Talkin' Cowboys: Blue vs. Big Blue?

Dallas Cowboys Podcast – September 12, 2025

Overview

In this Thursday episode, the Talkin’ Cowboys crew—Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Patrick "No C" Walker, Josh Rodriguez, and Chris Beam—broadcast from The Star in Frisco, TX to break down the latest Dallas Cowboys headlines heading into a pivotal Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants ("Big Blue"). The team covers player injuries, roster updates, the impact of the defensive backfield shuffle, deep dives on the Giants’ defense, and a spirited debate about how Dallas should approach its running back rotation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Roster Updates: Clowney Visit & Injury Report

[02:13-06:06]

• Jadeveon Clowney’s Visit:

  • Clowney had a “very extensive and lengthy” visit with the Cowboys but left without a deal.
  • Isaiah Stanback: “That doesn’t mean that a deal cannot be agreed upon… there’s still mutual interest on both sides.” [02:24]
  • Discussion suggests base salary/contract terms are the likely holdup and there’s little urgency as Clowney wouldn’t suit up this week anyway.

• Injuries:

  • Only two players appeared on the latest injury report: Malik Hooker (foot, limited practice), and Duron Bland, who will be absent for “a couple of weeks.”
  • The panel reacts with concern:
    • “I don’t like that.” — Kyle Yeomans [04:04]
    • Stanback clarifies: It’s not the same foot Bland injured previously, which bodes well for recovery.

• Roster Strategy with Injuries:

  • Potential call-ups at cornerback discussed (notably Zion Childress and ready Steward); Diggs’ snap count expected to increase; Kyric Elam to feature more.
  • “You’re about to see what Stewart and Bridges can bring… I would love to see Childress get reps, especially against the Giants as a confidence builder.” — Isaiah Stanback [10:19]

2. Who Are These DBs? Fans’ Guide

[10:43-13:00]

• New Faces:
  • The crew previews newly acquired corners (Bridges, Stewart), noting their inexperience but physical traits.
    • “Six-two, 200 pounds. Big corner. He’s lengthy.” — Isaiah Stanback on Bridges [11:11]
    • Emphasis that these young players, despite being unknown to fans, were scouted by the team and can contribute.
  • Zion Childress gets the nod for his strong preseason showing.

3. Roster Management & Vested Veterans

[07:41-09:39]

• Stanback breaks down NFL roster mechanics, explaining the difference between “call-ups” and being signed to the active roster, as well as waivers vs. releases for veterans vs. younger players.
  • “If you release a veteran… there’s no waivers. You can handshake-agree… [but] when you’re waiving someone who’s not a vested veteran, you risk losing them.” — Isaiah Stanback [09:13]

4. Fun & Chemistry: Star Wars and Fan Engagement

[14:13-15:20]

• The show takes a comic Star Wars detour, debating Darth Maul’s “hood” credentials and referencing the infamous double-bladed lightsaber scene, keeping listeners engaged and entertained.

5. QB Vision: Deep Dive on Giants Defense

[21:23-32:00]

• Giants D-Line Danger:

  • Stanback’s “QB Vision” segment spotlights the Giants’ fearsome defensive front — Dexter Lawrence (“Sexy Dexy”), Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and rookie Abdul Carter.
    • “He’s four handfuls because you need two guys to block him [Lawrence].” — Isaiah Stanback [22:56]
  • Analysis stresses how much pressure falls on Dallas’ O-line, particularly rookie center Cooper Beebe, to hold up in pass protection.

• Coverage Concerns:

  • Giants’ secondary and linebacker coverage called “slim to none”; they favor single-high safety and man-to-man coverage despite not having cornerbacks to back it up.
    • “I don’t have a high regard for their coverage ability… I see a ton of man-to-man.” — Isaiah Stanback [24:21]
  • Next Gen Stats say otherwise, but Stanback argues that coverage converts from zone to man based on route concepts.
  • Notably, the Giants don’t blitz heavily, typically sending four plus one on occasion.

• Rotation Flaws & Opportunity for Dallas:

  • Critique of the Giants’ rotation: their four best defensive linemen only played together for 12% of snaps in Week 1.
    • “In clear passing downs, you want those guys out there… I think that’s a big problem.” — Kyle Yeomans [28:02]
  • Giants' front is elite on paper but susceptible in the run game (allowing >7 yards per carry at several spots in Week 1).
    • “The Cowboys can run the ball in this game, and then that neutralizes the pass rush.” — Patrick Walker [29:10]
  • Offensive balance (run/pass) predicted to stress the Giants’ defense.

6. Bold Offensive Predictions

[32:33-34:07]

• The panel predicts huge days for Dallas receivers:
  • “This is a game where CeeDee Lamb has 115 and George Pickens has 125.” — Host 1/Travis [32:44]
  • “Pickens and Lamb and maybe even Jake Ferguson, maybe even Terp… Why not?” — Isaiah Stanback [34:04]
• Stats highlight Giants’ secondary struggles—high opposing QB ratings.

7. Running Back Debate – Jaden Blue’s Role & RB Decisions

[41:02-55:46]

• Fan Demand for Jaden Blue:

  • Many fans want to see explosive rookie RB Jaden Blue, who was inactive in Week 1 and whose speed is admired by fans and panelists alike.
    • “I too want Jaden Blue…something borrowed, something blue.” — Isaiah Stanback [41:47]
  • Coaching staff, especially OC Schottenheimer, questions Blue’s consistency and FULL preparedness for NFL playbooks, noting rookie learning curves.
    • “He is learning to be a pro…he’s hitting the rookie hiccups pickup right now.” — Isaiah Stanback [43:00]
  • Ball security and pass protection were both knocks on Blue coming out of Texas; the staff won’t risk Dak Prescott’s safety for a back they’re not 100% confident in.
    • “If Blue misses an assignment…that one play could see Dak Prescott on his hindquarters.”—Chris Beam [46:03]

• RB Room Rotation Tactics:

  • Not a Blue vs. Williams question, but about RB2 and change-of-pace options.
    • “This is an RB2, RB3 conversation, not a Williams vs. Blue conversation.” — Isaiah Stanback [48:13]
  • Some debate on whether the team should make Hunter Luepke inactive in favor of Blue, especially given Luepke’s minimal usage in Week 1.
    • “If your plan for Hunter Luepke in Week 2 is the same as Week 1, then there’s no reason for him to be active over Jaden Blue.” — Isaiah Stanback [55:34]

• Miles Sanders Fumble & RB Expectations:

  • Miles Sanders criticized for his Week 1 fumble in the red zone but generally played well.
    • “To have an unrealistic expectation that he’s going to all of a sudden break away and run for 60 yards—that’s unreal.” — Host 1/Travis [51:31]
  • Young RBs (like Blue) have upside, but trust and pass pro reps decide game-day actives.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jadeveon Clowney Negotiations:
  “He did leave the building without a deal. That doesn’t mean a deal cannot be agreed upon… there is still mutual interest on both sides.” — Isaiah Stanback [02:24]

• Duron Bland Injury:
  “Universe continues to conspire against Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland being on the field at the same time…” — Isaiah Stanback [04:11]

• Defensive Back Depth: “You’re about to see what Stewart and Bridges can bring… I would love to see Childress get reps, especially…a proving ground [vs. Giants].” — Isaiah Stanback [10:19]

• On the Giants’ Defensive Front: “He [Dexter Lawrence] is four handfuls because you need two guys to block him.” — Isaiah Stanback [22:56]

• Giants’ Coverage Weakness: “Their coverage is slim to none… I don’t have a high regard for their coverage ability.” — Isaiah Stanback [24:21]

• Offensive Prediction: “This is a game where CeeDee Lamb has 115 and George Pickens has 125.” — Host 1/Travis [32:44] “The words that just came out of your mouth: delectable.” — Isaiah Stanback [32:51]

• RB Discussion, on Jaden Blue: “He is learning to be a pro…he’s hitting the rookie hiccups pickup right now.” — Isaiah Stanback [43:00] “If Blue misses an assignment … that one play could see Dak Prescott on his hindquarters.” — Chris Beam [46:03]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Clowney & Roster News/Notes: [02:13-06:06]
• DB Depth & Newcomers (Bridges/Stewart): [10:43-13:00]
• Roster Management Mechanics: [07:41-09:39]
• Star Wars Interlude—“Darthus Maul”: [14:13-15:20] & [19:41-21:02]
• QB Vision—Giants Defensive Preview: [21:23-32:00]
• WR Projections & Matchup Stats: [32:33-34:07]
• RB Rotation, Jaden Blue Debate: [41:02-55:46]

Podcast Tone & Flow

The show maintains an energetic, knowledgeable, and humorous tone, balancing hardcore football analysis with engaging banter and pop culture references. The hosts frequently field fan questions and aren’t afraid to joke, but provide in-depth roster, tactical, and matchup breakdowns at a level both seasoned and new fans can appreciate.

Conclusion

This episode sets the stage for an intriguing Week 2 matchup, with deep dives into Dallas’ injury concerns and secondary challenges, and optimistic projections for exploiting a vulnerable Giants defense. The running back debate and the looming question of when (and if) we’ll see Jaden Blue demonstrates the coaching staff’s emphasis on trust and preparation. Fans come away educated on roster mechanics, opponent threats, and why the Cowboys may be poised for a big offensive outing against Big Blue.

For Further Discussion:

• Will the Cowboys’ secondary hold up with so much inexperience?
• Can the O-line secure the run game against Dexter Lawrence and the Giants’ front?
• Is this the week we see Jaden Blue unleashed?

For more lively debates and bold predictions, tune in tomorrow for their “Say it with your chest” Friday!