The Dallas Cowboys’ defense held a players-only meeting after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report published Oct. 14, 2026. The source said the Cowboys were 2-3 after five games.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown described the Monday meeting as a candid discussion. He said players reviewed the unit’s standards and considered how they could help and hold one another accountable. Overshown, who was returning after missing four games with a hamstring injury, expressed confidence that the defense could improve.
The source reported that Dallas gave up 241 rushing yards and 419 total yards against Tampa Bay, and did not record a takeaway. It also said the Cowboys had allowed at least 375 yards in each of their first five games.
The report said defensive coordinator Christian Parker was moving to the coaching booth and that Mike Pettine had joined the staff as a senior assistant. Dallas was preparing for a road game against Green Bay, according to the article.
The account is based on the supplied report; no independent confirmation is provided here.
