← Locked On Cowboys - Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys
Locked On Cowboys - Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys
3 Areas On Offense The Dallas Cowboys MUST Improve To Become Viable Contender During 2026 Season!
00:27:10
Dallas Cowboys face a pivotal offseason as Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool outline the three crucial offensive changes needed to boost their Super Bowl hopes. Can Dallas add the physical edge in their run game to dominate tough playoff defenses and cold-weather battles? The conversation spotlights player development—focusing on Tyler Booker's leadership and the need for CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens to elevate their blocking—to forge a more complete offensive identity.
Loading summary
Transcript32 lines
- [00:00]
Marcus Moser
Foreign.
- [00:05]
Lana McCool
Your team every day. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credits stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
- [00:42]
Advertisement Voice
Pro savings days are on at Lowe's. Get up to 35% off. Select major appliances plus Mylo's Pro Rewards members get an additional 5% off when you buy five or more. Select GE Whirlpool and Electrolux kitchen or laundry Major appliances low Lowe's we help you Save valid through 123 discount valid to Milos Pro Rewards members only. Exclusions and other restrictions apply. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See associate or lowe's.com for details. Loyalty program subject to terms and conditions. Visit lowe's.com terms for details.
- [01:09]
Marcus Moser
Subject to change the Dallas Cowboys have a lot of changes that they need to make this offseason, and not just on defense. We'll tell you three to keep an eye on this offseason.
- [01:28]
Locked On Podcast Announcer
You are Locked On Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day.
- [01:38]
Marcus Moser
Welcome back to the Locked On Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. We'd also like to thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network. I am your host Marcus Moser. He is Lana McCool, and on today's show we're going to take a look at a to do list for the Cowboys offense. We know that they're going to make a lot of changes on defense, but let's talk about some things they need to accomplish on offense because despite being one of the league's better offenses this year, there are still some little tweaks that they could make to become a more dangerous team against quality opponents and into the postseason. So we're going to talk about some things that they need to do, but what's the number one goal the Cowboys need to accomplish over the next six months?
- [02:25]
Lana McCool
I think the first thing they need to do is add more physicality to the run game and I don't think that, you know, this is one of the few things that I think is on the offensive list that doesn't require, in my opinion, doesn't Require a super big change of personnel, doesn't require new coaching, doesn't need necessarily a change in attitude. I think it's just about them going back, you know, into the, back to the drawing board here and kind of get going to the grindstone and just improving. Right. I think we're gonna see year two of Tyler Booker, we're gonna see year two of Clayton Adams as the offensive line coach and this group that's, you know, currently constructed together another year of, of guidance at tackle. We'll see what's happening at right tackle. But I just think that it's an important thing that I don't think should be missed. I don't think the Cowboys have to do anything other than, you know, get back to work here in the off season. But I think it's an important thing, especially if the Cowboys offense wants to take the kind of next step that's going to be able to support, you know, whatever comes out of the off season rebuild of this defense.
- [03:30]
Marcus Moser
And I even look at a team like Chicago, which I know they didn't advance to the NFC championship game, but they were really close. They had a physical, downhill run game and you know, they've got a second year quarterback in Caleb Williams who was a little hot and cold in some of these playoff games, but they were able to rely on the run game against some really good fronts to convert whatever they needed to convert. We think the Cowboys run game has taken a big step forward with Clayton Adams, but now the next step is being able to be physical and control the point of attack in these games. Because whether we like it or not, the Cowboys are probably going to have to play in some bad weather games in December, in January, if they want to get to their ultimate goal. And the best way to win those games is by having a reliable physical running attack.
- [04:21]
Lana McCool
Yeah, and also, I mean, it's, it's a way to finish these games against tougher opponents. Like you're just not simply not going to be able to score 45 points every single game. You want to be able to have a lead and then be able to protect and kill that lead, that game that you have the lead in, you know, and I think that having a physical run game, a run game that can, you know, be effective even when the opponent knows that it's time to run the football and that it's coming, I think that's an important part of being a good playoff football team. I mean, I think that you even saw that not only in the, in the NFL playoffs, but in the College playoffs. Now, it used to be that the college was wide open and throwing the ball constantly and the best teams were doing that well. But running the football, look at Indiana, look at Miami. The. That's how they got there. Was, was. I mean, obviously Mendoza is, is a, is a Heisman Trophy winner, but if you, if you watch those offenses, they're run first offenses and they build their offenses off of that. And I think that's kind of where football is headed back to. And the Cowboys need to make sure that it isn't just about CD Lamb and George Pickens and Dak Prescott. They have to have a foundational kind of third leg of that, that, that, that apps that offers opportunities to kind of balance that all out for the Cowboys when times get tough and things aren't working the way they should be.
- [05:40]
Marcus Moser
And I know for some people, I think they believe the way to get a physical running game is to go out and get a physical running back or getting a top flight running back. And I do think that helps. But I also think it needs to be a team identity. And like you go back and watch the tapes of their run game and I think the offensive line does a really good job of setting the tone. But it's not just the offensive line. You need your receivers to buy in. And as much as I love CD Lamb and George Pickens, their effort as blockers would kind of come and go. Same for the tight ends. You need those guys to be more, you know, technically sound and being able to get to the next level. It's not just your offensive line and your running back that, you know, sets the tone for the run game. It's got to be a complete team effort. And that's where I'm hoping Clayton Adams in year two can really get the rest of the offense to buy it.
- [06:33]
Lana McCool
Yeah, 100%. And I agree with that a lot because I do think that, I think that the offensive line and the, you know, game plan and the run game, all of that's on course. It just, they just need to continue and get better. I agree that the area where there needs to be change and like they need to get better is on the edges and on the perimeter and at those positions where, you know, you need those 10th and 11th guys in a run, in a run scheme to do their jobs as well if you really want to break open big runs. So I agree if you want to be physical, it's not always just about having a running back with an attitude. I think you have that you have the right running back. If you want to do that, maybe add another back who can do that. Well, maybe mafa someone else. Right. I think you have the right running backs. I think you have the right offensive line. It's getting the other guys to buy in and be part of being a physical run game that I think is, is, is an attitude change. You're right. And it's something that the Cowboys need to work on with the, you know, 9th, 10th, 11th guy on the field in these run game schemes.
- [07:35]
Marcus Moser
Well, and I look at like again, some of the teams left. I think one of the reasons why Seattle went out and got Cooper cup even at this stage of his career is because he's a really good inline blocker. Pukinakua blocks his tail off and that's one of the things like again, love CD Lam for him to take that next step as a player. I really do think he could become a more consistent blocker. The 49ers have J1 Jennings and it's all of these teams have guys that are willing to block on the edges or come down and seal off a linebacker if they can get better that way. You'll see the, the run game get exponentially better in 2026.
- [08:13]
Lana McCool
Yeah, I mean, like all the Shanahan guys, all of their tree guys, I mean, they all require that it's not necessarily just, oh, they, they learned wide zone from the master and that's why they're so good. No, it's that they require all of their players to be able to block in the run game because it's such an important aspect of the, of the game. You can't just overlook it to get wide receiver production. They believe they can scheme up wide wide receiver production. They can't scheme up wide receiver want to in the blocking in the run.
- [08:43]
Marcus Moser
Well, and what's the phrase that Kyle Shanahan and Mike. Mike McDaniel always say? It's no block, no rock. It has to be a mindset. It can't just be, oh, we're going to try to be a little bit better this year. It's something you've got to work on every single day in practice. And you've really got to know how to coach it again. Year two of Brian Schottenheimer and Clayton Adams. Maybe we'll see more of an emphasis on that. And I really hope we do one more thing.
- [09:11]
Lana McCool
Yeah. And I think this can't be emphasized enough. This is why you drafted Tyler Booker. And I'm not even necessarily just talking about his blocking, but yes, absolutely his blocking. But Tyler Booker. Now, as an established leader, you need to hold these guys to account, right? Like, that's why part of the reason you're here, right? Like, it's, even though they're superstars, it's time for the young leaders to start holding those. You want to have a championship team. That's how you get a championship team is the team holding themselves, each other accountable. That's. That's what I'm asking. So I, I, you know, I challenge Tyler Booker because I think he's the guy to do it, to be honest.
- [09:48]
Marcus Moser
All right, so that's step one. Get a more physical run game. If you accomplish that in one off season, I'm telling you, this Cowboys team is going to be much more dynamic and dangerous, not only in the regular season, but also in the postseason. But if they want to become a Super bowl contending offense, there's one fix that they need to make. We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by Drip Drop. Kicking off the year, Feeling good is the goal, right? And honestly, hydration is the easiest win. And I know when I stay on top of it, my energy, my focus, and my mood are all up. But let's be real, plain water doesn't always cut it, especially when you're grinding through long days and hitting the gym or trying to stay consistent with your health goals. And that is where drip drop comes in. Dr. Develop proven, fast hydration that helps your body and mind work better together. Think clear, focus, better energy, elevated mood, and even that fresh skin glow. So right now, Drip Drop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to drip drop.com and use promo code lockdown NFL. That's drip drop.com promo code lockdown NFL. For 20% off, stock up now@drip drop.com and use promo code lockedon NFL. This episode is brought to you by Robin Hood. What if sports were traded like markets? Now you can put your sports IQ to test in real time with Robin Hood prediction markets. It's not you against the house. It's you participating in a live market. You can buy or sell your positions live all game long. Use your sports knowledge in the moments that matter. Robin Hood prediction markets changes the game. It's people moving the action so when momentum shifts, you can move with it. I always knew the game, but I never had a dynamic way to actually apply that knowledge. Now I can, and I can do it through Robin Hood. It's a market powered by the people. You're no longer just a spectator. Play by play, you Decide trade every play with Robin Hood. Now available across the U.S. download the Robinhood app now to begin futures and cleared swaps. Trading involves significant risk and and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robin Hood Derivatives llc, a registered futures commission, merchant and swap firm. Welcome back to the Loton Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. If you haven't done so already, check out the new Everydayer club. You're going to get ad free episodes to the Lock Cowboys podcast. Com compatible with all of your favorite podcast apps. Just go to lockon cowboys supercast.com all right L. Let's talk about the Cowboys red zone offense because it felt like that was an area where this team struggled. And that's shocking considering you have, you had a good running game. You had two awesome receivers, you had a tight end that caught a bunch of touchdowns. Why was it so mediocre last season?
- [13:13]
Lana McCool
Yeah, I mean, I mean you have to look at the first segment, right? I think part of, part of it was that is that they needed to be more physical in the red zone. Obviously when with, with the comprise compressed tight spaces, it's, it becomes more difficult. Bodies are, are more difficult. So it's easier to put bodies in the back end but still have them come down in the run game and be, be, be a part of the run game as well. So it's just, it's, it's more difficult. But, but of course everybody's facing that, right. And, and I think the Cowboys have two big pass receiving targets that it feels like they're still not quite finding a way to fully unlock in the red zone. Right. It feels like it's a lot of Jake Ferguson, it's a lot of tight ends which I think at times like is okay, but it's, it's not. You don't have a guy in Ferguson who is necessarily. And the numbers may be belialing my argument a little bit, but I think on a down to down basis this is true. I just don't know that he's like super efficient necessarily in the red zone to the point that you want to build your, your whole red zone game out of giving him targets and then trying these kind of fade, you know, these fade routes like to, to anybody other than Pickens, even and even CD Lamb, to be honest. Like, it feels like wasted, wasted attempts. And even with Pickens it feels like waste attempts. So I just feel like they need a more cohesive plan. It feels like it's a collection of Plays instead of a system that they should be operating, that should be, you know, building off of each other and creating constraints. They don't necessarily have a thing that they can rely on or hang their hat on. They have a lot of players that they know can make plays between the 20s and they want to get them targets so that they can get touchdowns. But. But it doesn't seem like they have anything consistently that they can rely on when it's time. Hey, we. We have to get a touchdown this drive. What's. What's the play that they go to. To. To like, go get that for sure. I don't know that they necessarily have anything that they.
- [15:21]
Marcus Moser
No, I did. I mean, think about the Cowboys offense this year. It seemed like anytime it was in five, it was either a handoff to Javonte Williams or they would run some kind of play action with a tight end leaking, you know, kind of to the pylon. And that's great, but teams figure that out pretty quickly. And then once they kind of got into their regular offense, kind of like the high red zone, they just try to run a bunch of crossers and you have to wait a long time sometimes for those crossers to open up. And they, they did score a lot of touchdowns that way. And Dak has thrown a bunch on, like, seam balls, but, man, that's so dangerous, having to throw that ball into tight windows. This is where I would like to see them become way more efficient. And listen, Dak is an awesome quarterback. He's unbelievable, but he's really never figured out how to throw a fade or a back shoulder fade. He just doesn't have. It's not his thing. And this is where, like in 2014 when the Cowboys had Tony Romo and Dez, they were automatic. Like, if Des was one on one, they could throw a back shoulder, they could throw a fade. That's why I think they had a 73% touchdown percentage that year. You have too many good receivers to be this bad on offense in the red zone. This should be the number one goal for Schottenheimer, is to figure out how to be more consistent. It's not even inside, like the 20. It's really like inside the five. It's. I think that's where they were so awful this year.
- [16:41]
Lana McCool
Yeah. And that's why, again, I. I think, you know, a more physical run game is. Is a prescription here because I think if you could just get to it. Look, they were somewhere around. I mean, I actually have the numbers right here. They were at 56.9% of their red zones trips converted into touchdowns. That's good for like 16th in the league, you know, and that's not where they.
- [17:03]
Marcus Moser
No, they were also one of the more aggressive teams in the red zone going forward on fourth down. Right. So you have an extra down and you're still middle of the pack.
- [17:12]
Lana McCool
So, yeah, they just, you know, and if you look at the other numbers, if you just look at the raw touchdown numbers, they have a lot of touchdowns in the red zone because they made a lot of trips into the red zone. But if they could convert that at even a, you know, 12th best, 11th best pace, I mean, think about how many more points they would have scored this season. So, yeah, I just. And again, I just feel like whether it's taking more shots from the high red zone into the end zone that don't include, you know, corners fade to the corners, or if it's just being more physical on early downs in the low red zone and finding ways to be like, you know, I just. How many times did they take a shot on first and goal from like the six? Right. It was always kind of like, let's run the ball to like get, you know, kind of get down to the three.
- [18:06]
Marcus Moser
Then we want it on second down. And now it's third. It's third one from the two yard line and just put you in a tough spot.
- [18:12]
Lana McCool
Yeah. And so I just think that they need to find something or someone that they can find efficient targeting to down there that they can feel comfortable with. They need to find a play that they feel a lot more comfortable running, you know, and it used to be Dak with his legs, and that's just not really as much of an option anymore. But they need to find something like that that can be, you know, an element that they can rely on a little bit more to kind of add something to them instead of just kind of, oh, well, we want to, we really want to target this guy. Let's try this. It's like they need some more red zone specific plays. It feels like. It just feels like they're just doing things to target players, which is, which is fine, I think, in concept, but it's not enough. They also need concepts that just are good concepts to run down in the red zone that get guys open, whoever it is.
- [19:08]
Marcus Moser
Well, and honestly, I do wonder. Dak was such a threat as a red zone runner really, the first three years of his career that I don't know if he ever had to really develop as a red zone pastor. It's really Hard. It's hard to win in the red zone. And now you're getting into the later portion of his career where the legs aren't really a viable option unless it's a push. Push from the 1 yard line, which they did pretty well, honestly, this year. And I think we saw Dax scramble for one touchdown against Philadelphia. If I remember correctly, either Dak needs to use his legs more or he's got to be a whole lot more accurate and precise and improve as a passer in the red zone. You can do it. We've seen, we've seen plenty of quarterbacks in their mid-30s get better in the red zone. I'm hoping that's where Dak puts a lot of his focus. And this off season.
- [19:58]
Lana McCool
Yeah, and, and, and for shoddy, I think that that's an area where the play calling can also help him out and not necessarily improve. Not that it's been bad, but it's like, let's put some concepts in that, that, you know, are, that are man beaters, that are zone beaters, that are red zone zone beaters that, that you, you can actually run. And, and, and again, not just like, hey, I want to try to get Pickens the ball. Let's run a fade or, you know what I'm saying? Like, let's, let's, let's run some more interesting stuff that can kind of help Dak out a little bit here.
- [20:29]
Marcus Moser
All right, let's talk about the tight end position, because we mentioned Jake Ferguson in there a little bit, and he was pretty good as a red zone receiver, but everywhere else was a struggle. We'll tell you why the Cowboys need more for the tight end position next. This episode is brought to you by FanDuel. FanDuel is officially in playoff mode. Every game day during the NFL playoffs, FanDuel is giving customers even more ways to get in on the action. Because right now, every NFL playoff game day, FanDuel users get a profit boost pack waiting for them inside the app. Each game day, you're going to see a pack loaded with multiple profit boosts that you can apply to the bets that you like the most. You make your picks then apply your profit boost to go after an even bigger payout while the playoffs get rolling. Like, I love the Patriots this week, I think it's going to be Seattle in New England in the Super Bowl. You could go bet on that right now at FanDuel and get an even bigger payout with the profit boost. So visit FanDuel, the official sportsbook partner of the NFL and grab your profit boost pack every NFL Playoff game day. This episode is brought to you by Indeed. If you've ever hired someone who looked good on paper but wasn't the right fit, you know how important that is when you want candidates who truly match what you're looking for. Trust Indeed Sponsored Jobs Hiring Indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other sites Indeed Sponsored Jobs. Put your post at the top of the page and help you reach the right candidates faster. If I ever needed to hire someone for this show, I I would go straight to Indeed and be very specific about what I need real experience and not just some resume buzzwords. Spend more time interviewing candidates who check all of the boxes with less stress, less time and more results using Indeed Sponsored Jobs and listeners of this show. Get a $75 sponsored job credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves@ Indeed.com SL lot NFL. Just go to Indeed.com lot NFL right now and support the show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring do it the right way with Indeed. Welcome back to the Lock On Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. Lane let's talk about the tight end position because this is a really key spot for the Cowboys offense. You have again, two awesome receivers. Dak loves throwing to the tight end, but over the last couple of years they have not gotten enough value from that position. How did they get more in 2026?
- [23:23]
Lana McCool
Yeah, it just feels like every year we talk about the guys that are at the position and how excited we are and then it just feels like it's only Ferguson that comes out and gets in the opportunities until they finally kind of figure out, oh you revan spent. Ford is on this team. Let's give him some more shots. And you know, with Skoodmaker, it's just like, where are we with this guy? I mean, I think at this point it's over and so I I I just feel like we need to get more out of the tight end position. I mean, you've got the numbers to completely back this up, but even without these numbers, I think it's easy to just see the production. You feel like you've got a really good tight end coach. You just gave a whole bunch of money to your tight end one and you're just not getting very much out of the position at all. It's all wide receiver and and kind of running back heavy in the tight end outside of the red zone. As you mentioned, at times becomes an afterthought, and I just feel like that's not a good division of labor for this offense.
- [24:23]
Marcus Moser
So the Cowboys tight ends, as the group this year, average 7.8 yards per reception. That was the worst in the NFL by far. There were several teams who averaged almost 5 yards per reception, more than what the Cowboys tight ends did. Now you could say, well, maybe that's some of it is based on usage. They're catching a lot of, you know, passes underneath or at the line of scrimmage, but that should be backed up with higher yards after the catch numbers. And that's just not the case. The Cowboys had the worst group of tight ends after the catch as well. So you're not getting plays after the catch. You're not making big plays down the field. The red zone production was good, but it wasn't elite or anything. And that's where I wonder like, is it time to consider maybe an exit plan with Jake Ferguson? I know you just signed him to a contract, but if he doesn't get better in 2026, I think he's somebody who's actually negatively impacting your offense because he's not a good blocker. And if he's not making plays after the catch, he's not a supreme athlete. He doesn't have great size. What are we doing here?
- [25:28]
Lana McCool
Yeah, I mean, I think you could probably get by with him again, but you need some sort of serious, like, add on to the position. Right? And I think if, if Brevin Span Ford, if you just don't feel like Brevin Span Ford and I'm talking about the coaching staff here, if you just don't feel like Brevin Span Ford has it as a receiver enough to get kind of advanced tight end to looks, then, then it's time to go find somebody who does and not beat around the bush anymore with, with Schoon maker. And again, that's not necessarily, you know, their choice. I mean, obviously they didn't. The offensive coaching staff didn't draft Schoonmaker for, for this team. And, and I'm sure that that's, that's kind of a mandate by, by the front office, but I think at this point the front office needs to look at the situation and go, man, like, we've given this chance, this opportunity, a lot of schoonergy, a lot of opportunity. And at this point, if Ferguson is kind of not going to be an explosive player, we have to find a way to get a little bit more production, especially downfield with quarterback who notoriously loves throwing the ball down the seam and a tight end position is the easiest position to run that. And if Ferguson isn't going to be doing those plays as efficiently or if there is a guy out there that you can go that can help the position by having him as your tight end too and then, you know, having him be the forgotten guy on the field, then go out and get him. I think that that's the Cowboys needed to make a move here of some.
- [27:04]
Marcus Moser
Sort and I think drafting someone like Kenyan Sadiq in round one is, I think that's a little bit of an overreaction. You don't want to invest more, you know, picks into your skill position guys. But they've got a bunch of day three picks and like, would it shock me if they spend a fourth round pick on a tight end to replace maybe Schoonmaker after this year and push Jake Ferguson a little bit? No, not at all. And I would, I would like to see somebody that maybe can be a little bit more dynamic. It's just a position that if they're going to be this elite, elite offense, they need more out of. They did not get enough in 2025. We'll see what it looks like in 2026. That is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making Lockdown Cowboys your first listen every single day. If you never miss an episode, the Everydayer Club is built for you. Get Locked On Cowboys ad free plus members only, Discord Access and so much more. Head over to lockdown cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. And for those of you on video, we can send you the first ever 24. 7 national NBA YouTube channel and on audio. Make your second listen the lot on NFL podcasts. Follow lanen on Twitter acoolbcb. I'm arcusmosier. We'll see you right back here tomorrow.
- [28:24]
Lana McCool
Traditions are a funny thing. They're why we tailgate in the pouring rain, wear full body paint and refuse to wash that lucky jersey. And just like in football, tradition is what inspires us at Tostig to make our MASA the traditional way, starting with whole corn kernels. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives crafted for that perfect crunch. Tostitos tradition matters. Official Chip and Dip sponsor of the NFL Locked On.
- [28:56]
Locked On Podcast Announcer
Listeners asked for more and now you can get it with the Everydayer Club. For just $5 a month, you'll get everyday, every episode ad free, plus access to our members only. Discord Exclusive audio from Locked On Sports today and other perks you won't find anywhere else. If you never miss a show, this is the next step. Join the Everydayer club today@lockedonpodcast.com everydayerclub or visit the link in the show notes. That's lockedonpodcast.com everydayer club part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team every day.