Talkin’ Cowboys: 40 Burger with a Side of Defense

Dallas Cowboys Podcast | October 20, 2025
Episode Theme:
A spirited Victory Monday as the crew breaks down the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive explosion (44–22 vs. Washington Commanders) and a revitalized defensive performance, digging into the tactical shifts, standout players, and what it all means moving forward.

Main Theme / Purpose

The episode celebrates the Cowboys’ emphatic 44–22 win over the Washington Commanders, focusing on how both the offense (“40 burger”) and a resurgent, much-criticized defense delivered. The panel dives into tactical changes—particularly Matt Eberflus’s increased use of man coverage—and discusses player performances that defined a potential turning point for the team’s season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Victory Monday Vibes & Quick Recap

• Hosts are energized after Dallas’s big home win, labeling it a “40 burger with a side of defense.”
• Offense continues to fire on all cylinders, with Dak Prescott “dealing,” CD Lamb back at full force, George Pickens emerging, and the run game supporting the attack.
• Quote: "It's not just a normal Monday where we win. This is a hey, let's go 40 burger Monday and that 40 burger happened quick, boys, quick." — Patrick Walker (02:10)

2. Defensive Turnaround: Scheme & Roster Adjustments

• Much attention on defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who overhauled his approach:
  • Jumped to nearly 48% man coverage (from usual 30%), also incorporating more blitzes and disguises ([08:47], [09:02]).
  • Aggressive play resulted in more turnovers, contested passes, and energy.
• Panel highlights context:
  • Cowboys were missing key secondary players; young, unheralded DBs like Truquezi Bridges and Elijah Clark stepped up ([06:54], [07:14]).
• Quote: "What I am trying to hear is the fact that Matt Eberflus... was a man of his word. He went out there and ran man coverage almost 48% of the time." — Kyle Yeomans (08:47)
• Defensive Stats:
  • Jaden Daniels & the Commanders saw passer ratings plummet vs. man/single-high compared to two-high shells ([13:04]-[13:39]).

3. Offense Rolling: Return of Playmakers and Diversity

• CD Lamb instantly impactful after return from injury; multiple receivers (Lamb, Pickens) and Jake Ferguson (2 red zone TDs) contributed ([12:16]).
• Offensive line dominates: zero sacks allowed on Prescott.
• Ferguson’s red zone reliability emerging as a key element (11:55).
• Quote: "He had Jalen Tolbert getting 70 yards to help avoid a loss... Next game, you walk the New York jets with Ryan Flynn having a breakout game. Elite quarterbacks are supposed to make their receivers better." — Kyle Yeomans (07:29)

4. Coaching Staff’s Bold Changes

• Both Schottenheimer (offensive game plan) and Eberflus (defensive schematic overhaul) praised for adaptability and listening to players’ input ([19:10]).
• Show references last week’s debate about firing Eberflus, with panel agreeing forcing him to “step outside” his comfort zone—rather than firing—was right call.
• Quote: “Half of it was schematically changed, fixed, and then the execution was there.” — Isaiah Stanback (20:17)

5. Player Performances & Notable Moments

• Duron Bland’s all-pro caliber game: pick-six, 2-point conversion stop, several third-down tackles ([21:09], [32:07]).
• George Pickens described as “absolute cinema,” highlighted for clutch catches, blocking, and big-play flair ([33:29]).
• Recognition for backups and role players stepping up during injuries.

6. Smelly Stickers Segment (Fun, Honors)

• “Smelly stickers” awarded to top performers, using fun metaphors:
  • Duron Bland: For two-point conversion stop, pick-six, and general reliability.
  • George Pickens: “Popcorn/cinema sticker”—for entertainment value.
  • Matt Eberflus: “Struggle sandwich”—making the most of limited personnel.
  • Brian Schottenheimer: “Street corn”—for pulling offense together.
• Quote: “Matt Eberflus is the glizzy. All he had was the Struggle Bread, because these aren't his guys. But you know what? He made it work.” — Isaiah Stanback (34:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Crowd Energy:
  "The energy in the stadium was not the same as... that Packers game... But once the Cowboys got going, the crowd came back to life." — Patrick Walker (17:39)
• On Scheme Stats:
  "When playing cover three yesterday, they had a 64 passer rating. Versus cover one, 48. The highest they had was 64, highest versus 2 high safeties, 127. Just saying." — Kyle Yeomans (13:04–13:39)
• Postgame Celebrations:
  • Whataburger provides “40 burgers” as celebratory treat. Segment includes impromptu “40 burger” song and jovial banter (25:00–26:30).
• On Defensive Mindset:
  "If you give me a defensive effort like that every week... and maintain your offensive productivity... the sky is absolutely the limit." — Kyle Yeomans (21:56)

Important Timestamps

• Start & Intro: 00:52 – Game recap, panel intros, setting the “Victory Monday” tone
• Offense & Defense Recap: 02:49–12:25 – Key performances, context on injuries, Eberflus’s adjustments
• Defensive Scheme Discussed in Depth: 08:47–13:39
• Advanced Stats Breakdown: 13:04–13:39
• Coaching Credit Assigned: 16:49–21:55
• Duron Bland Praise: 21:05–21:56, further discussed 32:07–32:18
• Fun/Smelly Sticker Segment: 31:15–38:09
• Looking Ahead – Broncos Talk: 38:21–43:46
• Final Takeaways & What Needs to Continue: 44:03–45:33

Looking Forward: Concerns & Areas of Focus

• Consistency on Defense:
  Can this “new look” defense deliver two strong games in a row? Next test is against Denver and their persistent run game ([39:44]).
• Replicating Against Better Teams:
  Are the schematic changes sustainable, or will better offenses expose old cracks?
• Altitude in Denver:
  Panel reminds listeners about the challenge of playing “mile high.”
  Quote: "Not just that the Broncos are a challenging team, it's that you're playing them in Denver. So altitude is. It's a real thing.” — Kyle Yeomans (42:08)
• Final Element to Carry Forward:
  Quick roundtable calls for:
  • More man coverage (Isaiah)
  • Prescott-to-Pickens connection (Patrick)
  • Strong running game (Kyle)
  • Sustain the takeaway advantage (Patrick)

Panel and Tone

• Panel: Kyle Yeomans (host), Patrick “Nosi” Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez, and Chris Beam (producer/background)
• Tone: Lively, humorous, irreverent, but analytically engaged and candid—plenty of Cowboys fan energy but not blind homerism.

Summary Takeaway

This Victory Monday episode of “Talkin’ Cowboys” captures the excitement of a statement win, driven by a flexible, player-driven coaching strategy and a return to aggressive defense. The heartfelt and humorous breakdowns both educate and entertain: from advanced stats and roster context to Whataburger-fueled celebrations and creative sticker metaphors, the crew sets the table for optimism—but with clear reminders that consistency and tackling tougher opponents will define whether this is a season-defining turning point or a flash in the pan for the Dallas Cowboys.