Locked On Cowboys – Crossover Thursday: Dak Prescott vs. Caleb Williams Duel Preview

Podcast: Locked On Cowboys – Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys
Hosts: Marcus Mosher (Cowboys), Lauren Cox (Bears)
Date: September 18, 2025
Episode Focus: Previewing the electrifying Week 3 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, featuring a high-profile quarterback duel (Dak Prescott vs Caleb Williams), questions about both defenses, and strategies that could tip the game in either direction.

Episode Overview

This week’s Crossover Thursday is a deep dive into what’s shaping up to be a pivotal contest for both Dallas and Chicago. With both defenses struggling and injuries piling up, hosts Marcus Mosher and Lauren Cox analyze whether this game turns into the expected offensive shootout, or if either defense can rise to the occasion. Discussion centers around quarterback play, defensive challenges, critical matchups, coaching philosophies, special teams, and what each team must do to secure a much-needed win.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defensive Struggles & High-Scoring Expectations

• Injuries Steal the Spotlight: Both teams are missing key defensive players:
  • Cowboys: Micah Parsons (traded), Duron Bland (out), injured linebackers (Overshown).
  • Bears: Jaylen Johnson (IR), battered secondary.
• "I would think, like, I would think we're going to see a lot of points here on Sunday." – Marcus Mosher (02:37)
• Lauren Cox suggests the Bears’ offense, under Ben Johnson, hasn’t hit its stride yet, but this may be the perfect week: “We’re getting to the end of the runway, but it hasn’t quite gotten to cruising altitude just yet." (03:08)
• Both hosts note recent games that went unexpectedly—blowouts turning into defensive slugfests—but feel optimistic the weakened defenses lead to fireworks.

2. Coaching Philosophies Under the Microscope

• Marcus discusses Cowboys fans’ hopes for Matt Eberflus’ defensive creativity, which hasn’t materialized:
  "I think Cowboy fans were hoping to see something a little bit more creative or these guys, you know, being more disciplined." (04:04)
• Lauren recalls Eberflus’ “HITS” principle (high effort, hustle, discipline, takeaways) looking good on paper but says it’s lost its edge.
• Both agree: discipline has improved against the run, but lack of personnel and schematic aggression has left pass defenses exposed.

3. Key Player Spotlights & Matchup Concerns

• Jadeveon Clowney (DAL) & Bears’ Pass Rush: Marcus jokes about Clowney’s new number—“There’s just no way you’re gonna be a good pass rusher wearing number 42” (06:10)—but hopes he can provide situational muscle.
• Both teams' pass rushes are under the microscope. Bears need more from Montez Sweat. Cowboys' offensive tackles (Terence Steele, Tyler Guyton) have been inconsistent.
• "If you can protect him [Dak],... he’s going to carve you up." – Marcus Mosher (14:36)
• Both agree that without consistent pressure, both QBs (Dak, Caleb) could torch opposing secondaries.
• Marcus: “I have no doubt that the Cowboys are going to win their wide receivers versus Chicago’s cornerback matchup.” (11:48)
• Lauren notes Roman Odunze’s breakout game (7 catches, 127 yds, 2 TDs vs Lions) and the Bears’ intentions to feature DJ Moore, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden.

4. Offensive Trends & Quarterback Evaluation

• Caleb Williams Watch: Lauren dispels any rumors of a benching (“I can’t imagine a scenario where Caleb Williams is healthy and we see Tyson Bagent this season.” (07:41)), citing steady progress but rookie hiccups—forcing throws, some footwork and timing issues.
• Dak Prescott’s Steady Hand: Marcus praises Dak’s “bailing out” of the Cowboys’ rough O-line situations, and highlights his efficiency against the blitz: “Dak is one of the best quarterbacks against the blitz. He gets rid of the ball quick and on time.” (14:36)

5. Coaching Chess Match: Play Callers vs. Defensive Minds

• Lauren points out Dennis Allen hasn’t blitzed much, even without a pass rush, likely due to secondary instability, leading to concern over how to challenge Dak without easy answers (15:32).
• Both hosts expect Ben Johnson and Cowboys OC to target linebackers and overmatched DBs.
• Marcus: “If I were Ben Johnson, those [Cowboys LBs Murray and Sanborn] are the two guys that I would want to be attacking in the passing game over and over.” (16:28)

6. Special Teams: The Wild Card

• Marcus highlights the importance of Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys’ kicker: hit 64 & 46 yard FGs for an OT win) and Kevontae Turpin, one of the league’s best return men:
  "Special teams… are one of their most important factors in winning games this year." (23:30)
• Lauren concedes Bears’ special teams are a work in progress after mistakes against Minnesota, but improved against Detroit.

7. Game Flow & Keys to Victory

• Clock Control: Lauren says the Bears want to slow the game down, control the clock, and keep Dallas’ offense sidelined: "Maybe your best defense is keeping the Cowboys offense off the field." (21:56)
• Up-tempo Offense: Marcus expects the Cowboys to push pace: “I expect the Cowboys to play with a lot of pace early... be aggressive to build that lead.” (21:56)
• Both expect the team that starts fastest will have a major edge, but neither trusts their defense to finish strong.

8. Stakes & Predictions

• Both teams desperately need a win, but for different reasons. Lauren: "For Chicago it’s easy to say, oh, and two, like you can’t fall to zero and three, like this would be a disaster start for Ben Johnson..." (25:36)
• Marcus highlights the Cowboys' brutal November/December schedule and the threat of falling behind early.
• Predictions:
  • Marcus: “I think I would be willing to pick Chicago here just because, and honestly, this matters a lot in the NFL. They’re the more desperate team. They’re at home. They kind of have to have this one.” (27:14)
  • Lauren: “I certainly don’t think the Bears are going to come in and dominate by any means… it’s going to come down to probably the last possession.” (27:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Creativity vs. Reality:
  “If Cowboys fans were expecting a lot of creativity from Matt Eberflus, maybe that wasn’t the best expectation. Maybe you’ll be a little underwhelmed.”
  — Lauren Cox (04:54)

• On Quarterback Play Under Fire:
  "If you can protect [Dak] against a four-man rush, he’s going to carve you up... If you blitz him, that’s when this team can be really dangerous because Dak is one of the best quarterbacks against the blitz."
  — Marcus Mosher (14:36)

• Jadeveon Clowney’s New Role:
  "I was really excited about the Jadeveon Clowney signing... and then I saw that he’s wearing number 42, and I’m just out. There’s just no way you’re gonna be a good pass rusher wearing number 42."
  — Marcus Mosher (06:00-06:10)

• On The Bears Not Benching Caleb:
  “I can’t imagine a scenario where Caleb Williams is healthy and we see Tyson Bagent this season.”
  — Lauren Cox (07:41)

• Matchup to Watch:
  “I have no doubt that the Cowboys are going to win their wide receivers versus Chicago’s cornerback matchup... But how much they win by will probably determine this game.”
  — Marcus Mosher (11:48)

• On Both Defenses' Predicaments:
  “Do I risk it by sending guys and having them burn me? Or do I drop back with seven in coverage and hope my three injured cornerback backups can hold up? I don’t know if there’s an easy solution either way.”
  — Lauren Cox (15:32)

• Special Teams Emphasis:
  "They believe with their offense and their special teams, they’re going to be able to win a lot of games... Brandon Aubrey kicked a 64 yard field goal... Kevonte Turpin is one of the best kick returners in the league."
  — Marcus Mosher (23:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:37 — Why this should be a shootout; state of both defenses
• 03:08-03:40 — Bears' offense progress and why this is a “make or break” week
• 04:04 — Cowboys’ defensive woes and the impact of injuries
• 05:48-06:43 — Clowney’s impact for Dallas
• 07:25-08:53 — Caleb Williams’ rookie development and why benching isn’t on the table
• 09:42 — Dennis Allen’s challenge with cornerbacks and lack of blitzing
• 11:48-12:58 — Critical WR/CB matchups; Chicago’s banged-up secondary
• 14:36 — Cowboys O-line’s importance; Dak’s strengths
• 16:28-18:22 — Cowboys’ linebacker struggles; coverage vulnerabilities
• 21:56-22:44 — Contrasting keys: Bears want to slow it down, Cowboys want to speed it up
• 23:30-24:57 — Special teams as a difference maker
• 25:36 — Immediate stakes for both teams
• 27:14-27:48 — Game predictions from each host

Summary Table

| Segment | Bears (Lauren Cox) | Cowboys (Marcus Mosher) | |----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Defensive Status | Secondary depleted, no pass rush | Missing key LB and CB, lack of creativity | | Key Offensive Weapons | Odunze, DJ Moore; Williams' progress | WR talent, Jake Ferguson, Dak's steady hand | | Concerns | OL issues, slow RB start, can't get pressure | OL/tackle play, run D, linebacker coverage | | Coaching Schism | Dennis Allen staying conservative, minimal blitz| Eberflus not bringing expected discipline/creativity | | Special Teams | Hoping for improvement, bad last year | Strength (Aubrey, Turpin); must win this phase | | Game Plan | Control clock, play-action, attack LBs | High tempo, early lead, exploit WR matchups | | Prediction | Thinks Bears break through, close game | Leaning Bears, but expects a razor-thin finish |

Bottom Line

Both teams are in “must-win” mode early in the year, with high-powered offenses out to exploit injury-ridden, struggling defenses. Expect a lot of points unless one of the coaching staffs can spring a surprise. With critical matchups at wide receiver vs secondary, the battle in the trenches, and special teams looming large, the winner may just be whoever holds the ball last.

“It’s going to come down to probably the last possession… I don’t trust either of these defenses to be the one to make a key stop.”
— Lauren Cox (27:48)

For fans seeking a preview that goes beyond box scores, this episode offers an honest, incisive look at two teams already feeling the season’s pressure—and the fireworks expected in a must-watch Week 3 battle.