Locked On Cowboys Podcast

Episode: BREAKOUT: Malik Davis LEADS Dallas Cowboys to Victory— Week 17 Win vs. Commanders

Date: December 25, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

Overview

This episode breaks down the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 17 30–23 victory over the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. Marcus and Landon celebrate the win but analyze both the encouraging and concerning aspects of the Cowboys’ performance, including Malik Davis’s breakout game, offensive inconsistency, concerning trends on defense, and looming off-season questions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christmas Day Win: Initial Reactions & High-Level Takeaways

• Both hosts are pleased to discuss a rare Christmas Day Cowboys victory and appreciate sharing the holiday (and podcast tradition) with listeners.
• “Just to get a win on Christmas is always very nice… especially against the division rival.” — Landon McCool (02:32)

Notable Quote

• “It’s a Christmas miracle. The Dallas Cowboys win. We’ll break it down next.” — Marcus Mosher (01:19)

2. The Emergence of Malik Davis & Backfield Depth

Malik Davis’s Breakout Performance

• Stepped up after Javonte Williams left early with a shoulder injury.
• Davis: 20 carries, 103 yards, including a 21-yard run; also provided reliable pass protection.
• Hunter Luepke: 7 carries, 30 yards; combined, the backup RBs kept the offense moving.

Hosts’ Observations

• “Every time [Davis] has played, he’s given you quality running back performances.” — Marcus Mosher (03:01)
• “Davis’s ability to come in here and just… make his presence undeniable… turning 5 yards, yards and, and eventually 10 yards and 15 yards…” — Landon McCool (05:52)

Offensive Line & OC Praise

• Despite makeshift OL (Tyler Smith at LT, TJ Bass at LG), Cowboys ran for 210+ yards.
• “Kudos to the offensive line. Kudos to Clayton Adams. This is what we were hoping to see all year long.” — Marcus Mosher (05:31)

3. Handling Injuries: Next-Man-Up Efforts

Tight End Depth Tested

• Jake Ferguson exited after a calf injury; Brevyn Spann-Ford played 48 snaps (career high) and delivered a key catch-and-run.
• “Catching the ball has been an issue… but obviously the rest of it is starter quality.” — Landon McCool (07:09)

Wide Receiver Shuffle

• Jalen Tolbert stepped up (with Ryan Flournoy out), converted important third and fourth downs.
• “He can go out and he showed you that he can go out and make catches when called upon…” — Landon McCool (08:20)

4. Offensive Struggles in the Second Half

Big Picture

• Cowboys had 480 total yards, 28 first downs, and ran 90+ plays.
• Problem: Only 6 points in the second half after 24 in the first; output “came to a screeching halt.”

Analysis

• Penalties in the second half led to long down and distance, neutralizing the run game.
• Dak Prescott’s play was inconsistent: 307 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs—but numbers inflated by a single 86-yard TD. Outside of that, 183 net passing yards on 42 dropbacks.
• “The accuracy was all over the place… down to down they were pretty inconsistent.” — Marcus Mosher (14:18)

Offensive Line Woes

• Cowboys gave up 6 sacks (worst outing in years).
• Tyler Smith struggled at LT; “If you want to point to a game as to why he should stay at left guard, this is maybe one.” — Marcus Mosher (15:58)
• “Whoever you want to point the finger at… I’m certainly gonna nod and say yes, absolutely with you.” — Landon McCool, on blame for protection issues (16:07)

Game Management Reflection

• Hosts call for more effective halftime adjustments from OC Brian Schottenheimer.
• “If they can be a little more consistent quarter to quarter… they could be an offense that’s averaging 35, 36 points per game.” — Marcus Mosher (17:14)
• Concern for Dak’s health given volume of hits taken; potential for resting him in Week 18 discussed.

5. Defensive Red Flags Remain

Performance Review

• Despite only allowing 23 points, the defense faced a “makeshift” Commanders offense led by 39-year-old QB Josh Johnson.
• “This is actually one of their worst [defensive performances] … Washington was able to move the ball up and down the field.” — Marcus Mosher (21:57)

Statistical Reality

• Cowboys ran twice the plays, dominated TOP, but Commanders averaged 8 yards per play.
• Only 2 sacks, 0 turnovers.

Specific Issues

• Poor tackling rampant, especially by rookie safety DeMarvion Revel. “That’s something that is going to have to wait until the offseason. But it’s really tough to have to live with.” — Landon McCool (23:04)
• Linebacking problems (Kenneth Murray, Jamar James struggled).
• Safeties look “really, really old”; multiple starters could be replaced this offseason.

Bright Spots

• Quinnen Williams (recently acquired DT) and Jadeveon Clowney (veteran EDGE) stand out as the only defenders consistently making plays.
• Frustration that recent draft picks (outside of Donavon Ezoraku) aren’t contributing substantially.

The Defensive Future

• “It just feels like they need a complete reset on defense—a new defensive coordinator, a lot of new, younger talent.” — Marcus Mosher (27:01)
• Week 18 could be used as an evaluation period for young players ahead of major offseason changes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the Running Game’s Unexpected Strength:
  “You ran for over 210 yards in this game. Kudos to the offensive line. Kudos to Clayton Adams. This is what we were hoping to see all year long.” — Marcus Mosher (05:31)
• On Offensive Line Penalty for Finishing a Block:
  “If I had a chance, I would have talked to Tyler. Man, I’ll take that penalty 10 times out of 10 if you’re gonna play like that. That’s how I want to see our guys play.” — Landon McCool (19:36)
• On Defensive Futility Against a Washed QB & OL:
  “The fact that they were able to go out there… it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is. I mean I could go out there and complete nine yards per attempt against this defense, like…” — Landon McCool (23:12)
• On the Need for a Defensive Overhaul:
  “It just feels like they need a complete reset on defense, a new defensive coordinator, a lot of new, you know, new talent, younger talent.” — Marcus Mosher (27:01)
• On Enjoying the Win Amid a Tough Season:
  “It’s been a long season. Enjoy this win. We’ll talk about draft positioning later and all that kind of stuff. Go enjoy your families…” — Marcus Mosher (27:57)

Important Timestamps

• Christmas opening, high-level reactions: 01:29–02:32
• Malik Davis discussion & running game analysis: 03:01–05:52
• Handling injuries (TE/Jalen Tolbert): 06:41–08:41
• Second-half offensive struggles begin: 12:20
• Dak Prescott’s uneven day: 14:06–15:23
• Offensive line critique / Tyler Smith: 15:23–16:00
• Coaching, consistency, and Dak’s health: 17:14–18:51
• O-line penalty praise (Tyler Booker): 19:32–19:46
• Defensive breakdown, context for struggles: 21:57–23:12
• Rookie struggles, poor tackling: 23:04, 25:28
• Defensive reset discussion: 26:29–27:39
• Closing: perspective on season, enjoy the holiday: 27:57

Tone and Listener Takeaway

The episode is candid yet optimistic, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the win even as persistent issues in pass protection and defensive performance are scrutinized. Both Marcus and Landon use a mix of humor, honest frustration, and big-picture analysis, making the summary useful for any Cowboys fan—whether you watched the game or not.

Miss this one? Here’s what you need to know:

• The Cowboys’ running game came alive just when needed (thanks to Malik Davis).
• Pass protection was a disaster, and Dak took a beating.
• The defense let a ragtag Commanders offense look elite.
• The season is winding down with more questions than answers—especially about the future of the defense and certain veteran playmakers—but for now, it’s OK to simply enjoy a rare Christmas win.

Next episode: More on Week 17, a look ahead to Week 18 (evaluation mode), and the start of offseason speculation.