Hangin' With The 'Boys

Every free agent wants to be courted, which is exactly what Dallas is doing with Shaq Leonard right now. But do they really need him? You bet. Also, as the Cowboys enter the tough part of their schedule, let’s take a look at where they sit in the playoff picture. Can they still take the division? Or is fifth place all but locked up? And can they get over this longstanding playoff hump?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Shaq Leonard the missing piece? Maybe not, but he can help. Plus, looking back at another blowout for the Cowboys, will they keep this aggressive offensive approach when they start facing better teams? Speaking of which, lot of talk about the tough schedule in December, but does it really start now against Seattle? And hey, it’s time for Dak Prescott and DaRon Bland to get the recognition they deserve!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s kick things off with some holiday talk as the boys share some of their memories being with the Cowboys on Turkey Day. But there’s plenty of football to discuss as well, including Jesse breaking down just what goes into those scripted plays that coaches start every game with. There’s more to it than you may think. Plus, what plays are working best for this team (as Nate asks where’s the lead draw)? Happy Thanksgiving!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Eagles just keep finding a way to win, so are the Cowboys now playing for the first wild card spot? Regardless, it starts with taking care of business against the Commanders. What should we expect from quarterback Sam Howell? Reception or interception, he’s going to keep slinging it. But is running back Brian Robinson the real threat? And, uh-oh, CeeDee Lamb has got a bum ankle. Time to worry?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Johnson is going into the Cowboys Ring of Honor and our man Nate happily shares his memories of playing for the Hall of Fame coach, including what they both really cared about – winning. Plus, the game against the Panthers was close for most of the day, which is how it usually goes in the NFL. Hey, they took care of business, though. But, oh my, there was nothing routine about the DaRon Band pick-six.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys are entering their stretch of three games in 12 days. Since the toughest of those is that third matchup, are the coaches making plans now to perhaps rest guys in this first one, which is the easiest? Do they game plan any differently in an effort to keep players rested and ready? Plus a grab-bag of Friday topics from callers (hair color in Germany?), our predictions and more. It’s a Friday fun day, for sure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dallas is facing Carolina quarterback Bryce Young this weekend, this year’s No. 1 pick. But are the Panthers using him the right way? Or are they setting him up for future failure? Also, the Cowboys are facing another bad team. Does this really help them prepare for when they have to face opponents like the Eagles? What should they work on now to be ready later? And, oh yeah, is Micah Parsons headed for a prove-it game?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a blocking clinic on today’s show as Nate gives a detailed breakdown of zone blocking vs. man blocking. So which scheme is better for the current offensive line? How about for the team’s running backs? Are they best when they put their foot in the ground and go? And would the Cowboys rather face a 3-4 defense or a 4-3? Plu, is there a play to beat every defensive alignment? You about to learn!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Leighton Vander Esch now out for the season, are the linebackers going to be able to hold up against the better, more physical teams? Markquese Bell has been good, but does he have the size? With that, Micah Parsons has been playing more linebacker and he doesn’t sound real thrilled about it. He can impact a game from anywhere, so is he bringing the right attitude to the situation?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys completely dominated the Giants, but because New York is such a bad team, how much can we actually take away from it? Do they have to win the next three (or five) to really make it mean something? And Dak Prescott is as hot as they get. What changed? Is he finally comfortable with the system? Plus, CeeDee Lamb said he’s the best receiver in the NFL now. Is he right? Regardless, got to love that swagger!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So if the Cowboys don’t beat the struggling Giants by double-digits on Sunday, is it a bad day? And is the Eagles upcoming schedule that tough? Won’t they be favored in at least two of them? Also, one caller asks if they should use Hunter Luepke in short-yardage and goal-line situations? He’s bigger … but is he better? Plus, how would you grade Mike McCarthy’s offense through the first half of the season? Oh, hey, it’s the head coach’s birthday. What are we getting him?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Really no way to sugarcoat it … the Giants are bad. So how do the Cowboys stay focused? Got to have some dogs on your team. But what if one of those dogs, Tyron Smith, no longer practices during the week? Will that mess with his timing come game day? Does it affect his teammates? Do the details get lost? After all, the only way they lose is if they beat themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Cowboys heavily favored to roll over the banged-up Gaints, can they use this matchup to work on things? Maybe get the running game going, which might include giving Rico Dowdle more carries? Or should they try making some changes along the offensive line? If not, can they at least get some help for Terence Steele? The pharmacy is coming to town on Sunday. Time to get right.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When are the Cowboys going to win one of these good games? When will doubt stop creeping in? Can the switch be flipped? Because if you’re not learning through winning, you won’t learn through losing. Plus, Nate and Jesse look back at their own careers and share who their mentors were, the teammates who really helped them become NFL players (and their answers might surprise you).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The small things matter. Like challenging the placement of the ball, kicking it out of bounds, dropping passes, getting slapped with penalties and on and on. Dak Prescott played championship level football and the defense largely held the Eagles in check, but in the end, they couldn’t get the job done. Why in the biggest games, do the Cowboys always seem to come up short?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew is joined by special guest Nick Eatman to discuss this Week 9 matchup and make their predictions for Cowboys vs. Eagles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speed is always good when it’s going in the right direction, and the Cowboys have plenty of it. But what does that mean, and how do they use it to attack the Eagles’ potent offense? Can they use the stunt to get Micah Parsons one-on-one battles in the pass rush? Plus, A.J. Brown will be the toughest receiver they’ve faced, but is it the run game that really needs to be shut down?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Their secondary can be beat, how does the Cowboys offensive line keep Philadelphia’s vaunted defensive front in check? And how do they prepare to do so not knowing if Tyron Smith will play? Plus, how about a ground game? It may be more important than ever to at least make them think you might run. And that goes for Dak Prescott too. It’s time to grab and go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re feeling a little spooked on this Halloween. The trade deadline is upon us and moves are being made around the league (much to Nate’s dismay). So should the Cowboys be wheeling and dealing as well? They’re contenders, aren’t they? Their window is open now. Why not? Plus, there’s a big game ahead. What’s it like in the locker room this week? It’s all in the details, crossing those i’s and dotting those t’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys took care of business in a big way on Sunday, dominating the Rams on both sides of the ball. But what did we see different about the offense? Getting Lamb more involved? Finally using more of the vertical game? And on defense, DaRon Bland’s position flexibility is paying off big-time while DeMarcus Lawrence continues to fly under the radar as one of the best in the NFL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a fun Friday with fan phone calls as Nick steps in for an ailing Kurt. So will we see any adjustments to the offense coming out the bye week? Should we? Who’s set to have a big game come Sunday? And we’ve got Jesse and Nate sharing thoughts on DeMarcus Ware going into the Ring of Honor and who some of their favorite teammates were, plus predictions and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rams receivers are not particularly fast, so how do they get open so often? How is Matthew Stafford leading the league in yards thrown before catch when they rely on a quick passing game? It’s all about the route running. So how do the Cowboys defend that? And is now the time when the coaches really need to coach? The film is out. Are adjustments coming? Should they be?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here comes that man again, Aaron Donald. How do the Cowboys keep him from disrupting their plans? The Rams secondary, however, can be attacked … if the wide receivers can beat their press coverage, which is something they’ve struggled to do this season. And is Dallas’ short passing offense one of the reasons the running game is struggling? Time to break it down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the trade deadline nears, does this team need to get a second wide receiver? Or is he already on the roster and they’re just not using Brandin Cooks like they should? Are there any other positions they need to look at bolstering? Plus, are there any tweaks to the offense coming after the bye? Was Dak Prescott’s aggressiveness against the Chargers a sign of things to come? The Cowboys need his “whatever it takes” mentality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mixed up crew discuss Week 7 results and compare the Cowboys against the NFL elite teams as of right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sitting at 4-2 after grabbing a close one from the Chargers, it's time to give the Cowboys an early progress report on how things have looked.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cowboys bounce back with a win over the Chargers, but there are still concerns as the team heads into its bye week. Can this defense truly be elite or is good simply good enough? Is the clock ticking on Michael Gallup’s production (or lack thereof)? Is the offensive line going to be okay? It’s time for a break, yes, but it’s time to figure some things out as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offense has been struggling, but is just more time needed because they’ve revamped the scheme? Or are there bigger issues at hand? Also, is Monday’s game against the Chargers a good barometer of where the Cowboys stack up? They were better clearly better than some, clearly worse than one. Is this a more even matchup? Plus, waking up Nate, predictions and general Friday fun!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are the receivers having so much trouble creating separation on their routes? And how can the issue be fixed? Time to add some razzle-dazzle to the offense? Speaking of running routes, the Chargers have one of the best in the business at doing it in Keenan Allen. Throw in Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler and Rashawn Slater and this is a potent offense the Cowboys will be facing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why aren’t we seeing more pass-run options from Dak? Or even rollouts, bootlegs, movement? Is it a quarterback issue or a play-calling issue? Or an issue at all? Can they incorporate the best of what he does? And how about that Chargers lineup? On paper, they’re better than their record shows. What’s the best plan of offensive attack?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should Parsons have talked about things “getting personal” with the 49ers? Did he call out the coaches for not having the team prepared? And what about that jersey swap? Is this what you want from a team leader? Plus, the Cowboys got hit with some injuries. What’s the impact of losing Vander Esch, Goodwin and Turpin heading into what suddenly seems a big game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No, the Cowboys didn’t beat themselves, and no, that didn’t feel like a beating … it was a beating. You’ve got to chop down every tree before the forest falls. Meaning, if you’re not consistent, you can’t be a winner. So can the Cowboys pick themselves up after that loss in San Francisco? Or is there discontent beginning to bubble beneath the surface?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take it from two guys who know, the motivation and drive heading into this showdown against the 49ers has to be player led. It’s a different mindset. But do the Cowboys actually see this as a rivalry? How about the Niners? After all, they’ve won the last two meetings. Plus, breaking down who has the edge at each position group, keys to the game and predictions. It’s game on!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the 49ers are a percentages defense, what are the Cowboys? We’re talking aggressiveness and pressure, pressure and more pressure. Also, who has the edge here? These two teams are nearly equal in talent on both sides of the ball. Could the coordinators make the difference? And don’t rest on Brock Purdy. He’s no bus driver. Not in Kyle Shanahan’s system. Let’s stop these Niners!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 49ers defense banks on its opponent eventually making a mistake. And they can simplify their schemes just because they’re so talented, especially on the defensive line. Can our offensive line match up? What do the Cowboys have to do to beat this team? Running game? No turnovers or penalties? Red-zone success? Yes! Yes! Yes! Time to start digging into this heavyweight showdown!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate’s “preseason” is done and now there’s a showdown coming on Sunday. How important is it to the Cowboys’ confidence to win this matchup? Especially knowing they’ll likely have to meet again in the playoffs. And is Dallas tougher and more physical now? Will having Trey Lance help the game plan any? Plus, Tyler Smith looks locked in at left guard … which is definitely a good thing!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the Cowboys outsmarted one of the NFL’s great masterminds with a fake extra-point attempt, the outcome seemed assured. Especially the way the defense was playing. But why was Micah Parsons still out there with the game in hand? Is it up to the coaches to lessen his wear and tear? And looking ahead, are the 49ers going to be a test or a challenge?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate is fired up on this Friday afternoon, and he’s got a message for the Cowboys defense: Set the edge! Also, Jesse has some words of advice for the red-zone offense: Spread them out wide and hit them up the middle. Plus a few of your calls and our predictions. There’s a lot to get through before we head into the weekend. Let’s go!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Mac Jones and Dak Prescott comparable in talent? After just three games, some seem to think so, but there will be no giving up on our quarterback on this show. Also, why the problems with stopping the run? Is the defensive line not sticking with their assignments, leaving the linebackers and safeties hung out to dry? One guy can go off script, but when several do … uh-oh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t look now, but that Patriots defense is no joke. Do the Cowboys have an answer for their guys wearing single digits? And more red-zone talk. Is it a personnel issue? A play-calling issue? Or is it just a patchwork offensive line issue? Speaking of, would you rather see Tyler Smith on the inside at guard or outside at tackle if Tyron Smith is hurt? Plus, a special guest joins us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was the loss in Arizona just a one game blip? Or was it a continuing trend going back to last season and beyond? And what’s going on with the red-zone production? Is it play design? Do they just need to power run the ball into the end zone? Plus, where is rookie Mazi Smith? We know he has the physical strength. Is technique and play recognition holding him back?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were three main problems that led to the Cowboys’ unsettling loss in Arizona: red-zone offense, run defense and penalties. So were these just a one-game speed bump or are they larger issues that could derail a promising season? Also, despite missing three starters, the offensive line held up for the most part. But what happened to the defensive line? Oh, boy … here we go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the loss of Trevon Diggs, will the Dallas defense have enough depth to keep this train rolling? Step right up, DaRon Bland! Let’s go, Jourdan Lewis! On the other hand, maybe the real worry is along the offensive line, where Tyler Biadasz and Zack Martin remain uncertain for Sunday’s game. Are we about to find out if this team is a true contender? It’s in the Cards!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there any chance this is a trap game? Nah, the Cowboys just have too much talent. But is there a risk of guys getting bored? Nah, just got to take care of business. Only thing beating this team in Arizona is the Cowboys themselves. With that said, can some players take more chances knowing their teammates have got their back?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our man Patrik jumps on the show for a spirited debate about a certain NFC East rival and its quarterback. Plus, Jesse breaks down what the Cardinals try to do in coverage and why it won’t work against the Cowboys receivers. Speaking of, is Mike McCarthy’s new system a good fit for Michael Gallup? Regardless, the Dallas offense should be ready to roll come Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If we’re so worried about protecting starters in the preseason, why not take some of these guys out earlier when the game is a blowout? Also, what’s it going to take for Dak Prescott not to be criticized? Plus, there’s a healthy respect and camaraderie between today’s players, so is a little trash talking all well and good? And could there be a show challenge lurking?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Micah Parsons again looks unstoppable out there as he and the defense take down the Jets. So no need to worry about the red zone then? With the defense in control, that allowed the offense to simply work the clock and play it safe. Speaking of, Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott sure look like they’re in sync, don’t they? Let’s discuss it all on this Victory Monday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s amazing the punishment these players go through – 70 snaps of just trying to wear each other out. And you know it’s going to be that and more this Sunday. Also, do coaches today talk to players differently than they did in the past? Plus, Jourdan Lewis’ role when he comes back, stopping the run, predictions and your calls. Time to jet into the weekend!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Cowboys want to have a sack party against the Jets, they’ve got to earn it first by stopping the run. Don’t stop the run and it’s going to be a long, grinding day. Is that what coordinator Dan Quinn is telling his troops? What might the coaches on the other side be saying to Zach Wilson? Make no mistake, there’s a big wave bearing down on the New York quarterback.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jets defense is no joke with perhaps only one player the difference between them and the Dallas defense. So how will the Cowboys offense have to attack those like the Williams brothers? Plus, did we just get a taste against the Giants of what Mike McCarthy’s offense can really do? No trap zone here in Week 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.