George Pickens’ QUIET Games Shouldn't PANIC Dallas Cowboys Fans | More All-22 Notes vs. Vikings!

Summary

Locked On Cowboys — Podcast Summary

Episode: "George Pickens’ QUIET Games Shouldn't PANIC Dallas Cowboys Fans | More All-22 Notes vs. Vikings!"

Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

---

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool dig into the Dallas Cowboys’ recent offensive performances, especially focusing on George Pickens’ quiet games and why fans shouldn’t panic. They also break down Cowboys receivers’ contributions, tackle the ongoing concerns about the offensive tackle rotation and depth, and discuss which players the team should consider resting as the playoff race all but ends. The hosts sprinkle in detailed All-22 film analysis and keep things candid, analytical, and optimistic about the team’s longer-term outlook.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Should Cowboys Fans Worry About George Pickens’ “Quiet” Games?

• Marcus & Landon’s Stance:
  • Both hosts agree there’s no reason for concern. Despite low statistical output in two consecutive games, Pickens was still pivotal to the offense’s success, impacting coverage and freeing CD Lamb for a productive day.
• Context Matters:
  • The Lions game was a true disappointment, but the Vikings game was more about scheme and defensive attention. Minnesota’s coverage was designed to take Pickens away, opening opportunities elsewhere.
  • Marcus: “He may not have had a huge game, but the Cowboys averaged almost five yards a carry because of the coverage that was put out there to stop Pickens…” (02:37)
  • Landon: “Two bad statistical games, but I don’t think he had two bad games. The Lions game was a bad game. This wasn’t.” (04:15)
• Impact Beyond Stats:
  • Pickens’ presence manipulates defenses, alters coverages, and creates secondary chances for teammates.

2. CD Lamb’s Surge & Reliability

• CD Lamb’s Consistency:
  • Since returning from a high ankle injury, Lamb’s reliability and production have been impressive, providing a steady target for Dak.
  • Landon: “He’s averaging over 94 receiving yards per game... Pickens is the more talented player, but CD is the more reliable and consistent guy.” (06:24)
• Offensive Build:
  • The offense is structured to leverage Lamb’s flexibility in motion and ability to exploit defensive matchups.

3. Praise for Flournoy: Emerging Third Wide Receiver

• Unexpected Rise:
  • Flournoy, not even making the initial roster out of camp, has become a consistent contributor as WR3.
    • Last two games: 4 catches/40 yards vs. Vikings; 3/34 vs. Chiefs.
  • Landon (re: Flournoy): “He’s seized this wide receiver three job... now someone who’s playing over 50 of the snaps.” (08:01)
  • Note that he’s almost three years older than Pickens, adding a humorous note about the makeup of the WR room.
• Developmental Outlook:
  • Biggest improvement often comes for small school receivers between years 2–3; hosts anticipate more from Flournoy in 2026.

4. Offensive Tackle: Depth Chart Concerns

• Eroding Confidence:
  • Injuries and inconsistent play have derailed early optimism with Tyler Guyton, Nate Thomas, and Terence Steele.
  • Marcus: “The plan feels like it’s taken a rough hit these last few weeks... we felt a lot more confident, then you’ve seen Nate Thomas out there at left tackle and his struggles.” (12:56)
  • “Terence Steele has played pretty good football so far this season... there’s just a lot more uncertainty at the spot than you had previous.” (15:31)
• Injury Woes:
  • Guyton’s recurring injuries (concussion, knee, high ankle sprain) have stunted overall line stability.
  • Landon: “Being available is one of the most important parts of being an offensive lineman and he just hasn’t been that yet.” (17:10)
• Resource Management:
  • With heavy draft capital already spent on the O-line, the hosts argue against taking another first rounder, favoring internal development or a modest free agency stopgap.

5. Should the Cowboys Rest Key Players?

• The Logic:
  • With playoff hopes essentially gone, it might be prudent to limit exposure for key players to injury.
  • Landon: “You can’t tell them to go out and lose... However, you can rest some guys that are either banged up or maybe too valuable to expose in some meaningless games.” (23:16)
• Who Might Sit or Play Fewer Snaps:
  • Javonte Williams: Knock down his carries to preserve his health.
    • Marcus: “As he’s accumulated more and more touches, the likelihood of him getting injured is getting higher...” (24:05)
  • Veteran Linebackers: Kenneth Murray, Logan Wilson — use snaps for younger backups, but don’t overexpose players recovering from injury (e.g., DeMarvion Overshown coming off ACL).
  • Quinnen Williams: Don’t rush back from concussion; mix in Perryon Winfrey and others for experience.
  • Dak Prescott: Possibly sit Week 18, let Joe Milton start.
    • Marcus: “I think it’s smart football... you want to see Joe get out there and get some snaps.” (27:25)
  • Healthy Scratches/Young Players: Jaden Blue — use last games as developmental reps if the staff deems him prepared.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marcus, on Pickens’ impact:

  “If George Pickens doesn’t have a big game, but all the rest of the offense does... that’s as good as him having a good game.” (02:37)

• Landon, on context for quiet WR performances:

  “I would be concerned if they weren’t moving the ball, if CD Lamb and George Pickens were both having bad days. Just chalk it up as it happens.” (04:15)

• Landon, on Flournoy’s confidence:

  “Chris Collinsworth had an interesting quote... Dak said that Flournoy believes he’s just as good as CD Lamb and George Pickens, and he’s not going to tell them otherwise.” (08:01)

• Marcus, on O-line misfortune:

  “We’ve put a lot of eggs in the Nate Thomas basket… these last few games have not been good data points.” (17:58)

• The dilemma at tackle (Marcus):

  “I just don’t think that Tyler Smith was that great at tackle. I think he was a much better player at guard... you don’t get the full value out of the player you just paid a bunch of money to by playing him at tackle.” (19:12)

• On resting starters:

  “Some of these guys that are super high leverage players... it’s not that you pull them off the field, it’s just that all these guys are basically in rotation except for, you know, the offensive line and Dak.” (28:01)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pickens “quiet” games dissected: 01:04–06:24
• CD Lamb consistency & WR room: 06:24–09:43
• Flournoy’s emergence and future: 08:01–09:43
• Offensive tackle depth crisis: 12:56–17:58
• Should Cowboys rest key starters/play more young guys?: 23:16–29:11
• Debate on moving Tyler Smith back to tackle: 18:49–20:36
• Dak possibly sitting for Joe Milton in Week 18: 27:05–28:00

---

Overall Tone & Atmosphere

• Analytical, methodical, and always providing broader context rather than knee-jerk reactions.
• Balanced optimism about young players (especially Flournoy) and realism regarding ongoing O-line woes.
• Empathetic but practical approach to end-of-season management when playoffs are out of reach.

---

Bottom Line for Cowboys Fans

• Don’t panic over George Pickens’ quiet games; defensive schemes are the main factor.
• Wide receiver group is evolving positively, especially with solid depth and confidence in young contributors.
• Offensive tackle is now the biggest “fix-it” area; expect internal development over major offseason investment.
• As playoffs slip away, expect a prudent approach to player health: more snaps for backups, possible rest for stars in meaningless games.

Transcript

[Marcus Moer]

It's the Locked On Podcast Network your team every day.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Alienware's sale of the season lets you unleash peak performance at big holiday savings. Save on select Alienware PCs like the groundbreaking Alienware 16 Area 51 gaming laptop, taking performance to the next level with Intel Core Ultra processors. And even better, you can get it before the holidays. Plus you you could save on all the latest accessories and displays like the Alienware 32 4K QD OLED gaming monitor. Visit alienware.com deals before it's too late.

[Marcus Moer]

The College Football Playoff is everything.

[Landon McCool]

Toughness, roles, sacrifices.

[Marcus Moer]

Life's a focus. This is where i50 everything you got all damn day. The attention to detail is like none other. Keep physical, keep playing.

[Landon McCool]

We are the winners. Tlane takes on Ole Miss, followed by James Madison in Oregon. It's time to bring it round. Coverage of the College Football Playoff presented by allstate Saturday at 3:30 Eastern on TNT and HBO.

[Marcus Moer]

Max, are you ready?

[Landon McCool]

Let's go. George Pickins had another quiet outing on Sunday, but we'll tell you why you shouldn't be concerned next. You are Locked on Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team every day. We'd like to thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network and today's episode is brought to you by fanduel. If you want to be right in the middle of the action this football season, visit FanDuel.com to place your live NFL bats all season long. Welcome back. I am your host, Marcus Moer. He is Landon McCool. And on today's show we're going to talk about the Cowboys offensive tackle situations. We'll talk about some players that maybe the Cowboys should consider sitting over the final three games now that they're basically out of playoff contention. But Landon, I want to start with this. We had George Pickens, who had a really rough outing against Detroit last Thursday, and then we all thought he was going to have a big game against Minnesota. That wasn't the case. So that's kind of back to back poor statistical outings. Are you concerned?

[Marcus Moer]

I'm not really concerned so much. I, I think, you know, and you and I talked about this and kind of see kind of eye to eye on this. And you know, there's one of the other, one of the other subjects I'm really interested in is physics, right? And in physics, you know, they're constantly using things like gravity to kind of measure how they need to bend light in order to get lensing corrects on some of these bigger telescopes. And you have to know the effect of gravity has on light in order to measure, you know, and be able to measure that. And I think what that's what we're doing with Pickens in some of these games. Right. Is that he may not have had a huge game last night, but the Cowboys averaged almost five yards of carry because of the coverage that was, was put out there to, you know, stop pickens. CD Lamb, you know, went six receptions on 10 targets for 111 yards because of the, the room provided by George Pickett. So for me, I think if George Pickens doesn't have a big game, but all the rest of the offense does. And, and, and it seems very clear that, you know, based on the, the schematics and how the defense was playing you, it's, it's, it's a lot based on the fact that they're trying to prevent George Pickens from having a big game. I think to me that's, that's as good as him having a big game. That's as good as him having a good game. And I don't add it to the pile of, of games that, you know, where he, you know, he didn't perform well. Specifically. He, you know, he, he wasted a bunch of targets or his body language was really, really poor, that sort of thing. To me, this is still falls well under George Pickens providing and doing his job for the offense.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. And I think he had, you know, two bad statistical games, but I don't think he had two bad games. I think the Lions game was a bad game. This wasn't a bad game. He just didn't get the targets because they were going to CD Lamb because of what Brian Flores was doing. And I think there's going to be some of those games where you need to get rid of the ball quick. And I think because CD Lamb can move into the slot, he's the guy that moves into motion, it's just easier to get him the football. And the Vikings were sitting on a lot of these slant routes, you know, kind of daring Dak to hold the ball and throw it down the field. The problem is, is they couldn't even get back into a drop back game because the, the, the tackles played so poorly up front. It happens. And again, I would be concerned if they weren't moving the ball if CD Lamb and George Pickens were both having bad days. Just chalk it up as it happens. Don't be concerned about this game. If you want to be concerned about the Lions game, I get it. I, I'm not concerned about this one.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah. To me, this, this is, you know, this is a cause of, of, of sequencing. Right. Because of the game with Detroit and the bad body language and people talking about a poor Pickens performance last week. And look, I think it's debatable. Obviously, the numbers would tell you that as well. Right. I, I think that, I think that game being a, you know, let's actually examine this. Is this a bad George Pickens game? That being right before this game where he didn't statistically have a good game, but he was being very heavily, you know, guarded. There's circumstance here, there's context to be provided here. And again, I think the Cowboys offense had no problem moving the football. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that the defense had to adjust and make up for the, for pickings, including having one less body in the box to, you know, you know, take him out of the deep part of the field. So I, I, again, I, I think that it's easy to kind of see these two games next to each other and, and say this is a, a two games in a row of the same thing. Yeah, I would, after looking at the tape, I wouldn't look at it like that. I think this is a more isolated situation of, hey, they, they schemed Pickens out of the game and that actually provided opportunity for other guys to, to actually produce.

[Landon McCool]

And having said all that, I want to go back to CD Lamb because he's been really good since coming back from the high angle injury he had that game against Philadelphia where he had, was it three drops in that game. But outside of that man, Landon, he's been awesome. So since coming back from the high ankle injury, he's averaging over 94 receiving yards per game. And you can see pickin. Honestly, I think Pickens is the more talented player, but CD when he's catching the football, is just the more reliable and consistent guy. He can do a little bit more in your offense, and that's why they've built this offense around CD Lam. It's really nice to see him kind of getting back into his groove.

[Marcus Moer]

And I think it's time for us to start mentioning, you know, weekly how good Floy has been. I mean, he has been outstanding these last few weeks to be able to step up and produce the way he has. He's, he's been a high, you know, he has got a high level of of, of converting his targets to receptions. He's producing week to week. He's, he's making big plays when you're calling upon him, you know, I, I, it's not too big for him anymore. And, and, and he's, you know, even on third downs, we, when they're looking at all the other superstars, he's found ways to get open and convert those. So, yeah, the Cowboys haven't had a problem necessarily from their wide receiver production these last few weeks. No, you know, obviously the, the Lions situation is examinable for Pickens, but I think overall they've gotten what they needed from the passing attack. It's, it's, you know, it's more generalized, I think specifically issues in the red zone, which the passing attack is part of. But I think holistically their problems exist in actually punching the ball into the end zone once they get to the red zone. Getting to the red zone is not a problem.

[Landon McCool]

No, it's, that's, they've got to figure out the red zone offense. I do want to talk about Flanor really quickly because yeah, he's seized this wide receiver three job. He wasn't even on the roster on cut down days, but now he's somebody who's playing over 50 of the snaps. Again, not big statistical production, but four catches for 40 yards. That's coming off a big game. Last week he had 3 for 34 against Kansas City. And I actually thought Chris Collinsworth had an interesting quote where he was talking to Dak pregame and Dak said that Florida believes he's just as good as CD Lamb and George Pickens and he's not going to tell them otherwise. And they really think that, you know, he's got the confidence to be that receiver. And, you know, this is somebody who the Cowboys still have, I believe, two more years of roster control over after the 2025 season. It sure feels like they've kind of, they don't need to figure out the wide receiver spot. They bring back George Pickens and this room is finished.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, I mean, that's kind of also why I, I sort of tap the brakes when folks talk super negatively about the Mingo situation because I get it, they traded a fourth round pick and ultimately that's not good what they got. But, but the truth of the matter is, is that I think Flournoy exceeded expectations. Like everyone. I think they probably penciled Bingo in for the spot that Floy has taken, you know, because of circumstance. Floy has taken that job and, and completely not relinquished it to anyone, including Jaylen Tolbert who had it previously. So yeah, kudos to to Flo to be able to kind of develop the way he needed it. Again, I think this someone said too this was his first year working with a professional wide receiver coach in the off season. I can't wait to see what he does next year. Let's now let's give him a little little offseason cash and see what he can do with it.

[Landon McCool]

You know, one of the things I thought was really funny though, he's almost three years older than George Pickens, which I think is hilarious. So he's a little bit older, but I mean every time the Cowboys have called his number, he's been pretty consistent this year outside of the the one play against the Lions where the ball got ripped out of his hands. I think he's done a good job of stepping up and more often than not with these small school receivers you see the biggest jump in their play from year two to year three and I would expect that to be the case for Florida going in next season. Could not be more excited about him. Can't say the same about the offensive tackle situation, which continues to be a disaster. We'll get to that next this episode is brought to you by FanDuel. NFL Sundays move fast. One big play and suddenly everything feels different. That's what makes live betting with FanDuel so exciting. You're not just watching the game, you're reacting to it in real time. And with FanDuel, you could place bets as the action unfolds, every drive, every momentum swing, every highlight moment. And live betting is the best when the game starts to shift, a receiver gets hot, a defense tightens up, or the momentum flips after a turnover. And FanDuel lets you jump into that moment with live spreads and money lines that adjust instantly, player props that update as guys heat up. And you can bet on everything from next touchdown scores, drive results, totals and so much more. It keeps you locked into every single snap. So if you want to be right in the middle of the action this season, visit FanDuel.com to place your live bets all season long. FanDuel the game moves fast and so can you lock on listeners asked for more and now you can get it with the Everydayer Club. For just $5 a month, you'll get every episode ad free, plus access to our members only. Discord Exclusive audio from Locked On Sports Today and other perks you won't find anywhere else. If you never miss a show, this is the next step. Join The Everydayer club [e-mail] everydayerclub or visit the link in the show notes. That's lockedonpodcast.com SL everyday club, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back to the Lock On Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen of the day. If you are a true die hard Cowboy fan, the everyday or all access tier is built for you. You'll get one on one text access with Landon and I, all access episodes, an exclusive newsletter every single day and a 15% discount to to the Lockdown Merch store. Head over to lockon cowboys.supercast.com to join the everyday club and unlock all access and you can find the link in the show notes. All right, let's talk about the offensive tackle situation because going into the year we felt really good about Tyler Guyton, Nate Thomas as a backup, Terence Steel as your right tackle. But as the years played out, I actually feel way worse about this unit kind of going into 2026.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, I mean certainly the plan feels like it's taken a rough hit right like these last few weeks and it just feels like the kind of, the situation's changed a lot. I, I would have said, and I think we had to have said, you know, over the last three or four weeks that kind of moving forward, you know, Guyton would, was, was our guy at left tackle, you know, with the idea that Nate Thomas, man, if he can go in and have a good off season, maybe he can grab that starting spot from Terence Steele on the right side. You can save yourself a little bit of money, cut Terence Steel next year. I think it's something like 12 million or something like that might be more. And, and, and, and I think that was, you know, a pretty solid development plan. You, you also kind of like what you've seen so far from A.J. cornelius and, and, and I think that that's, you know, that's kind of another guy that you just have kind of in your back pocket. And then we, we had seen some, you know, solid play at least in the early part of the season and in the off in the preseason from Akima Dine as well. So I think we felt a lot more confident than, you know, these last few two weeks. You've seen Nate Thomas out there at left tackle and you've seen his struggles. I think he played a little bit better this week than he did last week. But then he gets hurt, right. And then you've got a Kima Diner out there and he really, really struggled. So, yeah, it's, it's. I think, you know, now we've gone to a situation where, you know, we're all. And, and I think the other thing that's been weird too is that I think Terence Steele has played pretty good football so far this season overall. And, and in these last few weeks, I just feel like they're in a spot where maybe they don't feel as certain about Nate Thomas these last few weeks. Maybe it throws some uncertainty at the position moving forward. But, but the Cowboys are also in a spot where they can't really spend resources here. So, you know, I mean, they've already spent their resources here, so what are they, what are they going to do?

[Landon McCool]

You cannot draft a first round offensive lineman. I mean, I guess you can, but you've already invested, you've already invested a first round pick into Tyler Gardiner, first round pick in Tyler Smith, a first round pick at Tyler Booker, a third round pick in Cooper BB and then you're paying Terence Steele at right tackle. Eventually you just got to draft and develop some of these guys on day two and day three and figure it out. No other team in the NFL has four first round picks who they've all drafted on their offensive line. I don't know if the option is like a stopgap guy that you get in free agency who is like, you know, seven to eight million dollars a year. I, I don't know, but man, it's just. They spent too much money to have these games where the offensive line cannot hold up at all.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, you know, I mean, I think at this point they just kind of have to see it through. You know, maybe, maybe you, you, you try to see what you can get in free agency as some kind of veteran competition. But, but honestly, I think you probably just go roll into next year. Maybe you have to hold on to Terence Steele just to kind of stabilize that spot. Maybe you can't roll that money or maybe you just, you know, extend him or something or find a way to move that money around a little bit. Because I just don't know that like you're at a spot where you feel super confident about the idea of, of just sight unseen, seeing Nate, having Nate Thomas penciled in as your right tackle. Because, because that's the other thing is we haven't really seen him too much on the right side. He was supposed to be kind of rotating with Terence Steele at a certain point and then Terrence Steele completely took hold of that job and has played pretty decently. Since that announcement. So I, I think, you know, there's just a lot of more uncertainty at the spot than you had previous to that. And then I think the other aspect that we need to talk about here is that Tyler Guyton has just missed a lot of games due to injury. And I don't know that it's like a chronic thing. And, and I think it's probably going to get better hopefully as he gets on because it does feel like he's continuing to work on some of the flexibility stuff that could be, you know, especially early caused some of his issues in year one. But he, he, you know, had another high ankle sprain this year and it's, and it's continued to linger and cause some issues. Yeah, it's, it's, it's certainly something has to be mentioned. I don't know if we, I would reach it as reach the point of chronic yet, but it's, it's something at this point that it's been regular and you have to at least plan for it. And that calls into question the depth of the tackle position.

[Landon McCool]

It reminds me a little bit of like actually Both Connor, Conor McGovern, Conor Williams, like early on in their careers they just struggled with these nagging injuries and they weren't able to get over them until I think, you know, Connor McGovern has done a good job in Buffalo of, you know, kind of getting past that. But these guys have to kind of learn how to be able to play through pain and play well through pain. And I'm not saying that Tyler Guyton should be out there because it's a high ankle sprain. He also had a, a concussion. He had a knee injury in training camp. But I mean, being available is one of the most important parts of being an offensive lineman and he just hasn't been that yet. Again, I feel very confident that he can do that long term. It's just, it's frustrating right now and it's putting the offense behind the eight ball. There's nothing you can do about it. But again, most of these guys do end up figuring it out.

[Marcus Moer]

I mean, I think we could have, you know, subtitled this whole segment as man, you need Nate Thomas to grow up quicker, you know, because ultimately that's been your plan here is that Nate Thomas kind of solves your, your sort of immediate issue for swing tackle and solves your long term issue at right tackle. So yeah, I think we've put a lot of eggs in the Nate Thomas basket and I think previous to this he's, he's shown, shown us, you know, a lot to work with and a lot to feel good about. I think these last few, few games have not been good data points, and it makes you call into question the kind of long term, you know, stability of that situation. So whether it's just, you know, hoping you get a little bit more from AJ Cornelius or hoping that an off season of refining work a little bit will even help Nate Thomas take that next step. The Cowboys are probably going to have to solve this problem in house.

[Landon McCool]

And again, I know we talked about this, I think last week or two weeks ago, but is there any thought this off season into maybe moving Tyler Smith out to one of the tackle spots, keeping Tyler Guyton at one of them, making Nate Thomas the swing guy, moving on from Terence Steele and maybe trying to save some money that way with, you know, either TJ Bass or Brock Hoffman playing that other guard spot?

[Marcus Moer]

I mean, I, I certainly think it's something that you can consider, but I just don't know that, that, I just don't think that Tyler Smith was that great at tackle. You know, like, I think he was a much better player at guard. I, I think, you know, again, when we look back at those tackle snaps that he, he played, I think it was through the lens of thank God we had a left tackle, you know, and, and if we're looking at the position like, and what we want at the ceiling of the position and that sort of thing, I don't think you're getting the full value out of the player that you just paid a bunch of money to by playing him at tackle. I think you get it at the, by playing him at guard.

[Landon McCool]

So, but I, I agree with you, by the way. You're getting a better player at Tyler with Tyler Smith at left guard. But is your offensive line better if he's playing left tackle?

[Marcus Moer]

I, I, I don't, I don't think so. I mean, I don't, I don't know. I think I, I, I think you have a Guyton problem at that point, switching him back to right tackle after, you know, focusing so much.

[Landon McCool]

And that's fair as well.

[Marcus Moer]

I, I, I think that that's, that's a tough ask, you know, so now you're asking about either asking Tyler Smith or Tyler Guyn to flop sides. It's a lot to ask. And again, you know, when, when the margins are, are tight here and, and you're, you don't even know if you're getting that much of an improvement playing him a tackle. Yeah, I, I I think it's, I think it's probably better to solve the tackle problem in a more proper way.

[Landon McCool]

All right, let's talk about some players that the Cowboys should consider sitting over the final three games. They're, I mean, their odds of making the playoffs now are basically none. They could actually be eliminated from postseason contention, you know, by Saturday afternoon. If Philadelphia wins, could the Cowboys shut down players like Javante Williams and even Dak Prescott? We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by Rocket Money. Do you ever feel like your money just disappears each month? It happens fast. A few subscriptions here, an impulse buy there, and suddenly the numbers in your bank account don't match the numbers in your head. But Rocket Money helps you get clarity. It'll help you, help you track every dollar and stay in control of your finances, because managing your money shouldn't feel like a second job. And Rocket Money does the heavy lifting for you so you can save more and stress less. Less. Rocket Money finds subscriptions that you forgot that you were paying and and helps you clean them up quickly. And seeing where all your money is being spent makes it really nice to see where you can cut back and where you can save. So take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com Locked on today, that is RocketMoney.com LockedOn RocketMoney.com LockedOn.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

So everyone's deploying AI agents now, right? They're automating tasks, handling workflows, and making decisions. But here's the thing. Sometimes they mess up. They delete the wrong files, make changes you didn't authorize or just go off script. And when that happens, you're stuck trying to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. Unless you're using Rubric Agent Cloud. Rubrik Agent Cloud is the only platform that allows you to monitor, govern, and rewind AI agents. One platform to help you unleash more agents faster, without the risk it's running in the background the whole time, watching what's happening, making sure things stay on track. You get full visibility. You can set guardrails so agents don't go rogue. And if something breaks, you just roll it back, like Undo, but for AI. And the rewind happens fast. We're talking minutes, not hours or days. Rubrik Agent Cloud gives you that safety net when you're experimenting with AI so one mistake doesn't tank your whole operation. Companies like hospitals and banks are using Rubrik Agent Cloud because they can't afford to have AI agents making mistakes with sensitive data. It's the only way to get real control without slowing down innovation. If your business relies on AI agents, you need the ability to monitor, govern, and rewind their actions. Right now, my listeners get exclusive early access to Rubrik Agent cloud. Head to rubrik.com that's R U B R I K.com rubrik.com.

[Landon McCool]

Welcome back to the Latvian Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen of the day. All right, Lane and we're into the part of the season that I absolutely hate the most. It's these final three games where they're meaningless, but you're still going out there to try to play to win. I'm not saying the Cowboys should tank because I don't think tanking is a real thing that you can do with these players. However, you can't tell them to go out and lose.

[Marcus Moer]

That's.

[Landon McCool]

That's ludicrous. However, you can rest some guys that are either banged up or maybe that are too valuable to expose in some meaningless games. And I don't think you do it this week against the Chargers. And I have a hard time seeing the Cowboys doing it on Christmas Day as well on Netflix. But maybe you limit their snaps a little bit. Maybe you pull them off in week 18. What are the guys that come to your mind that you think could see a decrease in snaps?

[Marcus Moer]

Well, I think one of the guys that you mentioned, and I don't know if he can, if he will see a decrease in snaps, but a guy that I think they need to make a plan for me for, for his decrease in snaps is Javante Williams. Like, I think at, you know, now that the series, the season is sort of out of reach for the playoffs, as he's accumulated more and more touches, the, the likelihood of him getting injured near the end of the year is, is getting higher and higher. And I just think you haven't had a plan or, or really done much in, in the way of having or running back to, on this roster at any point this year. And now you're dealing with Lipke, who I think is still in concussion protocol, if I'm not mistaken. And Malik Davis is here and I think, you know, he certainly is going to be a part of this. But I also think that you should consider maybe getting another running back on this roster just to kind of throw some carries at and just to kind of limit a guy that I would want to bring back next year. So I think Williams is a guy that would probably Be one of the first off the. Off my list. But I think generally we should talk about guys that are, you know, part of a rotation that are easy to either swap them out with someone else or increase somebody else's well and then just reduce their. Their exposure. Right.

[Landon McCool]

You tell what I mean, especially now. What's the benefit of playing Kenneth Murray and Logan Wilson at this point? Like neither of those guys are going to be back in 2026. Well, you, you might as well just play mayor sleep out Shamar, James demarvi and overshone and just let those three guys get as many snaps as possible.

[Marcus Moer]

I actually will push back on that because I want to see. I would rather them not over expose to Marvin over shown. And. And if anything I would.

[Landon McCool]

Well, that makes sense. Yes, I agree.

[Marcus Moer]

You know what I'm saying? So. So for me, I would press Kerenneth Murray even though we just reduced his snaps and it seems like, I mean, whatever.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

It's just.

[Landon McCool]

But see, I think James could really benefit from having.

[Marcus Moer]

Yes, I don't disagree with that. I think you should play the young guys and I think if they're healthy, they should play. I think over shown is the. The obvious specific exception because he was rushed back because he's recovering from an acl. I think, I think he's the guy that I'm just like, man, it's not worth it, right? Like, it's not worth, like not, not saying pull him off the field completely. But you know, he played I think 93% of the snaps, if I'm not mistaken, in this last game. He doesn't need to be doing that anymore just because we don't need him to get hurt. So yeah, I think it's stuff like that. Just guys who are back from injury or maybe back too soon from injury, they can play a little bit less. We don't need anybody getting hurt. I mean, look what happened to Mike Parsons, right? Like, do I want that having to. Let's say this here's another guy, Quinn and Williams. No, I don't.

[Landon McCool]

So like, I would not rush it back from his concussion this week. There's absolutely no reason.

[Marcus Moer]

No, no reason to. And, and if anything, like when he comes back, maybe, you know, only play him on third downs or, you know, or like, you know, I'd like to.

[Landon McCool]

See more Perry on Winfrey. Right?

[Marcus Moer]

Like some Perry and Winfrey, right? You just see him active for good. Yeah, yeah, I think agree.

[Landon McCool]

Now what about Dak Prescott? I think this is the hard one. He obviously he's going to Start this week against the Chargers. Was there any part of you where we get to week 18 and it's just like, okay, Dak, hey, you fought really hard this year. We know that you've been battling with some lower body injuries. Let's just have Joe Milton go out there and start the annual Joe Milton game in Week 18 to see what he.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, no, I think that. I think it's smart football, too. I mean, you. You want to see Joe get out there and. And get some snaps and, and see what he. See what you've gotten him. Every time Joe's been on the field, like in a regular season game, he's pretty good, man. Like, he certainly isn't the same guy we see in training camp or preseason. In preseason, yeah. Like he's. It's like suddenly gets out there and all the other teams are like, wow, Joe Milton, look what he's doing. And we're like, I don't know where this guy came from. Yeah. So, no, I think, I think seeing maybe Joe in one of these games, you know, give some of the other down roster wide receivers more opportunities to catch some of these balls.

[Landon McCool]

Don't.

[Marcus Moer]

Do not need to expose Pickens or CD Lamb obviously to anything other than that. I. I just think that, you know, some of these guys that are super high leverage players, it's not that you pull them off the field. It's just that all these guys are basically in rotation except for, you know, the offensive line and, And Dak. So it's just about adjusting their rotations to the point where you're letting the younger guys get some more opportunities. You're letting the guys. You cannot afford to get injured a little bit more of a breather.

[Landon McCool]

One last guy, Jaden Blue, he's been a healthy scratch. We really haven't seen him in the last three months. You just let him go out there and rack up 100 touches over the next three games and kind of let him. His welcome to the NFL moment.

[Marcus Moer]

I mean, he's got to like to get on the field and run plays. He's got to be at a point where the coaches can, like, trust him to run the play properly, to take the call and to know what to do. And it can't just be like, you know, you have to be able to take an audible. You have to be able to adjust to the audible, then do what's. What's called for the play that gets audible too. So, yeah, I mean, it's. It's not just about, like, getting him opportunities, but can he buy his own opportunity by being prepared to get into the game and make the adjustments.

[Landon McCool]

Who knows. My guess is probably not, but maybe we'll see him for a game or two. That is it for today's show. We want to thank you for making Lockdown Cowboys your first listen of the day. Did lot on Cowboys? Make your Spotify wrapped Prove it to us on social media to secure a free month of our brand new Everyday Or Club. Just tag our national Lot Done podcast network account on any social platform and we'll drop you a code. Be one of the first to join the Everyday or club to get your favorite show ad free and exclusive access to the members only Discord channel. And for those of you that are on video, you can get our first ever 24. 7 national NBA YouTube channel as well. And make sure you check out lot NFL 2 listens every single day. Follow Layen on Twitter @McCool BCB. I'm @Marcus Moer and we'll see you right back here tomorrow.

[Marcus Moer]

The College Football Playoff is everywhere. Toughness, growth, sacrifices. Place your focus. This is where I 50 everything you.

[Landon McCool]

Got all damn day.

[Marcus Moer]

The attention to detail is like none other.

[Landon McCool]

Be physical, be flat. We are the winner. Chilean takes on Ole Miss followed by James Madison in Oregon. It's time to bring it first round coverage of the College Football playoffs presented by allstate Saturday at 3:30 Eastern on TNT and HBO.

[Marcus Moer]

Max, are you ready?

[Landon McCool]

Let's go. Skipping cold and flu season is Plan A, but if you do get sick, be prepared for Plan B with Kleenex lotion tissues. Kleenex lotion tissues moisturize skin, helping prevent the added discomfort of red, irritated skin on top of your cold and flu symptoms. So this cold and flu season, grab Kleenex lotion tissues. Visit kleenex.com to learn more and buy now for whatever happens next. Grab Kleenex Score holiday gifts. Everyone wants for way less at your Nordstrom rack store. Save on Ugg, Nike, Rag and Bone, Vince Frame, Kurt Geiger, London and more.

[Marcus Moer]

Because there's always something new.

[Landon McCool]

I'm giving all the gifts this year with that extra 5% off when I use my Nordstrom credit card. Santa who join the Nordy Club at Nordstrom Rack to unlock our best deals. It's easy. Big gifts, big perks. That's why you rack.