Cowboys DC makes surprising Jaishawn Barham decision for Week 2

The Dallas Cowboys struggled mightily in Week 1 on the defensive side of the ball. While they only allowed 28 points, it was a huge disappointment overall. They really couldn't do much against the New York Giants' offense.

Heading into Week 2 of the NFL season, the Cowboys continue their NFC East matchups with the Washington Commanders. It's going to be an interesting game after both teams lost in Week 1 to divisional rivals, as the loser will be 0-2 and well out of the hunt.

With already a lot on the line, the Cowboys and defensive coordinator Christian Parker are making a change. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, the Cowboys are giving Jaishawn Barham the green dot this week.

Cowboys unexpectedly give Jaishawn Barham the green dot for Week 2

"Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer confirms that rookie LB Jaishawn Barham will be wearing the green dot, calling the defense Sunday," Machota reports.

This is a big surprise, as handing the keys to the defense over to a raw third-round rookie like Barham is not what many Cowboys fans would've expected at any point this season, let alone in Week 2.

If they were told a rookie was getting the green dot, Caleb Downs would have likely been the Cowboys' rookie most fans would've guessed had such a responsibility.

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Instead, the Cowboys are rolling with Barham in a big surprise this early in the season. After a rough Week 1 performance, a shake-up felt needed.

Parker's making a switch, giving the keys to the defense over to Barham, a rookie out of Michigan who now will have the task of slowing down Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in Week 2.

It's quite the trial by fire for Barham. While the offense's performance against this up-and-coming Commanders defense will be intriguing, seeing how Barham and the defense operate might be the single most interesting aspect of this Week 2 matchup.

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