Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summary

Episode Title: RELENTLESS: Dallas Cowboys Defensive Line BULLIES Chiefs | The SECRET Behind Defensive Surge!
Date: December 1, 2025
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode analyzes the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, focusing on the defensive line's recent surge, defensive strategy adjustments, evolving coverage schemes, and the performance and future outlook of the offensive line. Marcus and Landon dive deep into personnel rotations, schematic shifts, and how newfound depth and trust in key positions are unlocking the Cowboys’ potential on both sides of the ball.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys’ Defensive Line: The Heart of the Surge

Timestamps: 01:20–10:16

• Dominant Pass Rush: The Cowboys harassed Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, generating 31 pressures—pressuring him on 65% of his dropbacks.
  • Marcus: “That is a ton of pressures on 65% of the snaps. Patrick Mahomes was pressured on. I mean, that's insane.” (03:26)
• Interior Over Edge: With the departure of Micah Parsons, Dallas shifted to generating more pressure from the middle rather than relying on a top-tier edge rusher.
  • Landon: “They found kind of a formula that doesn't include necessarily having to have a super top end pass edge rusher. They're doing it mostly by generating pressure up the middle.” (02:33)
• Rotation & Roles: The addition of Quinnen Williams and the emergence of Donovan Azaraku and Kenny Clark provided depth and flexibility, allowing more creative alignments and fresher legs.
  • Osa Odighizuwa and Williams are being moved between three- and five-techniques; Kenny Clark holds down the middle as a true nose/one-tech.
  • Clowney and Azaraku are leading defensive ends, especially in the run game.
• Snap Counts & Optimization: Coaches have tailored snaps to player effectiveness.
  • Landon: “Sam Williams ... when playing more than 25 snaps, he's got a 47.9 grade. When playing less than 25 snaps ... he's got a grade of 64 ... So he's playing better on less snaps.” (06:19)

Notable Quote:

• Landon: “It’s not even just that the talent is a lot better, but the talent has unlocked the coach’s ability to deploy these guys in more interesting ways.” (04:17)

2. Defensive Line Depth, Needs & Future

Timestamps: 07:13–10:16

• Further Upgrades?
  • Both hosts discussed the potential impact of adding a true, massive 350-lb nose tackle to further free up Williams and Clark to make plays.
  • Marcus: “If you had like a great nose tackle that could play 15 or 20 snaps, you could do so many fun things with this unit.” (07:56)
• Rarity & League Trends: Having such depth is a luxury most teams lack.
  • Marcus: “There’s just very few teams in the league that have this luxury. And man, when you can throw out guys that are fresh ... you can just build an entire defense out of that thing alone.” (09:23)
• Edge Rusher Appeal: With interior stars, Dallas could become a destination for one-year edge rushers looking to thrive next to difference-making tackles.

3. Coverage Adjustments: Man vs. Zone & Personnel Trust

Timestamps: 10:16–18:50

• Shift Toward Man Coverage:
  • The Cowboys have nearly tripled their man coverage rate recently (from ~12% to 30% against the Chiefs), enabled by increased trust in the defensive backs and improved pass rush.
  • Landon: “They ran 30% man coverage against KC, which, you know, is obviously twice more than twice as much. And it was effective enough.” (15:09)
• Plug-and-Play Depth: Ready Stewart’s steady slot play gave them flexibility as others, like DaRon Bland, dealt with injuries.
  • Landon: “It’s time to recognize the steadying presence of Ready Stewart. ... He’s just not getting you beat.” (15:36)
• Future of the DB Room: Hosts look ahead to all of Bland, Diggs, Kaylin Carson, and Savon Revel possibly being available soon, giving Dallas unmatched coverage versatility.

Notable Quote:

• Marcus: “These are not the players that end up getting the Sports Illustrated covers ... but they are a lot of times the guys that end up deciding these really close games, the guys that you can put in ... and feel good about it.” (17:56)

4. The Safety & Linebacker Problem

Timestamps: 18:50–21:08

• Coverage Limitations Exposed:
  • Some safeties and linebackers lack the athleticism to hold up in man coverage, limiting scheme flexibility.
  • Marcus: “There’s a couple players out there that I don’t think can cover at all. And two of them are your linebackers, and one is your other safety, Donovan Wilson.” (17:56)
• Drafting for the Modern Game:
  • Both hosts agree that, despite positional value debates, Dallas may need to draft a safety and linebacker early to fix the biggest remaining defensive holes.
  • Landon: “Maybe we shouldn’t poo-poo [drafting for] those two specific positions because ... you’re going to need these athletes who can play both the run and the pass on the second and third levels ...” (19:13)

5. Offensive Line Review: Pass Protection, Run Game & Standouts

Timestamps: 23:19–29:51

• Handling Chiefs’ Blitzes:
  • The Cowboys staved off the Chiefs' aggressive blitzes mostly with quick decisions by Dak Prescott, smart protection schemes, and effective backfield communication.
  • Landon: “This was a really great chess match ... as how would Dak handle the situation ... And it's the classic saying, you know, chaos is a ladder, right?” (24:05)
• LT Nate Thomas Fills In:
  • Serviceable but not perfect; clearly less effective than the injured Tyler Guyton.
  • Marcus: “Thomas ... wasn’t nearly as good as maybe you think on the broadcast tape. He got beat quite a few times ... there’s still a pretty big gap right now between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas.” (25:56)
• Run Blocking Concerns:
  • Dallas posted its second-lowest “yards before contact” average of the season. The backs’ after-contact production hid the line’s issues.
  • Landon: “This game ... was their second lowest performance in yards before contact ... But it didn’t look so bad because they got such a great performance from their running backs after contact.” (26:25)
• Best O-Lineman Right Now?
  • Both hosts praise rookie guard Tyler Booker as Dallas’ top performer the past two weeks, especially for his ability against elite interior defenders.
  • Landon: “I think it’s Tyler Booker. ... he has been absolutely incredible week to week ... he’s not only been up to par but at times dominated guys who are, you know, frankly, current all pros.” (27:35)
  • Marcus: “If I’m betting long term ... it’s Tyler Smith, but he’s clearly playing through ... at least one injury.” (28:00)

Notable Quote:

• Marcus: “He gave up seven pressures to the Giants in week two, 10 from week three on. I mean, he's playing at a really, really high level. ... He's 21 and he's already playing at that level.” (29:04)

Memorable Quotes

• “They found a formula that doesn't include necessarily having to have a super top end pass edge rusher. They're doing it mostly by generating pressure up the middle.” – Landon McCool (02:33)
• “It’s not even just that the talent is a lot better, but the talent has unlocked the coach’s ability to deploy these guys in more interesting ways.” – Landon McCool (04:17)
• “If you had like a great nose tackle that could play 15 or 20 snaps, you could do so many fun things with this unit.” – Marcus Mosher (07:56)
• “It’s time to recognize the steadying presence of Ready Stewart. ... He’s just not getting you beat.” – Landon McCool (15:36)
• “These are not the players that end up getting the Sports Illustrated covers ... but they are a lot of times the guys that end up deciding these really close games...” – Marcus Mosher (17:56)
• “Chaos is a ladder, right? ... Dak was able to find guys behind the blitz and make [them] pay for it.” – Landon McCool (24:05)
• “I think it’s Tyler Booker. I mean, just based on the last two weeks, he has been absolutely incredible...” – Landon McCool (27:35)

Segment Timestamps

• 01:20–10:16: Defensive line dominance, rotation, snap management
• 10:16–18:50: Coverage strategy, Ready Stewart, future DB projections
• 18:50–21:08: Safety/linebacker weaknesses, 2026 NFL Draft needs
• 23:19–29:51: Offensive line review, pass protection, best OL discussion

Tone & Style

The episode is loaded with granular, data-driven analysis, blending X’s and O’s talk with practical, big-picture roster strategy. The hosts combine technical football insight with friendly banter, always prioritizing schematic depth and personnel evaluation but never without a fan’s optimism for the Cowboys’ future.

This summary provides a detailed look at the key issues, improvements, and strategic context behind the Cowboys’ success and remaining challenges, offering a clear, engaging resource even for those who haven’t heard the episode.