Dallas Cowboys’ Shemar James sparks conversation: should he start the remainder of the season?
As the holiday season unfolds, Dallas Cowboys fans find themselves reflecting on the team’s journey. While the dream of a playoff berth may have slipped away, the final two weeks of the season present a unique opportunity. This time can be used to evaluate the roster and identify young talent poised for greater roles in the future.
A Christmas Day Clash Against the Commanders
The Cowboys’ upcoming game against the Washington Commanders promises to be intriguing, especially with third-string quarterback Josh Johnson at the helm for the opposition. This Christmas matinee could set a festive tone for the Cowboys, allowing them to demonstrate their prowess against a team struggling to find its rhythm.
Fans will be keen to see how the Cowboys’ offense rebounds after a disappointing performance in their previous outing against the Chargers, where they managed only 17 points and 334 total yards—a stark contrast to their earlier offensive exploits. The Commanders’ defense has faced challenges throughout the season, particularly in stopping the run, providing a potential advantage for the Cowboys as they look to capitalize on this matchup.
Shemar James: A Case for Starting
Among the intriguing stories this week is the position of rookie linebacker Shemar James. Despite showcasing his talent when on the field, James has not yet secured a starting role. Analysts argue that this is a missed opportunity for the Cowboys to evaluate their future at the linebacker position.
Selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, James appears to be outperforming fellow linebacker Kenneth Murray, who has started nearly every game this season. In last week’s contest against the Chargers, James logged the highest number of defensive snaps among all linebackers, which brings into question why he hasn’t been given a more prominent role.
With DeMarvion Overshown likely sidelined due to a concussion, there is a compelling case to let James take the lead in the final games of the season. This decision could provide valuable insights into the team’s long-term plans and which players are worthy of retention as they gear up for the 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
As fans enjoy the holiday festivities, the Cowboys’ front office and coaching staff are likely taking stock of the roster and its future. The next two weeks could be pivotal—not only for individual players like Shemar James, but also for the team’s overall strategy moving forward.
In this holiday season, Cowboys fans are reminded that while the playoffs may be out of reach, there are still lessons to be learned and future stars to be discovered.

