What happened: First-round pick Caleb Downs is expected to play primarily at safety today, while Reddy Steward will see an increase in defensive snaps at nickel. The lineup adjustment follows Steward's recent elevation from the practice squad.

Why it matters: The shift positions Downs in a role where his first college coach, Alabama's Nick Saban, believes he can best dictate the game. The Cowboys drafted Downs 11th overall out of Ohio State to reinforce a defense heavily invested in its secondary.

What to watch: Monitor how the secondary communicates coverage handoffs with Downs operating as the primary safety.