Locked On Cowboys & Locked On Chargers Crossover: Week 16 Redemption Matchup Preview

Podcast: Locked On Cowboys – Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Landon McCool
Date: December 18, 2025
Episode Title: REDEMPTION: Are Cowboys Prepared to SHOCK Chargers with Inspired Play & END Losing Skid in Week 16?

Overview

This special crossover episode brings together hosts Marcus Mosher (Locked On Cowboys) and David Druggemeyer (Locked On Chargers) to preview the Week 16 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers. While the Cowboys have all but been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Chargers are very much alive and seeking momentum and clarity as they enter the postseason. The episode centers on matchups, keys to victory, team motivation, and how both squads can achieve redemption or sustain success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Biggest Storylines Heading Into Week 16

• Chargers’ Perspective

  • Chargers’ defense is red-hot but unproven against elite offenses. The Cowboys will be their true test heading into the postseason.
  • Chargers are on a three-game win streak with stout run defense (allowing under 71.3 rushing yards per game in this stretch).
  • “The biggest storyline here definitely is… they haven’t been going up against offenses the caliber of the Dallas Cowboys… This is a true litmus test for this Chargers defense to really be able to stake the claim that they are for real.” – David Druggemeyer [02:34]

• Cowboys’ Perspective

  • Dallas is reeling from back-to-back losses, has a 1% playoff chance, and could be eliminated before Sunday.
  • Question lingers: Will the team remain motivated or give reps to younger players?
  • “It's what team is going to show up. We saw a motivated team over the last month... but after dropping games to the Lions and then the Vikings last week... They could actually be eliminated before they even get to Sunday’s game if the Eagles end up beating the Commanders.” – Marcus Mosher [03:51]

2. Cowboys’ Struggles—Especially on Defense

• Defense has faltered due to questionable decisions (hiring Matt Eberflus, trading Micah Parsons, no defensive first-round pick).
• Lacks talent and creativity; static defense allows smart OCs to “dice them up”.
• “Literally everything [went wrong], from hiring Matt Eberflus... trading Micah Parsons. They didn’t draft a defensive player... They just don’t have a lot of talent on defense.” – Marcus Mosher [05:40]

3. Chargers’ Offensive Woes and Justin Herbert’s Health

• Herbert’s fractured hand (not wrist), but now a full participant in practice.
• Offense criticized for lack of creativity and failure to protect Herbert; calls for increased screen usage and moving the pocket.
• “It has been mind numbing to see how the Chargers offense has really kind of set Justin Herbert up for failure… Why not utilize the screen game? And they do not do it.” – David Druggemeyer [07:28]
• Both agree: This feels like a potential get-right game for the Chargers offense.

4. Critical Individual Matchups

Chargers Offense vs. Cowboys Defense

• Tight End Arande Gadsden II (Chargers) vs. Cowboys linebackers and safeties (esp. Donovan Wilson, Kenneth Murray).

  • “Gadsden being more involved in the Chargers offense was really important for the Chargers beating the Chiefs last week… If we can isolate that matchup, that is distinctly going to be in the Chargers favor.” – David Druggemeyer [13:37]

• Cowboys Defensive Line vs. Chargers O-Line (Interior)

  • Chargers’ pass protection has been inconsistent, especially in the interior (Bradley Bozeman struggles in particular).
  • “It's been way too much... empty pressure again, you know, guys going straight through and getting through the A gap straight into Justin Herbert's face and that just can't happen.” – David Druggemeyer [15:44]

Cowboys Offense vs. Chargers Defense

• CeeDee Lamb & George Pickens vs. Chargers Corners (Cam Hart, Tareed Still, Dante Jackson)

  • Cowboys’ star receivers have a talent edge, but Chargers’ DBs are fundamentally sound, keep plays in front, and limit explosive gains.
  • “The Chargers defense... do a great job of keeping a roof over the coverage and not allowing those big explosive plays… They are depending and waiting on your quarterback to get frustrated, try to throw it into a situation... and look for the Chargers to take the football away.” – David Druggemeyer [15:44]

• Cowboys Run Game

  • Key question: Can Dallas stick with the run and grind out clock against a Chargers defense that invites the run by playing light boxes?
  • “Can the Cowboys stick with that? Can they stick with the run game? ...I do expect the Cowboys to really try to grind this one out and run the ball.” – Marcus Mosher [17:47]

5. Chargers’ Keys to Victory

• Red Zone Defense

  • Limiting Cowboys touchdowns in the red zone (and vice versa) will decide the game.
  • “Against the highest scoring team like this, you're going to give up yards, but you gotta keep them out of the endzone to win.” – David Druggemeyer [25:52]
  • Red zone stats: Chargers allow TD on 51.16% of trips (5th best), Cowboys allow 72% (30th).

• Stopping the Run & Early Physicality

  • Chargers excel in pass defense when they force long-yardage downs. Must bring requisite “violence” from the first snap.
  • “If they don't show up with the requisite violence required to play in this league right away... this is going to be a very uncomfortable and long game for them.” – David Druggemeyer [19:14]

• Offensive Balance

  • Chargers’ 3-game win streak coincides with perfect run/pass balance.
  • “During the Chargers three game winning streak, they run the ball more times than they've thrown the ball, which I think is a great indication of their success and being able to keep the ball away from opposing offenses.” – David Druggemeyer [29:16]

6. Cowboys’ Keys to Victory

• Play Clean and Avoid Turnovers

  • Cowboys can’t afford to give up short fields or allow the Chargers’ sometimes-stalled offense easy scores.
  • “For the Cowboys to win this game, they're going to have to play very clean football. They cannot afford to turn the ball over.” – Marcus Mosher [24:39]

• Defensive Pressure on Justin Herbert

  • Disrupting Herbert will be vital with the Chargers’ O-line issues.

• Stars Must Shine

  • Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens need to outduel Herbert and seize big moments.
  • “You need Dak Prescott, CD Lamb and George Pickens to play like superstars and they need to be able to out duel Justin Herbert and that's been a problem this year.” – Marcus Mosher [24:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cowboys’ Defensive Struggles:
  “Everything. I mean, literally everything from hiring Matt Eberflus... trading Micah Parsons... They just don’t have a lot of talent on defense.” – Marcus Mosher [05:40]

• On Justin Herbert’s Offensive Setting:
  “It has been mind numbing to see how the Chargers offense has really kind of set Justin Herbert up for failure...” – David Druggemeyer [07:28]

• On Chargers’ Red Zone—The Decider:
  “The team that's going to be able to prevent touchdowns and score touchdowns when you get there is going to be the team that wins the game.” – David Druggemeyer [25:52]

• On the Matchup Meaning for the Chargers:
  “The division is still available to them... The Chargers have not won the AFC West since 2009... This game is very important because they still want to do that.” – David Druggemeyer [27:39]

• Why Can’t the Chargers Be Favored?
  “The Chargers are 10 and 4. The Cowboys are pretty much out of... playoff contention. I don’t get it. So, you got to prove them wrong, right? Show up and continue to prove them wrong, that you are the football team that should be winning this game.” – David Druggemeyer [21:47]

Important Timestamps

• 02:34: Chargers’ playoff prep and defense vs. Dallas
• 05:40: Cowboys’ defensive collapse and lack of talent
• 07:28: Chargers’ offensive struggles, Herbert’s protection woes
• 13:37: Key matchups: Arande Gadsden II vs. Dallas LBs/Safeties
• 15:44: Cowboys DL vs. Chargers OL, focus on protection and pressure
• 17:47: Lamb & Pickens vs. Chargers’ secondary; Cowboys’ run game outlook
• 19:14: Chargers’ need for early-game physicality
• 24:39: Cowboys’ keys: clean play, defensive pressure, and star power
• 25:52: Red zone efficiency as a deciding factor for both teams
• 27:39: Chargers’ stakes: division title implications, playoff seeding

Final Thoughts

• Expect a spirited fight from the Cowboys despite slim playoff hopes, aiming to break their losing skid and salvage the season.
• The Chargers, in playoff form, must prove their mettle against a high-powered offense and not overlook a “dangerous” out-of-contention Dallas squad.
• Red zone performance and physicality from the opening snap will likely determine this matchup’s outcome.

Hosts’ Socials:

• Marcus Mosher: @Marcus_Moser
• David Druggemeyer: @DROTalkSD

For deeper analysis and daily coverage, subscribe to Locked On Cowboys and Locked On Chargers wherever you get your podcasts.