FRISCO, Texas – Kaiir Elam, who joined the Cowboys this offseason via a trade with the Buffalo Bills, made his much-anticipated preseason debut in the team’s second game against the Baltimore Ravens. Playing 16 snaps, Elam showcased his energy and potential, although he was eager to record his first interception in Dallas. Elam’s confident preparation during the offseason marked him as one of the standout cornerbacks on the Cowboys roster heading into preseason.
Near Interception Highlights Elam’s Debut Performance
During the first quarter, Elam came close to achieving his goal of an interception. On a bobbled pass from LaJohntay Wester, Elam leapt over to prevent the ball from hitting the ground, nearly securing a turnover. Despite falling just short, Elam remained upbeat about the opportunity and the experience of physical involvement on the field.
It was exciting, I’m not going to lie to you, it was exciting,
Elam said.
I was really excited to play. I really believed that I was going to take away the ball early before I got out, but I didn’t, it was something to move on from but I was like of still stuck on it. It was nice to finally get that first lick of contact.
—Kaiir Elam, Cornerback
I really believe that if I was just another step [closer], I definitely could’ve got that interception,
Elam remarked.
I wasn’t able to put a finger on it, but if I was, definitely get a takeaway.
—Kaiir Elam, Cornerback
Substitution and Elam’s Drive to Make an Impact
After reaching the predetermined snap count, Elam was replaced by Troy Pride as part of the coaching staff’s rotation strategy. Despite this, Elam expressed frustration about leaving the game before claiming a takeaway.
I definitely didn’t want to go,
Elam admitted.
I told myself before the game I was going to take the ball away. That was my goal…
—Kaiir Elam, Cornerback
For me, I always want to prove, not prove myself, but continue to show what I can do. I mean, It is what it is, but obviously my goal was to take the ball away.
—Kaiir Elam, Cornerback
Teammates Capitalize with Key Turnovers
Although Elam did not record an interception, other defensive backs stepped up notably. Andrew Booth secured a 40-yard pick-six, providing a major momentum boost, while Kemon Hall later intercepted another pass following a bobbled catch attempt. These turnover plays align with the aggressive defensive style encouraged by new coordinator Matt Eberflus, who has emphasized takeaway creation since returning to Dallas.
Defensive Philosophy and Preview for Upcoming Game
Elam believes the team’s defensive unit is improving steadily, reflecting on their current efforts but anticipating greater physicality and tighter coverage as preseason continues. The Cowboys have forced three interceptions in just two preseason games, a testament to their focus on aggressive defense. Elam acknowledges that the preseason limits how much the defense can reveal before regular-season gameplay.
I believe it’s only going to get better,
Elam said.
Right now obviously it’s a limited menu, don’t want to show too much, so all you really can critique us on is our physicality and effort. I believe it’s going to get better because there’s going to be more hits on the quarterback, more tighter coverage.
—Kaiir Elam, Cornerback
I think you can only really critique the physicality and the effort right now because you only have a limited menu and you don’t want to show too much,
he noted.
But I think the physicality and the effort, I feel like we can always continue to keep improving that.
—Kaiir Elam, Cornerback
Looking Ahead to the Season Finale Preseason Game
The Cowboys will close out their preseason schedule with a home game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium. This upcoming contest provides another opportunity for Elam and the rest of the defensive backs to refine their skills, increase physical play, and deliver impactful performances as they prepare for the regular season.