Talkin’ Cowboys: Evolution After Playoff Extinction?

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys
Hosts: Kyle Youmans, Patrick “No C” Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah Stanback, Chris Beam
Date: December 19, 2025
Theme: Assessing the Dallas Cowboys' collapse and uncertain future after playoff hopes fade, blending injury news, defensive back woes, and bold predictions in a punchy and often comedic Friday episode.

Episode Overview

This episode marks a pivotal moment for Cowboys fans: the team’s playoff chances for 2025 are virtually non-existent, injuries are piling up, and the mood is a mix of gallows humor and critical reflection. The crew tackles the theme of extinction vs. evolution—what’s next for the Cowboys after a disappointing season, both on the field (especially in the secondary) and for the coaching staff.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Appreciating the Die-hard Fans & Podcast Community

• The show starts with a heartfelt moment where the hosts acknowledge fans tuning in despite the bleak playoff outlook.
  Quote:
  • “If you were tuning in at 9AM on this day when the playoffs are so thin...we know you're a diehard. So this makes this day a little extra special.” (Kyle, 01:11)

2. Injury Report Chaos and Defensive Back Meltdown

• Tyler Guyton: Still not practicing, trending toward missing Sunday (ankle).
• Quinn Williams & Hunter Luepke: Both in concussion protocol but limited participation suggests progress.
• CeeDee Lamb: Missed second practice due to illness, but could still play given his All-Pro status.
• Daron Bland: Likely to IR due to recurrence of surgically repaired foot injury; possible second surgery. The hosts highlight the long-term implications: Quote:
  • “It appears that Daron Bland is having some issues with that surgically repaired foot that could, in fact, require additional surgery...But the expectation is that he will be ready for the start of training camp. Of course, you have to put an asterisk next to that.” (Patrick, 12:14)
• Trayvon Diggs/Josh Butler: Monitoring return; thin depth at corner with Diggs still limited and others not at full health.
• General DB health: Kaylin Carson, Savone Revel, etc. all banged up—“You’re thin-mint cornerbacked up.” (Patrick, 18:54)

3. Personal Stories: The Lingering Pain of Foot Surgery

• Isaiah shares his history with a Lisfranc injury, highlighting how such foot issues can permanently alter a career. Quote:
  • “To this day, I still deal with that foot being jacked up...feet are complicated when it comes to recovering from surgeries, man, it sucks.” (Isaiah, 13:32–14:13)

4. Defensive Coordinator Drama & 'Survival Instincts'

• Matt Eberflus (defensive play-caller) decides to move from the sideline to the booth to “change his view of things”—hosts question what difference this will actually make this late in the season. Quote:
  • “With three games remaining, he's gonna move from the sideline to the booth...hoping that creates a positive change. And I'm just gonna leave it there because I have thoughts...” (Patrick, 17:17)

5. Bold Prediction Segment: “Get Your Popcorn Ready” (24:04)

• Segment Format: Movie-themed, each “ticket” is a bold stat prediction for Cowboys-Chargers:
  • “Survival of the Fittest”: The Chargers, led by Derwin James, hold Dallas under 20 points, signaling the “extinction” of Cowboys’ 2025 hopes.
  • “Herbie Unloaded”: Justin Herbert is sacked four times by Dallas’ pass rush.
  • “The Holdovers”: Dallas plays clean—zero turnovers and fewer than five penalties.
• Hosts’ Picks:
  • Patrick & Isaiah: “The Holdovers”—hoping for a clean, disciplined game.
  • Josh & Kyle: “Survival of the Fittest”—low faith in offense scoring over 20.
• Notable Moment:
  • “Your tickets are hard to buy...these things expensive!” (Isaiah, 27:17)
  • “I want...to see the Cowboys beat themselves anymore. I really want to see a sound game.” (Josh, 31:32)

6. Who Needs Their Best Game to Save the Season? (31:10+)

• Eberflus gets called out as the coach with the most to prove.
• Defensive backs and linebackers are singled out—ravaged by injury, up against Herbert’s aggressive deep shot style.
• D-line also spotlighted. Osa is suggested as the likely “unsung hero” type, but some debate over who could truly surprise.

7. Team Chemistry & Humorous Banter (“Say It With Your Chest”)

• There’s a running gag about “thin mints” (the Girl Scout cookie, referencing the thin DB depth chart).
• Colorful food takes (Werther’s > butterscotch, candy corn debates), inside jokes, and playful roasts (“renewal for your cookout card is coming!”).
• Notable: Extended, comedic confusion about a “Jersey Devil” sighting from a caller (48:00–49:30).
  • “You guys never heard of the Jersey Devil?” (Rob, Caller)

8. Reality Check: Playoff Hopes and Tanking Narrative

• Patrick clarifies misconceptions: “NFL players do not tank, and coaches like Schottenheimer aren’t coaching them to tank...I don’t think they’re going to lay down.” (Patrick, 33:10)

9. Pick’em Segment: Callers and Crew Predictions (from 40:45)

• Isaiah has an epic collapse in his picks score.
• Guest Picker “Rob in Jersey” joins and is led into hilarious Jersey Devil folklore confusion.
• Most hosts pick the Cowboys to lose to the Chargers, often by double digits:
  • Patrick: Chargers 35, Cowboys 24
  • Kyle: Chargers 27, Cowboys 17
  • Josh: Chargers 40, Cowboys 17
  • Isaiah: Chargers 38, Cowboys 16
• Rob, loyal fan, picks Cowboys 27–21.
• Quote:
  • “Cowboys give it their all...But the pass rush just has not been what it needs to be. So yeah, I think they give a valiant effort, but they’re just outmatched.” (Patrick, 50:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s a dark era, guys. It’s a dark part of the season.” (Josh, 25:29)
• “If your D line is trash, you don't stand a chance.” (Isaiah, 33:44)
• “You’re thin-mint cornerbacked up.” (Patrick, 18:54)
• “Put an asterisk on the Cowboys’ expectation of him [Bland] starting training camp not on PUP, because now this is becoming a recurring issue.” (Patrick, 15:14)
• “The renewal for your cookout card is coming due.” (Patrick, 09:22)
• (on injury news): “Golf clap.” (Isaiah, 06:09)
• “That is unexpected. Osa—the Black Penta. Wakanda forever!” (Isaiah, 34:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Injury Report & Sample DB woes: 05:10–19:10
• Duron Bland Foot Injury Deep Dive: 11:26–17:10
• Coaching Adjustments & Eberflus to Booth: 17:10–18:50
• Get Your Popcorn Ready Bold Predictions: 24:04–31:10
• Best Position Group/Player to Step Up: 31:10–35:44
• Pick’em & Caller Segment: 40:45–51:48
• Final Game Picks & Score Predictions: 49:55–51:48

Episode Tone & Vibe

Despite the dire Cowboys situation, the crew keeps things light with energetic banter, running inside jokes, and honest critique. While deep concern and skepticism about the future pervade, there's still a sense of camaraderie and commitment to finding positives amid the “extinction” of 2025 playoff hopes.

For Listeners:

If you’re wondering how the Cowboys got here, who might still be fighting for roster/legal future, and what could possibly change with coaching or scheme tweaks, this episode offers both catharsis and critique—punctuated with plenty of laughs, food debates, and dire but realistic football takes.