Podcast Summary: Locked On Cowboys – Dallas Cowboys Must FIX Safety & Linebacker Units | Can They Be Solved THIS Season?

Air Date: December 8, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

Overview of Episode’s Main Theme

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool take a deep dive into the Dallas Cowboys’ most glaring weaknesses: the linebacker and safety positions. They debate whether these critical holes can be addressed during the 2025 season or if significant upgrades must wait until the offseason. The hosts analyze how the defensive deficiencies cropped up in their recent game against the Lions, discuss options for improving the offensive tackle situation, and touch on the persistent woes of the special teams unit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Defense: Linebacker and Safety Woes

• Recurring Issues: The Cowboys have managed to stabilize the defensive line, but linebacker and safety remain "the bane of their existence" on defense. These themes resurfaced prominently in their latest loss to the Lions.
  • “A lot of the problems that were cropping up in the Lions game were the same problems that we were going to have to whack a mole at the end of the season, going into the offseason…” – Marcus (02:22)

Linebacker Focus (03:59–07:31)

• Personnel Uncertainty:
  • Kenneth Murray is unlikely to return in 2026.
  • Logan Wilson has a $6 million cap hit and isn’t clearly outperforming Murray.
  • DeMarvion Overshown, entering a contract year, remains their only steady linebacker, with Jack Sanborn (FA), Maris Leofow (benched), and Shamar James rounding out a very questionable group.
• Depth Concerns: The Cowboys might need to add two linebackers this offseason.
  • "You could tell me that the Cowboys need two linebackers this off season and I wouldn’t push back on that." – Landon (04:37)
• Coaching Angle: Whomever the new defensive coordinator is will impact the approach at linebacker.
• Underperformance & Development: Overshown is playing at an average level, which is head-and-shoulders above anyone else, but the rest have not shown enough. Leofow, in particular, is "out of position… too aggressive, and he’s paying for that." (05:05)
• Limited 2025 Fixes: No midseason solution is realistic unless luck changes drastically (i.e., turnovers falling their way).

Rotation Issues (06:00–07:31)

• Why is Murray playing over Wilson?
  • "Familiarity, I guess… I don’t really honestly know."
  • Neither is good enough for a starting role; both have critical flaws that have resulted in touchdowns allowed, busted coverage, and poor run fits.
  • Murray makes more big mistakes but Wilson "can’t run" and exposes the defense sideline-to-sideline.

Safety & Secondary Needs (08:13–10:00)

• Cowboys are two average starters away from a solid secondary, but finding even average starters is tough.
• Floor is present, but the ceiling is low—need for injection of young talent at DB and safety.
• Donovan Wilson is singled out as someone who might need replacing, as improved safety play would help the struggling second level.

Notable Quotes:

• "They just need players... talent. They need talent." – Landon (09:32)
• "Getting average play at linebacker and safety would greatly upgrade this unit… because they’re so bad at those two spots right now." – Landon (09:32)
• "These kind of second level players have a little bit more value than they did maybe five years ago." – Marcus (10:00)

2. Offensive Tackle Situation (13:37–19:28)

Left & Right Tackle Analysis

• Recent Struggles: Nate Thomas struggled notably against Aidan Hutchinson; Terence Steele has also been subpar.
• Tyler Guyton’s Return: Anticipated as the likely long-term left tackle.
• Right Tackle Future: Uncertainty reigns; likely a competition between Thomas, Steele, and young prospects.
• Draft Implications: Both hosts agree that spending another 1st-round pick on O-line is not feasible given current resource allocation.
  • "You cannot spend another first round pick on an offensive lineman. You’ve already spent three in the last four years. You can’t do it." – Landon (15:53)
• Cap & Personnel Management: Terence Steele’s high cap number ($14M savings possible post-June 1) could lead to a release/resign scenario or pursuing a journeyman tackle in free agency.
• Develop from Within: A hope to see someone like Nate Thomas seize the job rather than overhaul with expensive new additions.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think the Cowboys have the pieces that they probably need in order to continue to try to make this an in house solution." – Marcus (18:15)
• "You don’t need to have four first round picks on the offensive line every year." – Landon (18:40)

3. Special Teams: Booming Kicker, Struggling Units (23:44–28:04)

Kicking is a Strength, Everything Else is Not

• Standouts:
  • Brandon Aubrey ("fantastic") and Bryan Anger (“been really good”) are singled out for praise, along with Trent Seeg’s snapping and fumble recovery.
• Coverage and Returns are Problems:
  • Coverage units have struggled with tackling and positioning, notably giving up field position against the Lions.
  • Kevontae Turpin, a previously electric returner, looks hesitant and has been ineffective.
  • Analysis points to both Turpin’s hesitation and Nick Sorensen’s uninspired coaching as to blame.
• Coaching Questions: Sorensen was a strange hire due to his lack of special teams coordinator experience and his past defensive struggles.
• Team Impact: Special teams mistakes (bad returns, field position) are giving up hidden yardage the offense and defense can’t compensate for.

Notable Quotes:

• "It’s like they’re not doing anything special on their coverages, but… they’re just not consistently good at making the tackles or getting to the ball carrier in time to make it worth their while." – Marcus (25:00)
• "This team just isn’t talented enough right now to... overcome [bad special teams]." – Landon (26:39)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On long-standing positional holes:
  • "For how long have we been talking about those two positions specifically? ...the linebacker position and the cornerback position." – Marcus (02:22)
• On linebacker desperation:
  • "At this point, we’re all just kind of hoping [Overshown] just stays healthy..." – Marcus (02:22)
  • "Why aren’t they playing Logan Wilson more than Kenneth Murray?... neither of these guys are good." – Landon (06:00)
• On offensive line investment:
  • "You cannot spend another first round pick on an offensive lineman... you can’t do it." – Landon (15:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Defensive Recap: 01:15–02:22
• Linebacker Deep Dive: 03:59–07:31
• Secondary & Safety Analysis: 07:31–10:25
• Offensive Tackle Discussion: 13:37–19:28
• Special Teams Woes: 23:44–28:04

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Linebacker and Safety are urgent needs that likely cannot be addressed internally this season; significant draft/free agency attention required.
• Offensive tackle isn't as dire if young players step up—another high draft pick here would be a misuse of resources given holes elsewhere.
• Special teams is a persistent liability outside of kicker and punter—coaching and personnel changes are likely needed.
• Overarching Theme: The Cowboys must reallocate resources to defense and special teams, as offense has been heavily invested in and now must simply "figure it out."
• Organizational Direction: Incremental in-season improvement possible, but the real fix is in the upcoming 2026 offseason.

This summary covers the essential content and tone of the episode for listeners who want a comprehensive yet concise breakdown, with clear speaker attributions and key timestamps for further reference.