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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.”

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)

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.

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).

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]

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

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)

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.

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.