It's no secret that the Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason needing to make massive changes on defense.On the bright side, things can't get much worse on that end in 2026 after some historical lows last season, but early indications during training camp continue to show that new defensive coordinator Christian Parker might be ahead of schedule when it comes to turning the defense around. The Cowboys' defense got a chance to show what it's capable of during Tuesday's joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, and all signs are positive about what the unit was able to do against Sean McVay's offense.The Dallas defense was the clear winner of the day, according to reports from Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. "It wasn't close at all," Walker wrote on X.Cowboys Defense Had Matthew Stafford StrugglingLos Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectRams quarterback Matthew Stafford "really struggled" against Parker's defensive looks, per Walker. It's important to note that both teams likely didn't have complete game plans for the scrimmage portion of the joint practice. Perhaps things would've been different for Stafford and the Rams offense, but for now, the edge goes to the Dallas defense. Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua also left practice early due to an unknown injury, a notable absence for the Los Angeles offense. Of course, it's still only training camp. The Dallas defense will need to prove itself once the season begins and the bullets actually start flying. But after the year the defense had in 2025, this is the kind of news that Cowboys fans have desperately been waiting for.Cowboys LB Justin Barron Had 3 INTS vs. RamsDallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (45) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectTalk about staking your claim for a roster spot. Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron had three interceptions against the Rams on Tuesday, the team confirmed on X. Here's a look at one of the picks against Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett:— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 11, 2026Barron could end up giving the Cowboys no choice but to put him on the 53-man roster once training camp and preseason are complete. This now puts pressure on the other Dallas linebackers to step it up moving forward, as the position is one that still holds some concern from fans entering the season.All in all, the Cowboys couldn't have asked for a better day during their joint practice with the Rams.—Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI—Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow