to the regular season. With a chance to finish the exhibition slate unbeaten, the team’s competitive approach is already showing up in the way players talk about winning.

DeMarvion Overshown spoke with reporters at The Star in Frisco after the Cowboys’ final padded practice of training camp. Asked about the possibility of reaching 3-0 and what it could mean heading into the regular season. 

“Winning is always the goal, you know, from first string, second string, third string, fourth string, no matter who we play,” Overshown said. “We set a standard for our room. Brian Schottenheimer set a standard for this team. When it comes to competing, we do that every day... We're looking to compete, and we're looking to win.”

Speaking to the reporters on August 26 via Dallas YouTube, Overshown added that he had heard the Cowboys had not gone 3-0 in the preseason in several years.

Dallas has already beaten the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, meaning a victory over the New Orleans Saints on August 28 would give the team its first 3-0 preseason since 2013.

For Overshown, though, the record is less important than the mindset behind it. Dallas is trying to establish habits that carry into the regular season, particularly after allowing 30.1 points per game last year.

Health is another part of Overshown's story. He has missed 32 games across his first three NFL seasons.

“Being healthy is the least of my concerns now," Overshown said. "That’s just football now. I’m glad I was able to get over that hurdle, but now it’s just about winning."

The linebacker has also developed a connection with rookie Jaishawn Barham, who started alongside him against Arizona.

DeMarvion Overshown sees growing chemistry with Barham

Overshown and linebacker Jaishawn Barham didn't know each other before joining the Cowboys. Their work together since OTAs has changed that, with both linebackers learning how to trust the other on the field.

“It’s been great. We help each other out a lot and are able to feed off each other's energy. So that’s another thing," Overshown told reporters in the same video. "We’re not just friends on the field. We’re friends off the field.”

That relationship could matter in Christian Parker's defense. Barham wore the green dot against Arizona and handled the communication, while Overshown worked beside him.

Dallas has several options at linebacker, including Shemar James and Dee Winters. The competition should become clearer as the Cowboys approach roster cuts.

Friday's preseason finale against New Orleans will be the final chance for players to make their case. For Overshown, the goal is straightforward: keep competing and keep winning.

Written by

Evince Das