COWBOYS SQUAD SHOW: Post-Game reaction after the Cowboys lost their season finale against the Giants.

Summary

Locked On Cowboys: Cowboys Squad Show – Post-Game Reaction to Season-Ending Loss vs. Giants

Episode Date: January 4, 2026
Hosts: Jeff Biggs, Aisha Morrison, Glenn "Stretch" Smith

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Episode Overview

This Cowboys Squad Show is a raw, no-nonsense post-game and post-season wrap-up after the Dallas Cowboys lost their season finale 34-17 to the New York Giants, finishing 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs for the 10th time in 16 years. The team breaks down the game, the faltering defense, looming staff changes (especially at defensive coordinator), roster overhauls, and what needs to happen in the offseason to turn things around. While there were flashes of promise, the general mood is frustration and a sense that big changes are overdue for Dallas to return to playoff competitiveness.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game and Season Reaction

Defensive Letdown Defines the Season

• The 34-17 loss to the Giants capped a year-long pattern: a leaky, poorly-coached defense repeatedly gave up 30+ points (03:46, Aisha Morrison).
  • Aisha Morrison: “The defense held up their consistency with giving up 30 points again to end the season.” [03:46]
  • Glenn Stretch Smith: “I'm exhausted of watching bad football on that side of the defense. … I am exhausted with watching a defense that plays with really, really, really poor technique at too many critical times in the game.” [05:14]

Offensive Flashes, But Not Enough

• Some positive moments for Dak Prescott and the offense, but sloppiness and lack of cohesion were evident.
  • “Just overall was just kind of a sloppy, weird game and not the way you want to end the season.” (Aisha Morrison, 03:46)

Individual Standouts

• Jadeveon Clowney played like a man who wants to stay in Dallas.
• Rookies Jaden Blue & Phil Mafa showed promise in the run game, adding a silver lining to a tough ending.

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2. The Defensive Coordinator Question

Eberflus on Thin Ice – Overhaul Expected

• Discussion was blunt regarding Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus' likely departure and the need for new leadership and identity on defense.
  • “We’ll probably have a Matt Eberflus decision pretty quickly ... I fully expect for them to make a move there.” (Jeff Biggs & Aisha Morrison, 07:46–08:49)
  • “You’re not bringing back Matt Eberflus as the defensive coordinator.” (Glenn Stretch Smith, 27:22)
  • The crew advocated for a hire with proven experience & respect, not a “startup position guy.” (Aisha Morrison, 11:55)

Wish List for New D-Coordinator

• Wants: Identity, fast turnaround, players suited to scheme, and quick hiring to get a jump on planning/draft.
  • “Whoever it is that they bring in here needs to be a guy that has the track record of establishing an identity.” (Aisha, 08:49)
  • “It’s fixable quickly… Will McClay, buddy, you need to hit two [first-round] picks.” (Glenn, 10:31)

Draft & Roster Implications

• Dallas projects to hold the #11 and #20 picks. Those selections MUST deliver immediate defensive starters. (14:06)
• Anticipate major changes, especially in the secondary and linebacker groups. (Aisha, 15:53)

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3. State of the Roster: Who Stays, Who Goes?

Secondary and Linebackers: Get Ready for Turnover

• Multiple free agents and injury issues will drive changes.
  • “I expect for this secondary specifically to look a lot different.” (Aisha, 15:53)
  • “Normally you have a box safety and then you have … a ball hawk … I could see one of those guys being gone … but experience carries something.” (Glenn, 17:15)
• Linebacker core is thin, likely returning only Marisly Afoul, Shemar James, and Damarián Overshown. (Aisha, 15:53)

Defensive Line and Coaching

• Uncertainty over the futures of defensive line coach White Cotton and staff; expectation is the new DC will pick his own guys.

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4. Front Office and Draft Strategy

Aggressive, Not Passive, Approach Needed

• Both Aisha and Glenn stress urgency, wanting Dallas to be proactive this time (reference to missing out on top DC candidates last cycle).
  • “I want Dallas to be aggressive. I do not want them to be passive about this.” (Aisha, 24:56)
  • Calls for the Cowboys to conduct interviews with coordinators currently with playoff teams, not wait until “the best are already taken.”

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5. Post-Mortem: Did the Cowboys Underachieve?

Expectations vs. Reality

• Differing takes on what was realistic heading into 2025:
  • Aisha: “I thought this team was going to win 10 games at the very least. I did.” (31:36)
  • Glenn: “I cannot honestly say I did ... I thought this was a .500 football team and that’s about what they are.” (31:40–33:15)
• Defense’s collapse was not expected by anyone:
  • “No matter what we say about what the roster looked like to start … it’s insane.” (Aisha, 35:26)

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6. Positives: Young Players, Offense’s Core, & Building Blocks

Rookie RBs & George Pickens

• Jaden Blue: “He’s got some acceleration, he’s got some burst. I like that he runs with his eyes…” (Glenn, 43:58)
• Phil Mafa: Showed ability as a depth option and on special teams.

Javonte Williams’ Value

• Pass protection and reliability singled out; both hosts lean toward bringing him back (“60-40” odds, Glenn, 43:58).

WR & TE Corps

• George Pickens: Expected back; bet on franchise tag if necessary (48:06).
• Erywn Flournoy (WR3) and Brevin Span-Ford (TE): Both praised for blocking, toughness, and exceeding expectations.

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7. Clowney, Quarterbacks, and Other Notables

Jadeveon Clowney

• “Resign him. Please do it now. … He’s just an amazing professional and … set the tone.” (Aisha, 58:32)
• Clowney’s late-season dominance and leadership are seen as vital for flipping defensive culture.

Backup QB Joe Milton

• Both see Milton likely returning, but acknowledge backup QB is a spot where Dallas could (should) look to upgrade, especially given league trends (57:57–62:08).

Roster Fringe & Special Teams

• Special teams ace CJ Goodwin’s fate likely depends on whether he can contribute on defense as well as teams under the new coordinator.
• Frustration voiced about letting young talent (e.g., DeMarcus Lawrence, Nayshawn Wright) walk out the door in previous seasons (53:45).

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Notable Quotes (with Timestamps & Speakers)

• “The defense held up their consistency with giving up 30 points again to end the season.”
  • Aisha Morrison, [03:46]
• “I am exhausted with watching a defense that plays with really, really, really poor technique at too many critical times in the game.”
  • Glenn Stretch Smith, [05:14]
• “We’ll probably have a Matt Eberflus decision pretty quickly… I fully expect for them to make a move there.”
  • Jeff Biggs, [07:46]
• “Whoever it is that they bring in here needs to be a guy that has the track record of establishing an identity.”
  • Aisha Morrison, [08:49]
• “It’s fixable quickly… Will McClay, buddy, you need to hit two person [first-round] draft picks.”
  • Glenn Stretch Smith, [10:31]
• “I thought this team was going to win 10 games at the very least. I did.”
  • Aisha Morrison, [31:36]
• “I thought this was a .500 football team and that’s about what they are.”
  • Glenn Stretch Smith, [31:44]
• “Resign [Clowney]. Please do it now... he’s just an amazing professional and … set the tone.”
  • Aisha Morrison, [58:32]

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Segment Timestamps

• Season Recap & Defensive Issues: 02:00–07:46
• Coaching, Eberflus, & Defensive Identity: 07:46–18:20
• Roster Overhaul (Secondary, LBs, D-Line): 13:22–18:20
• Front Office Strategy – Aggressiveness, Draft, Scouting: 23:26–27:22
• Roster Evaluation – Expectations, Missed Opportunities: 31:16–38:28
• Offensive Standouts, RB/WR/TE Analysis: 39:15–51:55
• Special Teams & Fringe Roster Players: 52:23–54:16
• Clowney, QBs, & Future Outlook: 57:57–63:08

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Memorable Moments

• Glenn’s Defensive Fatigue: “I am exhausted with watching a defense that plays with really, really, really poor technique at too many critical times in the game.” [05:14]
• Aisha on Aggressiveness: “I want Dallas to be aggressive. I do not want them to be passive about this.” [24:56]
• Glenn on Draft Priorities: “You have two of the top 20 players … we need day one starters out of those two guys.” [14:10]
• On Clowney’s Impact: “He’s just an amazing professional and they asked him … he’s very aware that this was a career day for him.” (Aisha, 58:32)

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Tone

Candid, unapologetic, and often frustrated, the hosts blend experienced football insight with plain talk and earnest hope that the Cowboys can finally address long-standing shortcomings—beginning with aggressive, decisive action on the defensive side this offseason.

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For Listeners New to the Episode

This show offered an unflinching diagnosis of the Cowboys’ failings, especially on defense, and a blueprint for how the front office can avoid repeating past mistakes—by acting quickly and boldly in the coaching market and draft. Despite disappointment, there’s belief that with a handful of changes and better direction, Dallas can get back in the playoff hunt next year.

Transcript

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

It's the Lockdown Podcast. Network your team every day.

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[Jeff Biggs]

I'm Jeff Biggs, host of the Cowboy Squad Show Let the Off Season Begin.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah, I'm Aisha Morrison and I'm ready for the off season.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Glenn Stretch Smith it's not all bad news. We're going to get a better draft pick because of this booty butt effort today.

[Locked On Podcast Network Announcer]

How about them Cowboys? It's the Cowboy Squad. Everything Dallas Cowboys every week covering all the big hits and game changing plays from America's team the way only the Locked On Podcast network can get ready and start squad up. It's the Cowboys Squad show starting now.

[Jeff Biggs]

Well, the NFL postseason is about to begin, but the off season for the Dallas Cowboys is now officially underway. They wrap up their regular season on the road with a ugly, sloppy, disheartened 3417 loss to the Giants at MetLife. Snapping a bunch of streaks. Some highlights though from the game today, some individual performances that we are going to hit on. But the Cowboys end their disappointing season with a record of 7, 9 and 1. Welcome to the Cowboys Squad Show. That is Aisha Morrison. Catch her every day during the week on her podcast. We'll talk about that, but that's with two eyes so make sure you get that right. And of course former Cowboys coach Glenn Stretchmith. I should tell you that today's episode is is brought to you by Prize Picks Sponsored by Prize Picks. Download the Prize Picks app today and use code locked on NFL to get 50 in lineups after you play your first five dollar lineup. Well to both of you and to Everybody listening and listening later and watching. Live a belated happy new Year. Hope everybody, everybody was able to enjoy the holidays. Thought after the Christmas Day win, nice little break for the Cowboys. I really thought they were going to come in today and try to end their season on a positive note. And again, okay moments I guess maybe for the offense and Dak, but it wasn't what I was hoping for or expected. But none of that really matters now. Now it's all about the offense. I mean, the off season and getting this defense fixed so the Cowboys can compete next year. They fall to the giants today. 34:17. Aisha, we'll start with you. What, what are your takeaways from today?

[Aisha Morrison]

Well, the defense held up there consistency with the giving up 30 points again to end the season. Offensively, I thought that there were some decent things to start the game. I think getting to see Jay Don, Blue, some of that that burns and stuff that Dallas has kind of been lacking in that, that area. I thought the interior offensive line had some good plays out there. But yeah, like you said, just overall was just kind of a sloppy, weird game and not the way you want it in the season. But we're moving on. So.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, selective players I thought showed you that they want to be with this organization. And then I thought there were a bunch of guys that are absolutely ready to go to the golf course, ready for the exit interviews tomorrow, ready to move on. And, and I think that's the effort you got. Some guys played Clowny, I mean played like he was wants to come back here. And then you have some of the guys that were just absolutely going through the motions and you know, it was good to see Blue. It was good to see Mafa. You know, I thought the offensive line in the first half blocked really well.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yes.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

But you know, at the end of the day, I mean about the time you want to think that this defense has done something that at least shows that in the secondary that they get it done, then I mean, Carson just commits just an unbelievable bad penalty on third 19. And it's one of those things that it's just like that was a microcosm of the whole season and how this secondary has played, which is, you know, it looks like they're, they're, they're really poorly coached. I mean, third 19. And the. In the outside receiver runs a three pump, an outside pump route, a nine yard out. Third 19. Why would you break on that? Why wouldn't you let him catch the ball and rally to, to then go make a tackle instead you stick your foot in the ground, you go break on it. He double moves you 3rd 19. There's a novel idea, runs right by you. You got a bust ass to go try to catch him. He slows down, you run into him. PI. I mean, this, I'm telling you something that it's just like I'm, I'm, I'm exhausted of watching bad football on that side of the defense. Like, I'm exhausted with it. I'm, I hate that football season's over. I hate all that. But I am exhausted with watching a defense that plays with really, really, really poor technique at too many critical times in the game.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah, some of the, with the Giants, they were doing some things, kind of trying to attack. I felt like they were trying to attack the corners, make the corners have to come up and tackle. And the safeties, the safeties and the corners coming from depth to tackle was just, I mean, some of the angles that were taken and there, there were several times where Jackson dart was throwing in between two, three receivers. It just, I mean, I agree with you. I, I hope that they're able to figure out is this a coaching issue or what. I'm assuming it is because like coach said, the technique is so poor. I mean, some of these guys, I've seen them backpedal, I've seen them flip their hips and run. I've seen them find the ball in the air and. But right now it doesn't look like anyone, like coach said, it didn't look like anyone really knew what they were doing.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah, it's almost like, almost like two different units. Right? It's like you've got the, the front four or five and they're kind of in their own world and they're making things happen and, and trying to wreck havoc. And then you have the two linebackers and the secondary and it just, just doesn't, doesn't seem like it fits and it doesn't, they just don't. They don't seem to be a connected unit. And as you have both said, they really haven't looked that way all season long. You know, I feel like we, we have to address the, the elephant in the room, I think it's fair to say. Right. We'll probably have a Matt Eberfluss decision probably pretty quickly. I'm, I'm going to keep checking during the breaks to see if anything is said from Jerry after the game, post game here coming up. But what, what do you guys think of that? And, and what do you think of the prospects? I mean, really, that's, that's going to be the big question. How much can. Can they fix this defense and get this defense at a, you know, playoff caliber level?

[Aisha Morrison]

It don't take that much. I mean, I feel like so many people will. In regard to the Eber flu thing, Jerry said enough. Being close to the building, being close, being around. There's just too many factors that are playing into it. So I fully expect for them to make a move there. With Matt Eber flus. I know that coach is very careful in how he speaks about these things, obviously, because this is someone's life, this is their career, this is, you know, children, family and stuff are involved. So I want to be careful on how I speak about it. But given everything that we just been talking about and coach has been talking about all season, I think that a change is needed as far as whoever the prospects are. I'm hoping that whomever it is, they're able to get them in here quickly. And they, and I think Jerry said the other day, he said, no, I think it was Stephen. He said they need a defensive identity and that's what I'm hoping for. Whoever it is that they bring in here needs to be a guy that has the track record of establishing an identity. And I don't know if you gentlemen watched the game last night, but that Seahawks defense, they were able to, don't get me wrong, they have had to kind of build that over time, but the identity that they have has been built this year. And so I think it is 100 possible for you to have some bass players that you have to start with. You go draft your ass off and you bring in a coordinator that has a plan and marry it to whatever your offensive plan is. This is not rocket science. I know it's easier said than done and it might take some time, but just, I think that Dallas should be capable of bringing in a guy and making this defense better. I mean, coach, how much worse could it be?

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah, I mean, this. If this is fixable. It is and it's. And it's fixable quickly. Do they need to hit on two first round draft picks? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Will McClay. Buddy, you need to hit two person draft picks.

[Jeff Biggs]

You need to hit.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

As far as what they're going to do with Matt Eberfluss, I. I think it's obvious what they're going to do there. I don't think there's any. There's not any question. The question becomes, what about the rest of that side of the ball? What about the staff on that side of the football. Because I do think normally when you hire and bring in a new guy, he's going to want his guys. And certainly when you restart, you got to try that.

[Jeff Biggs]

And we do both agree. We. I know we've talked about this for a couple months now, but number one, obviously, I think you would both agree that Brian Schottenheimer will have some input or some thoughts on who he would like to bring in. I, I would hope. But I think. Would you both agree though, too, that this is not going to be a situation where you want to give somebody a startup position, you know, like, you want somebody with some experience, like you said, Aisha. Right. With a proven identity and to help give this defense and identity. Right. As opposed to giving somebody their first shot.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah, I mean, it just needs to be. I mean, I, I guess because Seattle did it with Adam Durde and that is. That was Dallas's defensive line coach here and they've seen a big jump in defensive efficiency, but it also too, again, it's married to what they do on the offensive side of the ball, which is a lot of ball control, a lot of play action, a lot of 12 personnel. And using that as an advantage on the defensive side, they're. They're one of the only teams that is using nickel as their base and dominating. So I think that it's possible, you know, they change philosophies, change coaches completely change staff on as a. As a whole, and we've seen them do well. So I just, I'm really not into hearing people be like, oh, it's just so much to fix. Yeah, teams have to do it every year. Coaches get better jobs all the time now. You gotta be. You gotta establish something that is able to adjust. And so to me, I. Coach, I don't know how you feel, but I just want a guy that knows what he wants, understands the personnel that you have or at least has a plan for the future personnel that you're gonna have. But they do have some defensive guys that they can build upon. You have a Quentin Williams, you have a Donovan is a Raku. You have some guys that are there and that front seven that you can kind of work with. But this is, this is almost an overhaul, right, Coach? It's going to look really different, I'm assuming.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah, no, I think it's going to. I think it's going to look different. I think it's going to feel different. I think you got to move some guys maybe into some, into some positions that quite frankly, maybe they're not comfortable with. I, I think you're going to see a lot of different options here. I do think that this is something that I agree with you say needs to happen quickly. They need a new guy in here and then, you know, he needs to convey to the scouts what are we looking for? What type of guys do we want in the secondary? What is it when you have two first round picks? Now this, this loss today is going to give him a pick somewhere around number 12.

[Aisha Morrison]

I think they're looking at 11 and 20 right now.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Right, right. So you're going to have two of the top 20 players coming out in this draft. And so guess what? There is zero room for any kind of messing this up. I mean, and we need day one starters out of those two guys. And so you, you just, just think of plugging two guys in right now to, to this defense that are day one starters. You should be able to get a second round guy that will give you that, will give you that. And then, you know, you, you, you, you, you, you address a few things. Free agency. This is not some sort of a major overhaul. This is getting some guys in here that are better players and getting them coached up. Right now starts with OTAs. I mean, it's so frustrating to me to watch things today in a football game that quite frankly should have been, really should have been taught in O. Day one of OTAs. I mean, we're at, it's just, it's maddening to me. But you know, we, at this point, we got to move forward and I'm sure that Matt Eber flushes. I'm sure he's dejected. I'm sure. I mean, there were times today where like Aisha said, they throw the swing out there. Here comes, here comes the safety, here comes the corner. He's in position to make a tackle. Can't make a tackle. So it just, you know, I'm sure from his standpoint, it's frustrating with what he's tried to do, but, but let me tell you something. It hasn't worked. It, it's not working. It. Can they continue to show you that it, it's not working. So you're gonna have to move forward here. And moving forward means it's going to be a new staff on that side of the football. That's, that's my belief.

[Aisha Morrison]

See, I'm, I don't know. I'm, I'm in a place to wear. But when I mean overhaul, I mean your two safeties, I don't think these two safeties Aren't your two starting safeties. I don't believe in returning here. I'm sorry. Like I, that's. And that's what I mean by overhaul when you talk about that secondary specifically you got. I think Malik Hooker's been the least of your issues. Let me start there. I'm not gonna sit up here and give him a lot of crap. But the safety position has not played up to, up to par. You got Duron Bland that is dealing, that's coming off of another foot injury. You have Savon Revel who is, is a nugget and still needs some time to get into the flow of things. Don't know what's happening with Kayin Carson. His contract is out. You got Josh Butler that just got out there today coming off a ACL injury. Trayvon Diggs is gone Track West Bridges is, was a, a one year deal. Yeah. You may not have to overhaul everything, but I expect for this secondary specifically to look a lot different. And then even when you go to the linebacker position, I mean Marisley Afoul and Shemar James are your only two guys. But outside of the Marian overshone that are going to be here. So when I say overhaul, I mean, yeah, like that secondary I don't think is going to look anything like it looks right now.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean I, you got two of the two, two, three. The two secondary players are the same guy. They're box safeties. And so it'll depend on what the coordinator wants. Normally you have a box safety and then you have a, you have a guy that's a ball hawk that can, that can shut the middle of the field down and can go, you know, play deep overs and do those kind of things. And so I could see, I could see one of those guys being gone. I'm not sure that I see both of them being gone because I just think that that experience back there carries something. But, and, and you know, today's, in today's game, Everybody majors and 11 personnel. So you're in nickel all the time. So yeah, it's a secondary that is going to have and look overhauled in, in a lot of different ways. But I think it's going to look overhauled because I think you're going to see guys playing a completely different style of technique, completely different leverage. And you know what it it the biggest hire in this, in this off season is going to be the defensive coordinator and then it's going to be who's coaching the secondary.

[Aisha Morrison]

Right. I agree.

[Jeff Biggs]

All right. When we come back, I want to ask you a couple of other follow up questions about the D coordinator position and kind of looking ahead as we look at the defense for next season. Cowboys fall to the Giants 34 to 1710 times in the last 16 years. They have not made the playoffs and this is 30 now. Coach, as you would know that they've been to a championship conference championship game 30 straight seasons. So 34, 17, 7, 9 and 1. The final record. We'll have more when we come back. This is the Cowboys squad show.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Locked On.

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[Jeff Biggs]

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[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Well, if they don't, I mean they're wrong. I mean, so I don't want to start the year off saying, well boy, you're already behind the eight ball. Absolutely. I'm sure they already have some idea of a list, you know, some sort of list of guys. And it's hard to start talking about that because now you're going to start getting into okay, well if so and so gets fired at this organization, might we be able to talk to his defensive coordinator if so and so gets fired here whose contracts are up? I mean everybody knows that that Brian Flores and in Minnesota his contract's up and everybody knows that it's no secret that he's going to be a sought after defensive coordinator. Now with his legal situation and what he's done with how he went, has gone about, I believe he was suing the National Football League.

[Aisha Morrison]

He won.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah. So how that works out, you know, who knows? John Gruden's going to win too. But John Gruden has been absolutely, you know, pushed off the face of the earth. So I, I, you know, I think it's, there's a lot of different things and a lot of different variables. To answer your question, yes, I'm sure there are already some behind the scenes calls being made to agents and guys calling to say, hey, you know, if you guys do something with your defensive coordinator, my guy would be interested.

[Aisha Morrison]

Better be. To answer your question. Better be. They better be. They better be. Especially if, you know and I don't coach, you can tell me, you can tell us. Like, it is very likely that if there is going to be a change at defensive coordinator that Matt Eber Flutes and his staff knows at the very least, like they know at this point, guys are probably already setting up living arrangements and changing things. Like that's the right thing to do. If that's the case, they should have been looking before they even tapped him on the shoulder and told him not so with me. I want Dallas to be aggressive. I do not want them to be passive about this. They were passive last year and they waited, they waited too long, in my opinion, to really throw their hat in the ring when it came to some of the better coaches that were available for the D.C. job. But furthermore, and that is no knock the flu, but some of the best of the best were there and they were out of the running by the time they decided to go forward with it, number one. Number two, you need to get, I, I want Dallas to be, you know how teams during the playoffs they're like, oh, this DC is interviewing and stuff.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah.

[Aisha Morrison]

You need to be on that list of these, some of these teams that are in, you know, the dance and they're, we see it every year. We see coaches interviewing while they're in the playoffs and different things like that. I want Dallas to just be aggressive about this. It is, they can't neglect it. They can't put it off. They need to go after it now. So for me, I, I, I hope that they have a plan in place. And to your point, Jeff, that Brian Schottenheimer, because he is the head coach, has a say so and kind of how the process goes because he needs it. When it goes bad, it looks bad on him.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah.

[Aisha Morrison]

It doesn't matter how good the offense looked this year because he is the head coach. And the defense plays so poorly and the special teams play so poorly at times it falls on him. So it. I would want to be involved if I knew I was gonna be the one looking dusty in the end. So. Yeah, I mean, yeah. So to answer your question, I'm. I just want them to come on.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, it is. It is on him. Seven, nine and one.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

That's his record.

[Aisha Morrison]

That's his record.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

So his record right now as a head football coach. Seven, nine, one.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah. And if it's gonna follow me, then I, then whoever y' all are hiring, let me have a say so. Because at the end of the day, it's gonna look bad on me.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah, I mean, that, that, that, that's where it is. And so, I mean, let's, let's just. I mean, I'm just gonna be honest. I mean, these guys know that, that there's going to be a new defensive coordinator. This is not a. I mean, you know, I try to be politically correct. You're not going to bring back. You're not bringing back Matt Eberfluous as the defensive coordinator. I just, I. I just there that. That happens. Now the question becomes. The question becomes how many, how many on that side of the football, you know, are, are done, too? And I would guess that those guys that came with him from Chicago will probably be gone as well. And then, you know, then the question becomes, what do you do with the defensive line coach? Did you get enough production out of him? Or is the new defensive coordinator going to have his own or his guy to coach the defensive line? I think that's that, that's. That's where we're at. And so. Yeah, I agree.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah. How did you feel about White Cotton, coach?

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, I mean, you know, his guys were fine. I thought they played hard and were productive. I'm. I don't. Again, I'm not. It's hard on me because I'm not here to say, hey, one way or the other. What I am going to say is that in changing the defense, in, in what you're wanting to do moving forward, you must allow the defensive coordinator to bring some of his guys, period. And if one of them is a defensive line guy, then guess what, coach, I'm sorry, you probably need to go find yourself another job. And all of those things will be done, I think, very quickly, because I do believe that in my, in what I've seen, I think that side of the ball, if, if they don't know right now, I'd be Shocked, but they're going to be, they're going to be told, you probably need to go get yourself a job so that it doesn't look as if, hey, we're cleaning this thing out and we're firing you. Right. Go get a job while you kind of have a job here for the next month.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, I will say that if Dallas did decide to do coach, if I'm not mistaken, I think that Schwartz think his contract is up too at the end of this year. Yes, sir. And I think that that gentleman obviously is a fantastic guys as well, so. But I will say that with White Cotton keeping my ears low to the ground. I agree with you Coach, on, you know, you let guys bring in their guys, that's, that's just kind of how it goes in this game. But with White Cotton, that is something to keep an eye out on because I do know the organization does like him, does kind of like how he does business. And furthermore, I know that they were okay with him enough to where when Flu said he was going to go back in the booth, they were very, they were looking forward to White Cotton kind of being on the sidelines. So we'll see how that goes. And if he, if he gotta go, he gotta go. But.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah, all right, well, that's going to be story number one and, and of course we'll have plenty of time to, to kind of dive into that. But clearly like you, you said Aisha and, and you coach as well, the sooner the better. Let's get it rolling. Let's, let's get the work done and because you know, you know, we've said this throughout the season as well. I mean this was a top five offense that the Cowboys had and in this day and age with the teams that make the playoffs to not make the playoffs, just, just to me, I, I know there were good things and, and Dak is finishing the season healthy and Pickens was, was great. All, it's wonderful. Javante was great. But at the end of the day, you're not in the playoffs and it's kind of a wasted season to me. So you don't want to waste another one. So you want to get that defense fixed and let them turn it around and get a chance to compete in the playoffs.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, you say a wasted season. What were you, what were you expecting coming into this year?

[Jeff Biggs]

Well, I just, I thought the way that they, they started and what we.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Saw that I said, what was expected when we came into this season? What did you, before the season started, did you think this was better than a 500 football team?

[Aisha Morrison]

Oh, yes. I thought this team was going to win 10 games at the very least. I did.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, I cannot honestly say I did.

[Aisha Morrison]

I mean, I thought, yeah, I did.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I did because very average, very average football team. And the reason I say that is because I just felt like even with, even with Micah Parsons, I just didn't think that they had enough smoke on that side of the football. When you consider what, and again, I don't want to, I don't want to start spurring and whipping on a dead horse here, but when you consider the guys that you have drafted early that have not given you production on that side of the football, I think it led me to believe. Now this is, this is, I mean, you didn't, you haven't gotten anything out of Sam Williams, God rest his soul. Marshawn Neyland, you didn't get that much out of a second round draft pick. Mozzie Smith, first round draft pick. They just weren't getting anything out of those guys. And they were showing you that then, and, and, and then I, I saw a secondary that I thought was very, very average and, and very average with a, with, with corners coming off of injuries. So, I mean, I, I, I would like to say that I, I thought that they were going to be bet. I didn't, I thought this was a 500 football team and that's about what they are. And I'm not, I don't like to say, well, I told you so, I really don't. That's not my, it's not my DNA. But they're, they're a 500 football team. That's where they're at. From a talent standpoint. Yeah, I get it. We can, we can pump up the offense and yeah, they made some great finds from a free agent standpoint and all that's great, but at the end of the day, this is about an 8 or a 9 win football team. That's what they are.

[Aisha Morrison]

You could have expected that. But you, I, we can talk about the, the defense didn't, nobody thought you. And I understand what you're saying, coach. Didn't nobody think that this defense was going to give up 30 points almost every damn game. I'm sorry, I, that's not me. I'm not about to sit up here and act like that.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I, I, I, it's hard to score 35 on air. You have a running clock. The NFL is a running clock.

[Aisha Morrison]

Oh, no, I'm tracking, I'm tracking that. I'm Just saying from a. When you talk about what at the beginning of the season, I thought this offense was going to be good enough to do some things for you. You needed this defense to get some stops, you needed this defense to get some, some turnovers. You needed this defense to do. And, and again, the point that you made about the, the draft guys, I think that is very valid because that's what is hurting Dallas coach, is the fact that they have these second round draft picks, they have these guys that they were looking for production on and that they didn't get. Obviously they got hit with injuries as well. The depth was not good on that side of the ball to begin with. But I definitely felt like this team still should have won 10 games. And even if we went through some of the games that they lost, what they ended up winning seven, some of those games like those Cardinals games and some of that stuff, if the defense gets two stops, two freaking stops like, and I, and again, like, you do need stars, you do need guys, but you also too, we, we also see teams like the Vikings defense comes to mind. They have a bunch of stars. They have a unit that plays well together that they have put together based off of what the skills, the skills that the, the coordinator wants. So again, I agree with you that I didn't think that this team was going to be some like barn burner team, but I also felt like offensively they were going to do enough. You didn't need the defense to be this perfect side of the ball. You needed them to just be a tad bit better than what they are now. To not be last and everything. I did not plan for the defense to be last and almost there in every damn thing. No matter what we say about what the roster looked like to start who. No, it's insane. So I mean, that's just my thought process.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

But I mean, I mean they didn't have Kenny Clark or Quinn and Williams to start the year, bro.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah, I mean, and, and I agree with you. I mean they, they went and got. Once the Micah trade happened, that's when they got Kenny Clark. But the defensive tackle position was weird coming into the season. Edge, you didn't get it, Coach. You were talking about some of the guys that they spent money on. Fowler didn't give you anything really this year and that was an investment you made in the off season as well. I mean, I agree, but giving up 30 points every damn game. I didn't plan for that.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, I, I'm, I, I don't know, Jeff. When did I start saying, offensively, they better score 30 to win at the.

[Aisha Morrison]

Beginning of the season. Yeah, you, you said that at the beginning.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I just don't like taking that mentality, but I just thought this, I really believe this is a 500 football team now. There were times during the year when I thought, okay, well, they've gotten better on the defensive line after, after those two trades, they went through that stretch right there when they, where they come back and beaten Philadelphia after being down. They beat, know they beat the chefs. And you think, okay, boy, here, here, here they come. And I mean, I just think I, I, I really think that I, I think they overplayed their hand thinking they had a, a better football team than that. And I agree with you. I think in a lot of ways it's horrible to waste an offensive output like that, but I mean, again, I just, I'm just, as I look at the talent of this football team, it's a, it's about, I mean, they're just, they're, they're just, they're just, they were just average on the defensive side. Average. And that was even with Micah. They were average.

[Aisha Morrison]

Oh, yeah, I agree.

[Jeff Biggs]

I, I think for me. Final thought, we'll take our, our next break here. I just, I think the way that the season started and kind of the, the juice that the offense had, I guess naively, I thought that that, that swag, that that momentum would kind of shift over to the defensive side and the defense would find a way to kind of get better and improve as the season went on. And I don't, I, I never felt like maybe except for some of the early wins and, and the Chiefs and the Eagles, I think those two wins back to back were the highlight, but I just never felt like this team really came together or really had. They were on the same page and kind of locked in on, on just, just winning. And it just, the whole thing just like the, the issues with the defense just just drained the life out of this team, and they just could never, could never get off the mat. So it's telling me. I, I hope that, you know, with all the good vibes that they had in training camp, you were out there every day, Aisha. I, that with the new culture and everything, but I, I hope that the defense and the new mindset and hopefully a new identity, you know, we'll see that kind of urgency and that, that desire to get back into the playoffs, you know, carry over into next season, and it'll be better. We'll see.

[Aisha Morrison]

Let us pray.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah. Amen all right, quick time out. When we come back, got to talk about the offense a little and some of the highlights that we saw today. We'll do that when we return. This is the Cowboys squad show.

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[Jeff Biggs]

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[Aisha Morrison]

A percentage man, I guess it just depends on what his. What, what he's feeling like. I mean Dallas gave him a chance here, right? They, they gave him a chance here. He far exceeded expectations. The value see Coach, coach and I feel the same about Javante is that I'm struggling with whether Dallas, if I know Dallas, they're going to prioritize him or Pickens because that's just how they get down with the get down. But what coach has been talking about with his pass protection is just something that I don't know if the team is going to. I would, maybe they would consider like this is too good to give up because I do think obviously him as a runner has been amazing. He's played through injury, through certain parts of this season. Obviously this is him in his best form. You could tell towards the end of the year that he needed another back to kind of take the load off of him. So hopefully whether it's Blue or a guy they draft, they can kind of get into it. But with Javante, man, the pass protection and stuff just makes it really difficult for me to not I you. I don't know if a rookie can come in here and do what he does, Coach. I mean there's a lot of, of the best running backs in the league that don't do what he does. Jameer Gibbs doesn't. Jameer Gibbs doesn't pass protect as good as he does. Bijan Robinson doesn't pass protect as good as he does. It's just, it's hard and I, I feel like that to me is important if you are going to keep with Javonte. I'm gonna give it like a, a 50 chance. Especially if they're really considering bringing back Pickens. But I mean I would talk to him because he's just been that crucial. What do you think, Coach? I think he's been there.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I think, I think Javante probably comes back something like a three year deal maybe, maybe some cheap, some around 1618, something like that. I do think he likes it here. I think he, I think, I think he fits into this offense, into this scheme. Well with Pickens, I think they're going to let him play one more and then do they have to, you know, do they have to franchise him? I think both of them have shown their worth to this football team. Both of them are really good football players. Both of them are excellent fines. Both of them. I, I think, you know, need to be. You, you got to give the, whether it's pro scouting, Jerry, Stephen, whoever pulled the trigger on those guys, you got to give those guys credit because they absolutely were worth their weight for what they did. As far as a percentage, I, I think it's, you know, I'd say it's a little better than 50, 50 that he, that he comes back. I think it's, I think it's more like a, a 60, 40. But I do think that, I do think what you saw at, at a Jaden Blue today is at least something that the scouting staff saw out of him was, you know, he's got some acceleration, he's got some burst. I like that he runs with his eyes. I mean, once he got up in there, he's, he's able to, you know, hit it up in there and then, you know, is he, is he very physical? He's not the most physical guy. So he's going to have to be, he's gonna have to be, excuse me. He's got to be somewhat of a role guy for a little while. And so I say that as a onew punch with, with, with Javante. Phil Mafa, I think, showed you that he's, you know, he can provide some depth. I, I, I don't know what he did on special teams. I haven't looked at it. I don't know what they played blue on special team, some, I don't know what.

[Aisha Morrison]

Had a couple penalties on, I don't.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Know what he did on special teams either. I'm, I was saying blue was, I think, was a personal protector on a curb on a couple punts. But anyway, needless to say, you're right. He had a couple penalties. That can happen when you haven't been playing special teams.

[Aisha Morrison]

Absolutely.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Guess what? When the game picks up, what's the first thing you do? Grab hold and hold on. I mean, that, that, you know, that happens. But I, I think I'm, you know, I want to see more along the lines of can he, can he give you something on the special team side? I thought the guy today that really showed that he's ready for a much bigger role. Say it is span forward. He needs so much more playing time than just a guy who plays and does all those things on special teams. So then the question becomes, okay, you know, with Ferguson, with Soon Maker, I don't know where they're at. I don't know where those guys are in their contracts, but I know Ferguson just signed an extension, I think a year ago. Or was it this, maybe before this season?

[Aisha Morrison]

It was, it was before this season started.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah. So, you know that, you know, so what do you, what happens with Soon Maker? What do you do with him? You know, I, I do think you gotta, you gotta do everything you can to keep the core of this offense. And, and I mean, when I say the core, I'm talking about the starters that they need to be given an opportunity to have their chance to, you know, run this thing back. Because you had, you, you got, you didn't get diddly squat, nothing on the other side of the football. So you need a chance to run that back. And I think, I do believe that, that, that they'll get that opportunity. So I wanna, I, I want to see Javonte back here. I mean, I've said from day one, I mean, he, he is a professional football player and that's how he plays the game.

[Jeff Biggs]

All right. And what are your, your early thoughts? I think you've already kind of hit it, but fairly certain that Pickens will be back, you know, if you, if I put you on the spot right now?

[Aisha Morrison]

Yes.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yes. Yeah. Yeah, I think so. I'm sorry, I don't think.

[Aisha Morrison]

I know. I agree. Yes. I don't be smart here, Dallas.

[Jeff Biggs]

I'm just wondering, you know, what, what that'll look like and can they, can they work with him or bring him back without, without him getting, getting his big contract before the, before the season starts?

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Well, they. Can the question be what will he be like?

[Jeff Biggs]

Right.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

How's his mentality? And does he want to, you know, does he want to do what a lot of guys here have done, which is bet on themselves and, and get themselves in position to possibly play on that franchise tag? But you know, the good thing that I don't think anybody's really talking about here is, I mean, Diggs's contract got picked up. I mean, he got claimed. He didn't clear waivers, so Green Bay's got to pay that number.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah. So that, so that, that's going to help Dallas money wise, I think.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Right.

[Aisha Morrison]

I believe that Terrence Steele is another Gentleman, right tackle that they can save some money depending on what they do with him. There's going to be some cash there. There's going to be some few, a few dollars, a few quarters there for them to be able to handle some of these bigger contracts and I, I hope that they do them. I agree with coach. Offensively, you, you need to set yourself up to where if you're gonna have almost an overhaul on the defensive side of the ball that at least your offense is, is together. I mean the offensive line's pretty together. You got a few things you got to feel. Wide receivers are pretty short up. Like coach mentioned Brevin Span Ford I think believes, I believe he should be in a bigger role, have a little bit more opportunity. Schoolmaker is a, was a third round pick, if I'm not mistaken.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Second.

[Aisha Morrison]

I think second. He was a second round pick.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I think he was the second round.

[Aisha Morrison]

Oh God. I think I was there for that idea.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

You're right.

[Aisha Morrison]

I was there for that. I was there for that. I don't know when his contract is over, Dallas values some of his blocking ability. I, I mean you just paid Liftkey. I don't know, I just, I don't see it. I mean he literally has given you nothing offensively and as a tight end, sure there are some titans that you're cool with just being blocking tight ends and things like that, but him not being able to do anything, you not having him, the flexibility with like 12 personnel and stuff like that with him as a receiver is a problem to me. So I think Brevis, man, Ford, really, I, I'm glad you mentioned him, coach. He has done the dirty work all year. All damn year. One of the strongest blockers off the line of scrimmage. He busted tail in special teams. It was cool to see him get some opportunities in the passing game today and let, let him show off that athleticism, those hands, his size. I'm really hoping he does have more of a role next year as well. Coach. I'm glad you brought him up.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, when you, when you look at where Soon Maker was drafted, I mean we talked about earlier, the second round guy and the first round guys that hadn't gotten it done on defense. I, I don't think you've gotten the value out of a second round pick.

[Aisha Morrison]

Nothing. Yeah, you've gotten more. I mean. Yeah. I mean even from a blocking standpoint, I mean, Brevis band Ford has been far more effective as a blocker to me than Schoolmaker has Been the whole time. And another thing too. We talk about the offensive side of the ball. Cowboys got a wide receiver, wide receiver 3. Everyone Flournoy is going to be. I mean they, they found this. This is a seventh round guy. Why you giggling?

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Because I know you, You're a fan of his. That's good.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah, he's a hard ass.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Beat yourself on the chest, honey. I'm, I'm all for it. I like it.

[Aisha Morrison]

He's a hard ass worker. This guy blocks on the outside. I mean this, he works his tail off on special teams. But him being a reliable option when you, when teams know they can cover up Lamb or they can shade covers to Pickens is going to help you. And he's been that all year. So I think that's something to be positive about that you found a. I mean he, Pete literally kicked Mingo and Tobert off a cliff.

[Jeff Biggs]

Yeah. Yeah, he did. Yeah.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yeah. So I'm, I'm. That's something that's positive I think going into next year. Coach C.J. goodwin, what's your, what's your verdict on him? Is it, is it time for Dallas to.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean, go ahead.

[Aisha Morrison]

He's so intelligent. He's so intelligent, but he is older and they hold that roster spot for him every year. How do you feel about next year?

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I mean he's a great special teams guy. How does he fit in with whoever the new defensive coordinator is? Can he contribute something on that side of the football? Because you can't just, you can't just be a rolling ball of butcher knives on special teams and hang around year after year after year. You got to, I mean even the West Welkers and the Danny Amendola's and those guys who were great special teams guy contributed. I mean you gotta, you've got to be able to contribute on, you know, on, on, on other, other teams, other facets of the game. And so I think it all depends on. For him. It all depends on, you know, who the coordinator is. I think it's just, it's frustrating for me when I see guys that are making huge impact in the NFL and I think are going to make a huge impact on the preseason is Nayshaan Wright and DeMarcus Lawrence letting those guys walk out of the building. Like I got a problem with that. I mean that does not sit well with me. I mean sitting here talking about we need edge rushers and you let Lawrence go out. Well, I get it. He and he and Micah didn't like one another. They had personnel, you know, personal is Whatever. I'm just saying, I, I, I don't like when you do have guys like that in your building and then you let them, you let them walk out. That, that, that, that, that, that, that sleeves a bad taste in my mouth.

[Aisha Morrison]

I agree.

[Jeff Biggs]

All right, final timeout when we come back. I want to ask you both about a big positive on the defense. Believe it or not, we'll do that when we come back. This is the Cowboys squad show.

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[Glenn Stretch Smith]

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[Jeff Biggs]

Got to give it up for game time because it is game time in that time of the year. And this episode is also brought to you by Game Time NFL season as you know, full swing, getting ready for the playoffs. And there's nothing like being at the game. The crowd noise, the energy, cheering alongside other fans. Watching at home is great, but being in the stadium hits different. The frustrating part has always been getting tickets, waiting in queues, dealing with logins and watching prices change right at checkout. That's why the Game Time app gives the advantage back to fans. It's the hack. It's the hack for unlocking amazing NFL tickets and experiences in just a few taps. Now here's a couple things. The app is incredibly intuitive. Browsing, comparing and buying tickets literally takes just minutes. And one of the best features, one of the favorite features, you're able to see the view from your seat before buying. So there's no surprises. Like after you buy the tickets, you think you've got a good spot and then you find, oh, those are brutal. Now you can see the view from your seat before you purchase. So that's that. The zone deals are a big plus as well. You pick the section, Game Time picks the seats and you save even more money. And you know, seeing NFL tickets available for around $100 really makes it easy to plan a game day trip. And knowing that the tickets are backed by the Game time guarantee gives you real peace of mind. So take the guesswork out of buying NFL tickets with Game Time. Download the Game Time app, create an account and use code lock on NFL that's locked on L O C K E D O N F L NFL for $20 off your first purchase terms, apply again, create an account and redeem code locked on NFL for $20 off. Download the game Time app today and get back to being there live. All right, welcome back to the Cowboy Squad show, our final segment. I just got a notification. I was checking if there was anything from the Cowboys locker room. Nothing yet, but if not, be sure and check out Aisha's show tomorrow and also the daily lockdown Cowboys podcast with Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool. All right, you guys both hit on number 42 at the start of the show, but I just want to get some thoughts. Just a couple things today. What did you think of Jadevion Clowney and your expectations for him coming back? Is. Is it too early to tell? Will Joe Milton be the backup quarterback? What did you think of Josh Butler back to the defense and his play today? Give me your thoughts on those.

[Aisha Morrison]

Joe Milton, yes, he's gonna be back. He's still okay developing, I'm assuming. But yeah, I don't think Dallas is gonna make a change there. They kind of sit on backup quarterbacks for a while, so I, I would assume he would be here. In regard to Josh Butler. Feisty. He's always been feisty. Really wasn't enough for me to get a good grasp of. I just know who he is as a player and that's how he is. He plays hair on fire most of the time. I don't really have a thought, a lot of thoughts. And what was the first gentleman that you named?

[Jeff Biggs]

Oh, Clowny Clowney.

[Aisha Morrison]

Oh, resign them. Please do it now. Especially with the fact that, like coach said, like losing to Marcus Lawrence. I. I don't know if you. If they're the same player because G has had an amazing year with Seattle. But just having, I mean, Jadevion Clowney as the season is going on, coaches talked about he's gotten his legs under him, he's looked sharp, his ability to read, set the edge, consistent. If you're going through a defensive overhaul, you need veterans that can set the tone and set the standard. He's just an amazing professional and they asked him. Somebody mentioned him after the game because he had a career day today. Four tackles for loss, three sacks, a force fumble, pass defense, defended. I think he. I mean, he just went off and they asked him and he. He's very aware that this was a career day for him. So I, if I was Dallas, if I was Dallas, I would definitely be pushing for him to be here next year because I think the productivity but the presence that he has is Something you're gonna need when you're trying to flip this defense. What do you think, Coach?

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Yeah, I do think you need him back and I think you need him back like quickly. And I say that because I want him here for the off season. I don't, I don't want to wait four or five games into the season for him to get in great football shape. Hey, we're gonna, we're gonna pay you, we're gonna give you the bonuses to be here, make sure you're here, all those things. As far as mixing, I, I, I'd be surprised if they don't look to upgrade there. I mean, again, I think he's a great talent, but you got it at that position. You got to be able to process information really fast. I mean real fast. And so to see the guy release through the scene. And the thing is, it wasn't like that was the first time they'd run that play. They'd run that play and span. Ford caught it in the red zone where they faked that pitch. The linebacker widened and you got it right in the seam. Well, this time the linebacker had seen it once. Guess what? He one widens. He goes right for the vertical and intercepts it. So you have to be able to process information when you're a quarterback and especially when you're a backup quarterback in the NFL. And it has to come natural for you. And I just, I'm not real sure that it comes natural for him. And I think, I think that's a problem. Butler, I haven't really seen enough. I don't have a problem, I wouldn't have problem bringing him back for camp, but I think you're going to see, and I loved it that they played all those guys. I think you're going to see a lot of evaluation and you'll know where they stand because they all got an opportunity to get evaluated and got, you know, ample playing time with Coach, Coach.

[Aisha Morrison]

With, with the Milton thing. Though I agree with you on the processing. It feels like the he, the time that he needs for the game to slow down, you don't have, it doesn't feel like. But I will say what is an upgrade at the backup quarterback position? Do you draft, do you draft a, a step up? Because teams do not. Because of the 17 game season this last two years, specifically last year, we saw backup quarterbacks play more than we have seen ever.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

So why San Francisco's in the playoffs?

[Aisha Morrison]

Absolutely.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

The right move going at Mac Jones.

[Aisha Morrison]

Yes, absolutely. So, so Dallas has the opportunity to upgrade. I agree with you. They should. But with the way that teams, if they find a good backup, they holding on to him for ransom. So I'm really curious to see if they do make a change there how they're able to kind of figure that out.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

So yeah, I mean, I mean we say that, but I mean Minnesota let two walk out of the building. Who went and started, right?

[Aisha Morrison]

I agree.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

Sam Darnold walk out of the building. They let Daniel Jones walk out of the building.

[Aisha Morrison]

So started and played well. You're right.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

I studied it that close. But yeah, hey, you know what, there are guys. I, I agree with what Aikman said. I mean don't give up on guys too early. But at the same time you have to know I, I was all for Milton to get a bunch of playing time and again he showed you. He's just not there with, with understanding and quick discernment and that, that to me that's a red flag.

[Aisha Morrison]

I agree.

[Jeff Biggs]

All right, well, we'll leave it there for now. Tough season for the Cowboys. Long season, a lot of little great individual moments along the way. But I think for me personally just getting to do these post game shows with Uisha and you coach, that's been a real blessing and a real highlight and something that I'm looking forward to doing hopefully again next season. But before we go, Aisha, quick plug for your show.

[Aisha Morrison]

Oh yes, you can catch me on Girls Talk, Boys Talk. We are in off season schedule so we will be on on Mondays, 10am Central every Monday. I'm also doing draft work with Crown Media. I will be on with them twice a week, Tuesday, Thursday covering the draft. So the show's called the Stack. So check us out. I'll be on with Brian Broadest, Zach Wchuk from 105.3 the Fan and I'm looking forward to covering the draft again for Dallas Cowboys Nation.

[Jeff Biggs]

All right, well I hope we can get you on. We're going to be doing some off season squad shows. I hope we can bring you back for one of those before the draft. Thank you though for your great work. Excellent work, coach. Thank you as well. No, you got a lot going on. You got your TV hit so we'll let you go. But thank you. We'll talk to you during the next squad show. But again, tough season but makes me even more excited about hopefully what the Cowboys are going to be able to do next season. All right. For Aisha Morrison and former Cowboys coach Glenn Stretch Smith, thanks for being with us. This has been the Cowboys squad show.

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[Glenn Stretch Smith]

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[Brian Peacock]

Let's Texas Hey NFL fans. I'm Brian Peacock and that is Matt Williamson, host of the NFL Six Pack, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team.

[Glenn Stretch Smith]

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[Jeff Biggs]

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[Brian Peacock]

A six pack of takes daily on the playoff pushed in the 2025 season or if your team's in draft mode. Yeah, we'll hit that too.

[Aisha Morrison]

All right here.

[Brian Peacock]

Every day on the Locked on podcast network, the NFL Six Pack. Subscribe on YouTube or everywhere you get your podcast.