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.