Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summary

Episode: BLUEPRINT: The Cowboys’ Secret to NEUTRALIZING Patrick Mahomes and Beating the Chiefs!

Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this Thanksgiving-week special, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the Dallas Cowboys’ highly anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The episode dives deep into what the Cowboys defense must do to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, explores the formidable Chiefs defense that Dallas will face, and closes with in-depth game predictions. The conversation is tactical, analytical, and acknowledges both teams' strengths and vulnerabilities heading into a critical late-season clash.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stopping the Chiefs Offense

• Mahomes Under Pressure

  • The hosts emphasize the importance of getting pressure up the middle, especially with Chiefs RG Trey Smith out.
  • Landon: “They gotta attack the interior of this offensive line... That’s gonna be a big loss for them.” (02:35)
  • The Cowboys’ use of five-man fronts could counter the Chiefs' run game, but also risks exposure to heavier personnel sets (12/13).

• Blitzing Mahomes

  • Marcus: “I would love to see them do is get in these... third and long situations and then just blitz Mahomes.” (04:04)
  • Mahomes’ passer rating against the blitz has declined this year (down to 89 from a career 111), making him more vulnerable than in years past.
  • Targeting Rashee Rice, the Chiefs' only true after-catch threat, is crucial; other KC receivers are less dangerous with the ball in their hands.
  • Landon: “The Cowboys have to have a plan for [Rice]... when there's... blitz, how are they making sure the ball isn't being swung out specifically to Rice?” (06:15)

• Interior Pressure is Key

  • Quinn Williams’ ability to generate inside pressure is highlighted as a game-changer, especially against backup guards like Mike Caliendo.
  • Landon: “If you can get these guys in one-on-one situations… battles to be won and opportunities to be had.” (08:05)

• Run Defense & Short Yardage

  • Kareem Hunt’s role as a highly efficient short-yardage back is mentioned. The Cowboys have to keep KC in third-and-long.
  • Marcus: “His success rate this year is 58, which is, like, unheard of. Right. So you want to make sure that you keep the Chiefs out of these, like, third and one, third and two situations.” (09:17)
  • Ensuring Mahomes doesn't "turn into Godzilla mode" is always a lurking fear. (10:05)

• Capitalize on Chiefs' Mistakes

  • The hosts stress that KC has been more mistake-prone this year compared to previous seasons.
  • Marcus: “That’s been the difference with this Chiefs teams this year is they’re just making a lot more mistakes than in previous years.” (10:58)
  • Every opportunity, such as tipped passes, must be seized, as such moments can decide the game.

2. Cowboys Offense vs. Chiefs Defense

• Formidable KC Defense

  • Kansas City allows just 18 points per game (fourth-best in the NFL) and excels in time of possession and run defense.
  • Landon: “Spags [Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo] has been in his bag this year, right? Just absolutely unbelievable stuff. They've got the talent on every level.” (14:39)
  • Their style is aggressive, physical, and features well-organized blitzes that challenge the quarterback’s quick reads.

• Red Zone Woes

  • Dallas has struggled in the red zone despite an otherwise efficient offense; the Chiefs' “bend-but-don’t-break” style makes TDs tough to come by.
  • Marcus: “They’re actually better scoring 35 yards out than they are at the two yard line.” (16:37)
  • Field goals likely won’t win the game; taking high red zone (15-20 yard line) shots downfield is suggested.
  • Landon: “As things condense, this is going to be a bigger advantage for a guy like Spags.” (17:42)

• Use of Trick Plays & Explosive Plays

  • Marcus suggests strategically introducing a few trick plays or big-swing gadget plays to generate needed momentum.
  • Marcus: “If there’s any week to use one or two of those just to try to create a spark or a big play, I think this is the week to maybe unveil them.” (19:13)
  • Getting speedster KaVontae Turpin involved—jet sweeps, screens—is floated as a way to stretch the defense.
  • Landon: “Maybe we get back into the more traditional stuff that we know he does well: jet sweep stuff, swing passes, potential screens.” (20:07)

• Targeting the Middle of the KC Defense

  • Jake Ferguson is called out as a likely X-factor, exploiting the Chiefs’ linebackers and safeties in coverage.
  • Marcus: "This has to be a big Jake Ferguson game... You need Jake Ferguson to win his matchups and too often this year he's not." (21:03)
  • CD Lamb should also attack the heart of the KC zone (21:49).

3. Game Predictions & Philosophies

• Who Wins and Why

  • Both Marcus and Landon marginally pick the Chiefs, citing battle-tested experience, Mahomes’ late-season surges, and faith in KC’s red zone defense.
    • Landon: “I think I'm going with KC... I'm just concerned that Patrick Mahomes is going to recognize what day it is, he's gonna say, oh, it's Thanksgiving. It's time to start playing again.” (24:37)
    • Marcus: “I just think they're the more well-rounded unit… I just trust Mahomes to convert on a lot of these third downs. I trust them in the red zone. I trust the defense.” (26:15)
  • The Cowboys are seen as ascending, but still young and green in clutch, late-season moments.

• Keys for Dallas Upset

  • Start fast – scoring or forcing a punt on the first drive is vital to building and sustaining momentum.
  • Avoiding KC’s draining, methodical drive sequences is critical.
    • Marcus: “I think, Landon, I think you’re gonna know within like 10 minutes of this game if the Cowboys are going to win or not.” (27:20)
  • Landon: “The Cowboys have got to find a way to repossess the ball and... make sure that the Chiefs aren’t as efficient on first and second down, make them get into third and long and up the variance here a little bit where the Chiefs have had problems there.” (27:38)
  • KC’s opening three drives vs Colts: all double-digit plays, clock-dominating, but resulting in field goals; Cowboys must prevent such scenarios. (28:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mahomes Against the Blitz
  Marcus Mosher (04:04):
  "In previous years, Landon, Patrick Mahomes has been like the best quarterback in the league against blitzes. ... This year’s passer rating is 89. It’s not very good."

• On Rashee Rice’s Impact
  Landon McCool (06:15):
  "He is their yards after catch guy... The Cowboys have to have a plan for what you know, when there's... blitz, how are they replacing, how are they making sure that the ball isn't being swung out specifically to Rice."

• On Spagnuolo’s Defense
  Landon McCool (14:39):
  "Spags has been in his bag this year, right? ... They're going to come after, you're going to be physical, they're going to be aggressive, they're going to be in your face. There's going to be blitzing, there'll be well timed blitzes..."

• On Win Conditions Marcus Mosher (10:58):
  “That’s been the difference with this Chiefs teams this year is they’re just making a lot more mistakes than in previous years. … You’re going to get those opportunities this week. It’s probably only going to happen once or twice. You’ve got to capitalize on it.”

• Prediction Philosophy
  Landon McCool (24:37):
  “I think it’s because they’ve got a lot on the line here… I’m just concerned that Patrick Mahomes is going to recognize what day it is, he’s gonna say, oh, it’s Thanksgiving. It’s time to start playing again.”

Important Timestamps

• 02:35 – Landon on attacking KC’s interior OL and situational chess match
• 04:04 – Marcus on why blitzing Mahomes now works
• 06:15 – Rashee Rice as key YAC threat
• 09:17 – Marcus on Kareem Hunt’s short-yardage threat; importance of 3rd-and-longs
• 10:58 – KC’s mistake-proneness and Dallas need to capitalize
• 14:39 – Landon on KC’s defense and Spagnuolo’s schemes
• 16:37 – Marcus on KC's bend-but-don't-break defense and Dallas' red zone issues
• 19:13 – Marcus suggests trick plays / gadgets
• 21:03 – Marcus: key role for Jake Ferguson
• 24:37 – Score predictions and rationale

Conclusion

This episode offers listeners a sharp, practical game plan for how the Cowboys can neutralize Patrick Mahomes and gives an equally honest assessment of the challenge Kansas City's defense poses. While both hosts lean toward a Chiefs win, the pathway for a Dallas upset is clearly mapped: win up front, blitz smartly, capitalize on KC mistakes, and get a breakout from key offensive contributors.
A must-listen for fans looking to understand the chess match behind this marquee Thanksgiving showdown, from two analysts who balance honest skepticism with passionate Cowboys optimism.