Talkin' Cowboys: "D-Line Chips Are All In" (Nov. 13, 2025)

Episode Overview

Today’s Talkin’ Cowboys episode dives deep into the Dallas Cowboys’ revamped defensive line ahead of their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The focus: breaking down personnel changes, emotional and tactical storylines following the tragic loss of Marshawn Nealon, and what fans can expect from the Cowboys’ defense as it faces new challenges and offensive threats. The conversation is both technical and heartfelt, balancing football strategy with the human side of the sport.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Studio Fun & Team Dynamics

• The episode kicks off with the crew ribbing each other about the studio's new clap-activated lights, leading to a lighthearted, energetic tone.
  • “Every time we do the Javante clap from here on out…pink and white and blue and hilarious party now.” — Kyle Yeomans (02:48)

Cowboys News & Emotional Updates

Practice Squad Moves & Injuries

• The Cowboys lost OT Jarron Christian (poached by Broncos) and added OT Marcellus Johnson to the practice squad (03:41).
• Key defensive players DeMarvion Overshown and Savon Revel have been activated from IR.

The Marshawn Nealon Tragedy

• Today marks the first return to practice since Nealon's passing, heavily affecting the team emotionally.
• OC Brian Schottenheimer's leadership highlighted:
  • “We don’t move on, we move forward.” — Brian Schottenheimer (via Patrick Walker, 04:54)
• The importance of honoring Nealon:
  • “We will honor Marshawn with how we play, not just against the Raiders, but for the rest of the season.” — Schottenheimer (summarized at 06:10)
• Donation Info: Listeners encouraged to support the Marshawn Nealon Memorial Fund at marshawnnelandfund.org (11:22).

Routine and Player Readiness

• Importance of getting players back into rhythm and routine after byes and emotional setbacks.
  • “We are creatures of habit. A lot of guys struggle outside of football because that structure is gone.” — Isaiah Standback (08:11)
• New defensive additions like Quinnen Williams are “fresh baked” due to double bye weeks (08:58).

Cowboys Defensive Preview vs. Raiders Offense

The Raiders Offense: Struggling Unit

• The Raiders’ offense is described as “playing like try [trash]” (19:25).
• Quarterback Geno Smith (former Seahawk) has underperformed, with "11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on the year"—one of only two NFL QBs with more INTs than TDs (20:24).

12 Personnel Focus

• Raiders predominantly use 12 personnel (one RB, two TEs), due to strong investment in tight ends and lack of WR depth.
  • Michael Mayer as their primary blocking TE.
  • Brock Bowers as the key offensive weapon:
    • “He’s a mismatch versus base defense…Linebackers can’t guard him, period.” — Patrick Walker (22:13)
    • “Brock Bowers. Brock Bowers. Brock Bowers. Without him, this team you should be able to handle.” — Patrick Walker (28:54)

Offensive Line Analysis

• Raiders’ OL described as lacking movement, simply “lining up and blocking straight ahead”—easier for the Cowboys’ D-line to exploit (24:11, 25:04).
• Tight end Michael Mayer does most of the “movement” (traps, pulls).

Running Game: Stymied by the OL

• Rookie RB Ashton Gentry’s effectiveness severely limited by OL struggles:
  • “His ability is deleted by his own offensive line.” — Patrick Walker (41:41)
  • Stat: 29% of his runs end in no gain or a loss—“second highest among backs with at least 50 carries” (40:51).

Defensive Line Strategy: "Dump Truck Package"

• Cowboys’ D-line should go "big"—favoring interior pass rush and size over a pure speed rush this week.
  • “You don’t need pass rushers. Go big against these guys.” — Walker (28:05)
  • Strategy: shift the line to Brock Bowers, jam him at every release, and force physicality to disrupt his routes (26:53, 27:43).
• Predicting more frequent five-man fronts (42:29).

Secondary & LB Concerns

• Cowboys’ safety and corner depth is a worry while injuries persist.

• Newcomers like Logan Wilson and the return of DeMarvion Overshown highlight possible improvements in coverage and run-stopping (31:49).

  • “Logan Wilson plus DeMarvion Overshown can be a problem.” — Walker (31:49)

• The challenge of containing Brock Bowers remains central:

  • “He is an absolute…D O G—dog.” — Patrick Walker (32:43)
  • “He can take it and dish it out.” — Standback, about Bowers' physicality (33:01)

Outlook & Predictions

• The Raiders’ lack of offensive points (31st in league, 139 total) matches up against the Cowboys’ struggling defense:
  • “As much as you should be afraid of those weapons, these guys don’t score a lot of points…” — Josh Rodriguez (29:32)
• Defense expected to show flashes of improvement, but full impact of roster changes will likely evolve over several weeks.
  • “25% of the time…you’ll say holy crap [that’s a different defense], but the other three quarters…it looks like the same.” — Standback (31:14)
• Walker predicts a bold moment: “Logan Wilson gets a pick.” (33:36)

Memorable Quotes

• “We don’t move on, we move forward.” — Brian Schottenheimer (as cited by Walker, 04:54)
• “We will honor Marshawn with how we play…” — Schottenheimer, (06:10)
• “Linebackers can’t guard him, period…Brock Bowers is a dog.” — Patrick Walker (22:13, 21:33)
• “His ability is deleted by his own offensive line.” — Walker (41:41)
• “You can pass rush internally against this team. You don’t need pass rushers. Go big…” — Walker (28:05)
• “I want [Brock Bowers] by the second quarter, battered and bruised and not getting past five yards…” — Walker (27:43)

Key Timestamps & Segments

• News & Emotional Updates: 03:12 – 13:35
• Cowboys Defensive Preview Begins: 17:17
• Raiders’ Offensive Analysis/12 Personnel Insight: 19:25 – 26:53
• D-Line Strategy (“Dump Truck Package”): 26:53 – 28:40
• Brock Bowers Focus: 28:41 – 33:01
• Stat Drop on Ashton Gentry (Lab Coat Segment): 39:25 – 42:56
• Depth Chart/Rotation Discussion: 45:34 – 47:15

Conclusion

This episode provides deep insight into how the Cowboys are reshaping their defense to address both tactical and emotional challenges. The hosts dissect the Raiders’ offensive limitations, highlight key Dallas personnel changes, and preview the strategies they’ll need to employ—especially against rookie RB Ashton Genty and emerging superstar TE Brock Bowers. The episode also serves as a heartfelt reminder of the human side of sports, with the ongoing tribute to Marshawn Nealon’s legacy echoing throughout.

For more, including the detailed Science Lab piece on mental health and Marshawn Nealon, visit DallasCowboys.com.