Locked On Cowboys – November 10, 2025

Episode Title: Major CHANGES NEEDED for Dallas Cowboys Offense | Can Run Game Be Improved?

Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this post-bye-week episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down pressing changes needed for the Dallas Cowboys offense as they enter the season’s second half. The conversation zeroes in on three main areas: revamping the inconsistent running game, evaluating the offensive line (especially at right tackle), and considering tweaks at the pass catcher spots as the Cowboys prepare for a critical stretch run. The hosts emphasize the urgency around depth, physicality, and development, keeping both short- and long-term success in focus.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The State of the Running Game: Depth and Physicality Concerns

(Segment begins ~01:47)

• Javonte Williams’ Workload and the Lack of Depth:

  • Williams has surpassed expectations as a bell cow back but risks overuse, especially with four games in 18 days coming up.
  • Miles Sanders’ injury has spotlighted the absence of a reliable RB2, raising concerns about durability and late-season stamina.

  “The Cowboys have, since Miles Sanders has been injured, failed to find a true running back two to kind of spell him properly.” – Landon McCool (02:37)

  • Attempts to use Jaden Blue have yielded mixed results, resulting in him being a “healthy scratch” lately. Phil Mafa could return from IR soon, but uncertainty remains.

• RB2 Options: Who Steps Up?

  • By committee is floated: using Malik Davis, Phil Mafa (if healthy), and others like Turpin or CeeDee for gadget plays.
  • Hunter Luepke, used sparingly (only 6 touches on the year), is suggested for a larger short-yardage role to reduce Williams’ wear and tear.

  “Why not give [Hunter Luepke] three or four carries just to try to divvy up some of that work so, you know, you can cobble together RB2?” – Marcus Mosher (06:05)

• Jaden Blue’s Readiness and Mindset:

  • Concerns that Blue shies away from contact, unlike successful small backs in the NFL who “embrace” physical play.

  “He’s almost shying away from that. You can’t have that as a running back.” – Marcus Mosher (08:25)
  “He’s really had a struggle to just break a tackle, to be honest, in the NFL.” – Landon McCool (07:23)

  • The hosts express a desire to see Phil Mafa as a potential first and second down, between-the-tackles option if healthy.

• Balancing Rotations:

  • Javonte Williams praised for third-down competency, but hosts insist someone needs to emerge for early down reps to balance the load.
  • The O-line’s improving health is viewed as a hopeful sign for generating chunk plays in the run game.

2. Offensive Line: Rotations, Health, and Future Outlook

(Segment begins ~12:31; O-line focus from 14:14)

• Right Tackle Situation:

  • Terence Steele was benched for Nate Thomas, but neither has seized the job.
  • Hosts debate whether Thomas should continue to get reps for developmental purposes, especially with Steele potentially being a cap casualty after the season.

  “I don’t think that Terence Steele is necessarily going to be back next year, especially if you like what you’ve got from Thomas.” – Landon McCool (14:14)

• Evaluating Best Line Combinations:

  • Discussion over whether Nate Thomas’s best spot is at LT or RT, and if Tyler Guyton is best kept at LT.
  • The need for continuity is acknowledged, but maximizing the “best five” is prioritized for the 2026-27 window.

  “What’s your best five? And I think what you need to start learning is ... what could it be in 2026 and beyond.” – Marcus Mosher (15:48)

• Interior Line Health & Performance:

  • The Arizona game showcased issues: Tyler Smith struggled (dealing with knee tendinitis), Cooper Beebe was shaking off rust, and Guyton’s been up and down.
  • Bye week is timely for “resetting” and healing the group.

  “It almost feels like you’re getting a reset here for these… kind of injured guys.” – Landon McCool (18:15)

• Backup Linemen: Floor vs. Ceiling:

  • TJ Bass and Brock Hoffman filled in capably, especially in the run game, but won’t displace higher-ceiling players like Booker or Beebe.

  “BB’s floor is above Hoffman’s ceiling to me.” – Landon McCool (19:27)

  • Bass is highlighted as “playing good football this year” and possibly deserving of more snaps, maybe in 6-OL packages.

• Long-term Possibilities:

  • The panel debates shifting Tyler Smith to LT with Booker and Bass at guard; consensus is to ride out the season as is, then reassess.
  • “Trying to figure out a way to get your best five on the field and I’m just not sure I know who their best five offensive linemen are yet.” – Marcus Mosher (20:48)

3. Pass Catcher Roles: Elevating Youth and Playmaking

(Segment begins ~24:23)

• Wide Receiver Hierarchy Shifts:

  • Ryan Flournoy made an impression vs. Arizona; the hosts favor making him the clear #3 WR over Turpin and the fading Jalen Tolbert.
  • Tolbert’s snap count has dramatically dropped; Flournoy’s reliability on crucial downs is noted.

  “It feels like, you know, certain key moments in the game, they were looking Flournoy’s way.” – Landon McCool (24:58)

  • Mingo’s return from injury could add another dimension, possibly absorbing some of Turpin’s gadget reps.

• Turpin & Tolbert’s Roles:

  • Turpin hasn’t returned to form post-injury, with drops and limited production. Tolbert could soon be a “healthy scratch” as younger receivers are evaluated.

• Tight End Opportunities:

  • Brevyn Span-Ford, with a sky-high PFF grade (#2 TE in NFL per PFF), is advocated for a larger role, especially over Luke Schoonmaker (whose developmental ceiling is seen as mostly reached).

  “Span-Ford is PFF’s number two rated tight end in the NFL this year. Why not just try to give him 15, 20 snaps a game?” – Marcus Mosher (27:42)

  • Landon emphasizes his physicality and effectiveness as a run blocker and suggests more snaps both as a pass protector and in routes where he can chip and release.

  “He needs to be on every single rundown because he’s just an absolute punisher as a run blocker.” – Landon McCool (29:07)

• Philosophy: Leaning Into Young Talent

  • The hosts advocate giving more reps to ascending young players in real roles—both for immediate impact and future clarity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Running Back Depth & Physicality:

  “There's just not a willingness to try to go be physical right now… you can’t have that as a running back.”
  – Marcus Mosher (08:25)

• On Offensive Line Long-Term Planning:

  “What’s your best five? And I think what you need to start learning is what’s your best five. And what could it be in 2026 and beyond.”
  – Marcus Mosher (15:48)

• On WR3 Role and Youth Movement:

  “It feels like...certain key moments in the game, they were looking Flournoy’s way.”
  – Landon McCool (24:58)

• On Tight End Usage:

  “He needs to be on every single rundown because he’s just an absolute punisher as a run blocker.”
  – Landon McCool (29:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Discussion Opens / Main Theme Intro – 01:18, 01:47
• Running Game Analysis / RB2 Debate – 02:37 to ~11:28
• O-Line Changes & Evaluation – 14:14 to ~23:16
• Pass Catcher Shakeups / WR3/Tight End – 24:23 to close

Summary Reflection

This episode tackles the realities facing the Cowboys’ offense: reliance on a single running back, uncertainty (and opportunity) across the offensive line, and shifts in the pass-catcher rotation driven by youth and necessity. The hosts call for bolder in-season adjustments, whether in game-planning, personnel deployment, or prioritizing development, aiming to “lean into your good players” and establish who will drive the Dallas offense as this playoff window evolves.

Podcasters: @mccoolbcb & @marcus_moser
For more, subscribe to the Locked On Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network—Your Team, Every Day.