Locked On Cowboys Podcast: “3 Positions That MUST Improve Moving Forward for Cowboys | Time To BENCH Starting Linebacker?”

Date: September 10, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool | Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the three key positional groups that the Dallas Cowboys need to improve as they head into week two and beyond. With a keen focus on the linebacker unit—highlighting issues with Kenneth Murray—the hosts also assess the tight end and offensive tackle groups. The discussion is packed with candid analysis, practical suggestions for improving positional play, and specific player insights, providing listeners with expert context into what the Cowboys need to address to contend in 2025.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Linebacker Situation: Time to Bench Kenneth Murray?

(Starts at 02:18)

• Initial Analysis:

  • Marcus opens with concerns about linebacker play against the Eagles. Landon points directly to Kenneth Murray as a liability after week one:

    "They get Kenneth Murray off the field. I mean, I hate to be a little bit cruel, but it feels like…Murray was kind of exactly who we thought he was.” – Landon McCool [02:37]

  • Both hosts note the high expectations coming out of camp and preseason were unmet in the regular season opener.

• Kenneth Murray Critique:

  • Missed tackles and lack of discipline in gap control highlighted.
  • Murray’s absence in training camp (for personal reasons) and lack of preseason reps cited as reasons for his slow start, but the hosts are skeptical improvement will come.
  • “He is a high variance player who can make some splash plays, but you have to live with the inconsistency...and I just don’t know if that’s going to fit in here.” – Marcus Mosher [04:04]

• Who Else Should Play?

  • Landon argues for more snaps for younger linebackers, especially DeMarvion Overshown (when healthy) and Marist Liufau:

    “It feels like when you’ve seen him [Liufau], he’s played sound football…and last year he played really well in a demanding Mike Zimmer defense.” – Landon McCool [04:52]

  • Discussion of snap counts emphasizes the imbalance:

    “Leofau played six snaps to Murray’s like 50-plus.” – Landon McCool [05:40]
    “62.” – Marcus Mosher [05:42]

• Green Dot & Leadership:

  • The question of why Murray is wearing the green dot (defensive play-caller) arises despite his underwhelming play. Possible solutions are discussed, like giving the dot to Jack Sanborn or Liufau.
  • “Go peel that sticker off the back of Murray’s helmet and go give it to Liufau. Let him call these plays.” – Landon McCool [06:42]

• Outlook and Rotation:

  • Expectation of more rotation, utilizing the depth beneath the starters to both improve performance and develop young talent for later in the season.
  • The need for a physical, energetic presence and the importance of Lightning rod players emphasizes Liufau’s potential impact.

• Notable Quote:

  “Let’s see what you get out of Liufau if you feed him more snaps. When you fed him more snaps last year, he got better.” – Landon McCool [09:42]

2. Tight Ends Must Contribute as Receivers

(Starts at 10:16; resumes at 13:04 after ads)

• Summary of Concerns:

  • Marcus says he was “underwhelmed” by the group in the passing game, although run blocking was solid.
  • Landon agrees, stating, “All three of the guys had targets that went to them that they couldn’t come down with. Obviously, Ferguson with the most glaring of those.” [13:04]
  • Tight ends combined for just 8 targets and 23 receiving yards, under 3 yards per target — called “abysmal.” [14:50]

• Execution and Impact:

  • Poor execution at tight end makes the offense easier to defend.

    “If you’re not gonna burn them for committing all those defensive assets... then they’re just going to continue to do that.” – Landon McCool [15:32]

  • Ferguson’s missed catch in the middle of the field could have been the difference in the game:

    “If Ferguson catches that ball in the middle of the field, you probably win the game, or you’ve got a great, great chance to win it.” – Marcus Mosher [15:11]

• Blocking:

  • Despite issues in the passing game, Landon highlights improvement in run blocking:

    “I have more faith that they'll solve the receiving part…The fact that we saw them really do well in the run blocking aspect, that was encouraging to me.” [18:19]

  • Use of 2- and 3-tight end sets is set to increase under Schottenheimer.

• Outlook:

  • The hosts are not in full panic mode, attributing some struggles to players missing time due to injuries and preseason rust.

    “Maybe now that they've knocked some of that rust off, they'll be better. Again, they have to be, because this is going to be a unit that gets a heavy workload.” – Marcus Mosher [17:39]

3. Offensive Tackles: Inconsistent but Critical

(Starts at 20:45, Main Segment Begins at 21:38)

• Week One Performance:

  • Marcus gives a mixed review: “Tyler Guyton…gave up five pressures but was fine. Terence Steele was okay. I thought he was better as a run blocker, but it's only going to get harder…”
  • Landon notes Guyton’s performance was passable considering injury and missed camp time but asserts, “But guess what? Now it's time to perform. Now it's time to play football.” [22:04]

• Key Upcoming Test:

  • Immediate concern is pass protecting against the Giants (Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux).

    “Schedule is not going to be relenting for him [Guyton].” – Landon McCool [23:16]

• Seasonal Importance:

  • Marcus underscores that tackle play could define the Cowboys’ season:

    “If the tackle struggle, I think the offense can still be good…but the ceiling just isn’t there….If these tackles play extremely well…the front is going to be the strength of this team—now you could do a lot more.” [23:46]

• Adjustments, Power, & Protection:

  • Landon notes improved run blocking, which can be used strategically:

    “It gives you a floor, and it also just gives you an opportunity to get physical with some of these pass rushers…” [24:08]

  • Expect more help from tight ends in pass protection, with host insight into different linemen’s preferences for help (chips, backfield support).

• On Dak’s Role:

  • Dak Prescott’s mobility and pocket feel can mitigate some OL issues:

    “Dak handles pressure from the outside better than in his face…he’s very good about stepping up into the pocket, giving himself a little bit of extra time.” – Landon McCool [26:16]

• Stunt Pickup:

  • The need for better stunt and looper recognition between guards and tackles is highlighted as a key fix to protect Dak.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Kenneth Murray:

  • “We also already know what Kenneth Murray is…he’s a 27 year old linebacker. He’s on his third team. All right, let’s see what you get out of Liufau…” – Landon McCool [09:42]

• On Tight End Usage:

  • “You need them to be able to convert their targets when they're receivers. And…we need production from that position, which it doesn't feel like we've had a consistent level of in the receiving game from in quite a while.” – Landon McCool [13:04]

• On Offensive Tackles:

  • “If you told me how the offensive tackles were going to play throughout the season, I could probably tell you how the entire team is going to play…” – Marcus Mosher [23:46]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 02:18: Start of deep dive on linebacker issues and Kenneth Murray
• 04:04: Marcus dissects why Murray may not fit Eberflus’ scheme
• 05:40-06:42: Breakdown of snap counts, green dot leadership discussion
• 09:26: Marist Liufau’s energy and needed leadership in the linebacker room
• 10:16 & 13:04: Transition to tight end performance, highlights of missed opportunities
• 14:50: Reviewing poor tight end stats (8 targets, 23 yards)
• 16:13: Marcus on blocking needs versus Giants’ front seven
• 17:39: Tight end availability, rust, and upcoming usage
• 21:38: Offensive tackle review, Guyton’s performance and next steps
• 23:16: Schedule and pass rushers ahead, critical nature of tackle play
• 24:08: Emphasis on run game setting a physical tone
• 26:16: Dak Prescott’s pocket presence as a stabilizer
• 27:56: Recap of three key improvement areas heading into Week 2

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

The episode presents clear areas of concern and opportunity for the Cowboys:

• Linebacker: Snap reallocation away from Kenneth Murray in favor of Liufau and developing younger talent is key for defensive improvement.
• Tight End: The group must perform more consistently in the passing game to complement their improved run blocking.
• Offensive Tackle: Health, development, and consistency of Guyton and Steele will have an outsize impact on protection schemes and the overall ceiling of the offense.

The hosts are cautious but optimistic, asserting that adjustments can and must be made for Dallas to reach its potential.

For Further Listening

• Preview of Giants matchup with more positional breakdowns coming later in the week.
• Crossover with Locked On Giants for further insights into upcoming opponents.

Follow the hosts:

• @McCoolBCB (Landon McCool)
• @Marcus_Mosher (Marcus Mosher)

Locked On Cowboys: Available on all podcast platforms.