Locked On Cowboys – Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys

Episode: Cowboys O-Line SHOCKS NFL Through 5 Weeks | Will Nate Thomas STEAL Starting Job?
Date: October 7, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the Dallas Cowboys' resilient Week 5 win over the Jets, focusing on the shockingly strong performance of the injury-riddled offensive line. The hosts dive deep into the emergence of Nate Thomas, debate his future as a potential starter, review key contributions from new offensive skill players, and analyze improvements and ongoing challenges with the Cowboys’ defense. The episode closes with speculation on possible trade targets as Dallas sits at 2-2-1 and looks to improve defensively for a playoff push.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys Offensive Line Exceeds All Expectations

[01:49–04:37]

• Context: Starting left guard Tyler Smith was out with knee tendinitis, forcing the Cowboys to play backups Nate Thomas (LT), Brock Hoffman (C), and TJ Bass (RG) against a strong Jets defense.
• Landon on Initial Concerns:

  “It really was nerve wracking. You're down four starters, you're basically down to your fifth guy…so yeah, I mean there was a lot of fear.” (02:20)

• Execution Over Power:
  – The O-line’s success was attributed to Clayton Adams’ run schemes, which emphasize angles, double teams, and attacking defenders indirectly rather than brute force. – “Hats off to Clayton Adams, Connor Riley and Brian Schottenheimer for all of that.” (04:33)
• Cohesion Despite Inexperience:
  The offensive line worked “seamlessly,” executing complicated blocking schemes even though several starters were out.

2. Nate Thomas’ Performance & Future Prospects

[05:07–07:58]

• First NFL Start: Nate Thomas held up admirably, especially for a backup left tackle thrust into a starting role. While not perfect, he didn’t allow major sacks.
• Growth in Real Time:

  “He was doing the job effectively, even if it didn’t always look pretty…he’s showing you that he’s growing a little bit more.” – Landon (06:18)

• Potential Role Going Forward:
  – Thomas may warrant more snaps, potentially in place of Terence Steele for a series or two, not necessarily replacing starters but forcing coaches to consider his promising development. – Both agree his best long-term spot is at tackle, not guard.

3. New Contributors on Offense: Ryan Flournoy’s Breakout

[07:58–10:16]

• Historic Game:
  – Ryan Flournoy (WR) and Javonte Williams (RB) became the first Cowboy teammates to have 100+ rushing and 100+ receiving yards in the first half.
• Roster Implications:

  “I think at this point [Flournoy] has to start eating into a couple of Tolbert’s snaps just because of the production you see.” – Landon (08:55)

• Depth & Good Problems:
  – Coaches will face tough choices when CeeDee Lamb, Kavontae Turpin, and Jonathan Mingo are all healthy, but this logjam is framed as a positive.

4. Defensive Turnaround and Schematic Adjustments

[12:26–15:18]

• Coverage Shifts:
  – Responding to DB Trevon Diggs' request, Dallas doubled its man coverage rate (to ~11%) and notably increased Cover 2 usage, letting corners play more physically.

  “The difference in coverage...allowed guys like Diggs and Bland to play a style of football that they're used to playing instead of just having to react in off coverage.” – Landon (13:35)

• Encouraging Growth:
  The mix in coverage and assignments led to marked improvement after previous struggles.

5. Pass Rush & Defensive Line Rotation

[15:18–18:19]

• Dante Fowler’s Best Game:

  “This might have been the best I've ever seen Dante Fowler look…Fowler played unbelievable.” – Marcus (15:18) – James Houston contributed well in limited snaps, although the hosts debate whether he can handle a larger load due to his lighter frame and run defense limitations.

• Scheme, Not Just Players:
  – Dallas led the NFL in Week 5 in average get-off timing (per Next Gen Stats), with more stunts/twists evident in the scheme. – Osa Odighizuwa was highlighted as a steady force inside.

6. Young LB Play and Areas for Improvement

[18:57–20:18]

• Shemar James:
  – Tallied numerous tackles, but many were downfield, highlighting a need for improved recognition and quicker diagnosis.

  “It's a lot of tackles like 9, 10 yards down the field…he's got to start recognizing things a little sooner.” – Marcus (18:57)

• Perspective on Youth:
  – James is a promising fifth-round rookie. Marcus: “Let’s not make it a bigger deal than what it is.” (20:02)

7. Trade Talk: Should Dallas Make a Move?

[23:09–27:46]

• The Case for Patience or Smart Investments:
  – With the team at 2-2-1, the hosts recommend waiting for the next game and focusing on deals that help both now and long-term, rather than rentals.
• Player Targets Discussed:
  – High-end: Maxx Crosby (Raiders) and Minka Fitzpatrick (Dolphins) are mentioned as unlikely but appealing foundational adds. – Practical Option: Will McDonald IV (Jets) seen as a “perfect fit” due to prior connection with Cowboys’ D-line coach and youth.
• On Realistic Expectations:

  “Marginal improvement is still improvement…enough small improvements can get things going…” – Landon (27:46) – Marcus warns not to expect a blockbuster: “I would caution people…thinking the Cowboys are going to make a big move here before the deadline.” (28:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the O-Line’s Surprise:

  “You didn't see bodies on the floor necessarily. But…it's about angles, it's about executing, it's about attacking guys…they were very effective.” – Landon (03:26)

• On Nate Thomas’ Growth:

  “Every opportunity you're giving him, he's showing you that he's growing a little bit more…he's clearly a guy that you're going to want to look to as your future.” – Landon (06:39)

• On Flournoy’s Role:

  “For what we’ve seen…he’s a guy that you probably want to try to get the ball to. And clearly the Cowboys agree.” – Landon (09:06)

• On Defense’s New Identity:

  “I think if they can play with something close to this sort of mix…hopefully we'll see some better improvement on defense.” – Landon (14:41)

• On Trade Philosophy:

  “If you're going to trade for somebody, I would actually be OK giving up a little bit more for a guy that could be part of the solution long term.” – Marcus (24:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:49] — Review of O-line performance and Nate Thomas’ start
• [05:07] — Nate Thomas’ evaluation, technique, and future role
• [07:58] — Ryan Flournoy and skill player depth
• [12:26] — Defensive improvement: coverage and tackling
• [15:18] — Pass rush, defensive line rotation, and standout performances
• [18:57] — Shemar James’ tackling and linebacker outlook
• [23:09] — Potential trades: philosophy, targets, and realistic expectations

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The hosts maintain an analytical, level-headed, and optimistic tone in the face of injuries and a .500 record. They emphasize the importance of incremental improvements, smart roster decisions, and not panicking over short-term issues or rushing into high-cost trades. The continued emergence of young players like Nate Thomas and Ryan Flournoy is celebrated, while defensive growing pains are acknowledged but kept in perspective.