Hangin' With The 'Boys

Let’s check in on Brian Schottenheimer and Christian Parker constructing the defensive staff, spending money on Javonte Williams and George Pickens, DeMarcus Lawrence’s rebirth in Seattle and how teams are now building around a good quarterback, a creative offensive coordinator and a dominant defense. Plus, Nate tells stories of Jimmy Johnson arriving in 1989 and what their Super Bowl schedules were like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator as Christian Parker is leaving the rival Eagles to come to Dallas. Having coached under Vic Fangio, what might we expect from Parker? Is development of players first-and-foremost? He’s a young up-and-comer, but will his lack of experience be an issue? And will this change the Cowboys’ approach to free agency and the draft?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Giants’ new head coach make things even tougher for the Cowboys? Likely so, which is just another reason why the team needs to find the right defensive coordinator. But will that be a savvy veteran or a young gun? Whoever it is, Jesse says there’s one thing he’s got to get right. Plus, what are the biggest differences between the current playoff teams and the Cowboys?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not a big surprise that Matt Eberflus got fired, but what comes next? Is there a sense of urgency to find someone new? And does it matter who they get if the Cowboys don’t acquire better players? Should we expect them to? After all, we’ve been told the Parsons deal is going to bring big dividends. Plus, how did Brian Schottenheimer’s his first season go as head coach?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fact Trevon Diggs was released wasn’t a big surprise, although when he got let go was a shock. But the acts of defiance got to be too much with the trip to Washington D.C. the last straw. Simply put, Diggs seemingly no longer wanted to be a Cowboy. We dive deeper into yesterday’s big news, plus look ahead to Sunday’s game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley and Shannon Gross discuss latest Dallas Cowboys news and notes on Cowboys Break.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So how many positions have big needs that need to be filled in 2026? Five? Six? More? Will they be able to fill those needs in one offseason? Are they at risk of spreading mediocracy throughout the team? Also, are the Cowboys hoping Jadeveon Clowney will be a rotational piece at defensive end next season or the main man? Plus, the trend toward tight ends, Dak’s day in Washington and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who Plays? Who Doesn’t? With two games to go, should the Cowboys think about sitting players? Make sure Dak Prescott is healthy for next while letting Joe Milton get some experience? Or does that send the wrong message, especially for a team trying to rebuild its culture. As Nate tell us, losing can become a culture too. Plus, Jesse’s stat and our predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not coaches make players, right? So would a different defensive coordinator really produced different results? Perhaps, but probably not in a big way. Plus, could Tyler Smith moving to left tackle become permanent? Let’s hope not. He’s a Pro Bowl guard, after all. And has this team struggled to make in-game adjustments on offense as well? Where are the counterpunches?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Cowboys appeared to have the best cornerback combo in the NFL. Now, DaRon Bland is out again with a foot injury, and the status of Trevon Diggs is still up in the air. My how quickly things can change. Plus, for all the criticism the defensive line and secondary have received this season, are the linebackers the real problem? Plus, Jesse’s stat and our predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are we watching the games now that the Cowboys will likely miss the playoffs? Want them to win? Lose to get a higher a draft pick? Plus, has Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert lived up to his billing? Can the Dallas defense slow him down? What about their receivers? Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey are some of the best route runners in the business. It’s another tough task ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t look now but the Chargers are coming to town with one of the best defenses in the league. And they’re physical. What can the Cowboys do to attack them? Will head coach Brian Schottenheimer be more aggressive? Will they try to get George Pickens more involved? Plus, could we see more opportunities for Dak Prescott to run? There just might be some openings there for the taking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just when we think the Cowboys are going to get on a roll, they instead stumble. What happened against the Vikings? No pressure on defense, no success on third downs, questionable coaching decisions. Is this team just not what we thought it would be? Dallas is on the brink of elimination after another disappointing performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys have got to win the rest of their games to get in the playoffs. Does that add more pressure? Hey, if you can’t handle the heat, better get out of the kitchen, right? But do they know how to win? Do they have enough players who have made playoff runs before who can lead the way? Plus, Jesse’s key stat and our predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate speaks out about what we’re all thinking – why aren’t there more Cowboys in the Hall of Fame? Or the Ring of Honor, for that matter? There are some deserving guys being left out. Plus, we get into the Minnesota offense. Is Justin Jefferson still the man? Better not sleep on him. And definitely don’t forget about Aaron Jones. About their quarterback, though …See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Know what a cross-dog blitz is? You will if you listen. It’s all about creating confusion, and Minnesota likes to blitz more than any team in the NFL. But does that actually play into Dak Prescott’s hands? He’s been good under pressure. The Cowboys will also have to get the run game going behind Javontae Williams, which won’t be easy. Don't let their record fool you – the Vikings defense is a concern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to know what goes on behind the scenes? Jesse and Nate are here to tell you. Like, how much are players paying attention to social media? Why do they bother responding to criticism? And is the veteran leadership the same as it was decades ago? Who is providing guidance, motivation? Do players today communicate as much as they used to? Even with each other? It’s a fascinating look inside.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s talk offensive line today because, you know, we’ve got a six-time Pro Bowler, 2-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl winner hangin’ with us. Are the tackles struggling with their technique? Is it a coaching thing? Nate breaks it down for us. Plus, college experience, slow starts, the outlook for the rest of the season and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley and Shannon Gross discuss latest Dallas Cowboys news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One key to stopping the Lions? Limit what they do on first down because this is a team that won’t hesitate to go for it on fourth down. So can the Cowboys’ rebuilt defensive line stop Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit ground game? How will things change if star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown doesn’t play? Plus, Jesse’s key stat and our predictions for Thursday night's showdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus ever really the problem? Or did he just not have the right players to run his system? Well, drop in new guys like Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, get injured players back like Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and DeMarvion Overshown and suddenly his defense is working. Plus, despite falling behind early, the Cowboys have been able to battle back. Are they learning how to win?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys are coming off a big win, but it’s not getting any easier. In fact, they have yet to play a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes this season, a guy who only seems to care about winning or losing, not about stats. Is that a rarity in today’s NFL? Also, can Dak Prescott handle the Chiefs blitz? He’s been great against it so far this season. Plus, Jesse’s key stat and our predictions. Happy Thanksgiving!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the big trades made this year, and Jerry Jones saying George Pickens will be back in 2026, are the Cowboys finally going to go all-in? Or will it be business as usual? Also, everyone knows CeeDee Lamb is still the man, but does he know it? Plus, fingers, knees and, um, other places, Nate and Jesse talk injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has talked about changing the team’s culture. Does the big come-from-behind win over Philly help with that, or do the Cowboys have to take the next two as well to really make things different? Plus, the exceptional play of the defense, what’s going on at wide receiver and Dak Prescott’s mastery in the pocket. It’s Victory Monday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So was last week a defensive mirage? Or is this unit really as good as we think it is? It’s safe to say things are headed in the right direction, but will the Cowboys show up in the pivotal moments? And can they stop Saquon Barkley both on the ground and in the passing game? Plus, Jesse’s stat, key players to watch and predictions!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Eagles have a good record, but are they really that good? With their troubles on offense and the Cowboys improved defense, could Philly be ripe for the picking? And with more push coming from the middle of the defensive line will Dallas be able to contain Jalen Hurts? It’s time to find out how good this Cowboys defense really is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So Jalen Carter will be playing in this game. Just how big of an impact does he have on the Philly defensive front? Like Quinnen Williams, he makes everyone better. And after spit-gate in Week 1, could that ramp up the rivalry another notch? Plus, many are asking if George Pickens has become the No. 1 receiver? Not so fast. Don’t let the numbers fool you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can one man change an entire defense? In the case of Quinnen Williams, it sure seemed like it. Along with several players returning from injury, the Cowboys defensive unit put on a show against the Raiders. Plus, was not starting CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens any big deal? Regardless, it was a perfect tune-up game in Las Vegas. Let’s discuss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate and Jesse dig into the mental intricacies of the game and how players are constantly evaluating their performance, even between snaps. Everybody is fast, everybody is strong, so intelligence and situational football is often the difference. Also, will the Cowboys be re-energized after a tough bye week? Plus, Jesse’s stat, key players and predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With all these stud defensive tackles on the roster now, there’s been talk about playing some 5-2 alignments on defense. So, should they switch to a 3-4 base to get those guys on the field? Also, how much can we expect from both the new guys and those coming back from injury? Is the defense overall going to look vastly different?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So are the Raiders really as bad as their record? If not, why are they losing? They’ve got Maxx Crosby, after all. What do the Cowboys have to do to negate him? And will having the game Monday night with an extra day to prepare help much? Plus, after playing themselves and knowing the intricacies of football so well, Nate and Jesse explain what it’s like for them watching games live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a team getting ready to play the tough half of its schedule, where can the Cowboys find success? Is it simply winning? Is it building an identity? Also, what’s going on with the offensive line? Have injuries kept them from finding cohesion? And we were told Brian Schottenheimer started spending more time in the defensive meetings, but now the offense has struggled. Coincidence?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL players seem immortal. They are machines who can conquer anything. But in honoring the memory of Marshawn Kneeland, Jesse shares his own mental health journey, telling us what it’s really like for the players and the behind-the-scenes challenges they battle daily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Newton, Shannon Gross and Jesse Holley discuss the latest Dallas Cowboys news and notes on Hangin' With The 'Boys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our man Nate has been wanting a big man in the defensive middle for years now, and he was finally rewarded as we found out with breaking news at the top of the show that the Cowboys have acquired Quinnen Williams, one of the best defensive tackles in the league. How big of an impact is this? Is Dallas finally showing signs of going all in? Let’s break it down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So are all these communication issues we keep hearing about really on the coaches? Seems like that’s on the guys wearing the jerseys. Also who has been a treat for us to watch this year and, well, you know the other side of that. Plus, Dak Prescott calling plays, the run blocking of Terrence Steele, Jesse’s stat, our predictions and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trey McBride might be the most dangerous player on the Cardinals offense, so how do the Cowboys stop him? Can a tight end really beat them? We don’t want to find out. Then there's shifty quarterback Kyler Murray, who has never lost at AT&T Stadium. Can the Dallas defense contain not only Arizona’s passer but also its leading rusher? Don’t let the Cardinals’ record fool you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the Cardinals defense tougher than we might think? They play a similar scheme as the Cowboys, and they don’t have any big stars, but they’ve been in every game they’ve played. So what’s the difference? Is Arizona just more consistent and in sync? And because of that, what does the Dallas offense have to do? Be darn near perfect, it seems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why have the Cowboys struggled to draft defensive players? Is it because they don’t know what they’re looking for? After all, Dallas has had three defensive coordinators in three years and different schemes require different players. Plus, would it make sense to use draft capital to bring in new players for the future? Why not get a known commodity or two on defense while the offensive window is wide open?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve asked it before, and we’ll ask it again – what’s wrong with the defense? Mental mistakes, physical talent, bad assignments, schemes, it’s all not good enough. Is there any hope in sight? Plus, we all knew Dak Prescott would have a clunker of a game eventually. He can’t be perfect all the time (though the Cowboys desperately need him to be). Let’s commiserate together after a tough loss in Denver.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could this game in Denver make or break the Cowboys' season? Beat a good team on the road and you could go on a nice streak and maybe be a buyer at the trade deadline. Lose and, well, things get that much tougher. So can Dallas’ strength (the offense) overcome the Broncos’ strength (defense) in a tough environment? We’ve got key stats, players to watch and predictions coming your way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broncos offensive line is no joke. Can a Cowboys defensive front that’s struggled to stop the run at times match them pound for pound? And quarterback Bo Nix and Denver like the short game with a lot of rollouts and screens. Can Dallas keep him in check? Plus, tackling, double-teams and Nate's thoughts on shaking hands after the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys have a tall task ahead of them facing Denver’s defense, which leads the NFL in sacks. Still, even though they also have one of the game’s best corners, can they stop the Dallas passing attack? Plus, what former Cowboy in his prime would you take today to help this team? White, Ware, Haley (sensing a pattern?) …See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several injured players are now entering the 21-day window to return, including rookie cornerback Shavon Revel. What can we expect from him? Should he be brought along slowly? And is too much pressure being put on DeMarvion Overshown to be the linebacking savior? Plus, will we continue to see more blitzing and man coverage? Sounds like maybe not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coordinator Matt Eberflus sure looked happy on the sidelines, and he should have been. Using more man coverage and blitzes, the Cowboys defense played their best game of the season. Now, can they do it again? Plus, with the trade deadline coming up soon, will the Cowboys be buyers or sellers? And Nate shares what it was like seeing some old teammates during the alumni weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're feeling kind of sorry for the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator today. After all, he was put in a tough situation, one that could only get worse with Trevon Diggs now sidelined. So does that mean we could we start seeing the offense take more risks? Hey, they're already starting to. Plus, Jesse’s key stat, players to watch and our predictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been some criticism that Cowboys defenders are trying to punch the ball out instead of making tackles. Is that true? We’ve also heard a lot of talk about the defense playing man-to-man coverage, but is this the right week to do that against a mobile quarterback and an up-tempo offense? Plus, Nate has a sure-fire way to beat an offense … but does Dallas have the players?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s looking like star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb could return on Sunday against Washington, but what’s that mean for George Pickens? He’s been a beast in his own right in Lamb’s absence. What changes? The Cowboys also need to try to establish the ground game. Can they do so against one of the best run defenses in the league? Better rush to the edge, my friend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve been hearing that the pass rush has the potential to be strong, and that there aren't one or two major problems but a lot of little ones that can be fixed. Is that true? Or is that just hope? And what exactly are some of those little problems? Coverage schemes? Gap integrity? Discipline? Accountability? Let’s get in-depth and break it down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys ran into a lot of big bodies along the Panthers’ defensive line and couldn’t get anything going in their running game. Meanwhile, Carolina’s rushing attack simply dominated the Dallas defense. What the heck happened? We can blame Matt Eberflus all we want, but sooner or later the players need to show some discipline, right? Are there any solutions to these ongoing problems?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.