Talkin' Cowboys: Failing Grades Mean Unfinished Business

Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Patrik Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Tommy Yarish (filling in for Isaiah Stanback)
Produced by: DallasCowboys.com, Dallas Cowboys Football Club

Episode Overview

In this offseason episode of Talkin' Cowboys, the crew brings together their trademark blend of film-room analysis and barbershop banter—this time with a frank, critical assessment of the Cowboys' 2025 defensive struggles. The main focus: assigning season grades to each defensive position group, evaluating the sweeping search for a new defensive coordinator, and dismissing any sugarcoating about what needs to improve if Dallas is to compete for a Super Bowl. Noteworthy humor and sharp fan engagement are woven throughout.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Offseason Vibes and Playoff “Hate Watch”

• The crew opens with lighthearted banter about playoff rivals—especially satisfaction at the struggles of the Eagles and 49ers.
• Wild conspiracy theories about the San Francisco 49ers' injury problems and the alleged impact of a nearby power plant spark plenty of laughs.
  • Quote:
    • "You're not going to tell me that a multi billion dollar stadium was built within this proximity of a power plant and no studies were done prior. Like nobody thought twice."
      — Kyle Yeomans (05:19)

2. Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Search

[10:35 – 16:59]

• The coordinator search is front and center: "This is by far the most expansive search for a defensive coordinator in franchise history."

  • Nine DC interviews and counting, with three in second-round consideration.

• Key Candidates Interviewed:

  • Familiar names: Ephraim Banda, Durante Jones, Jim Leonhard, Jonathan Gannon, Aaron Whitecotton, Zach Orr.
  • Recently added: Christian Parker (Eagles DBs), Demarcus Covington (Packers), Charlie Bullen (Giants).
  • Notable Note: The Cowboys were denied access to Jeff Ulbricht (Falcons).

• Christian Parker gets special praise for his track record developing DB talent.

  • Quote:
    • "Christian Parker has an incredible resume—maybe the best in terms of developing defensive backs out of all the candidates so far."
      — Tommy Yarish (11:51)

• Discussion on Timeline:

  • Some prospect interviews are delayed due to playoff status, but the panel largely agrees that the Cowboys have time to be thorough and smart in their process.

3. Roster-Building Principles

[16:59 – 20:24]

• The Cowboys need not just a new coordinator, but better players—especially on defense.

  • "This defensive coordinator hire is going to determine whether your window stays open or it slams shut."
    — Patrick Walker (17:38)
  • "They need better players. They just do not have the personnel."
    — Tommy Yarish (18:59)

• Practical optimism: Two first-round draft picks and cap flexibility could allow for quality upgrades, but choosing the right DC to lead is step one.

4. 2025 Cowboys Defensive Grades: Positional Breakdown

[24:16 – 51:24]

A. Interior Defensive Line

• Consensus: B to B+; strong improvement after midseason addition of Quinnen Williams, but inconsistent early and lacking depth.
  • Quote:
    • "Kenny Clark was exceptional … but you needed more from everyone before Quinnen arrived."
      — Patrick Walker (26:23)

B. Defensive End/Edge Rusher

• Consensus: Low grades (D, D-, C-). Jadeveon Clowney was a rare bright spot; high draft pick Donovan Eziraku failed to develop as expected; Dante Fowler underperformed.
  • "Too many Fs to give … D minus for the edge room."
    — Kyle Yeomans (35:43)
  • Stat Drop: Cowboys 26th in NFL for sack percentage, 16th in pressure percentage—so pressure occasionally generated, but not finished.

C. Linebackers

• Unanimous F (and even lower): Unit called the “Achilles heel” of the defense, with poor coverage, tackling, and development.
  • "Linebacker was your Achilles heel all season long."
    — Josh Rodriguez (41:25)
  • "The most jarring thing … so many times we would see these linebackers engage in blocks and not give any effort to get off of them."
    — Tommy Yarish (42:41)
  • "Eberflus had a good reputation for developing linebackers—except for here."
    — Tommy Yarish (41:59)

D. Secondary (Cornerbacks and Safeties Combined)

• General Consensus: D to F
  • Corners: Only rookie Reedy Stewart (CB) and recovering Savone Revel showed promise. Injuries and failed adjustments dominated narrative.
  • Safeties: Underutilized, played out of position, but not all blame falls to the group—linebacker woes exposed them.
  • "If you're letting these [mediocre] quarterbacks throw for career days … it's just not a good year."
    — Tommy Yarish (47:26)
  • "You need difference makers in the secondary—look at Seattle."
    — Tommy Yarish (49:33)
  • Savone Revel: Playing with a knee brace, never fully confident—panel expects a breakout if healthy in 2026.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Coordinator search:

  • "I would rather [the Cowboys] put in a little extra due diligence, to interview the right candidates and find the right person, than just say, 'Yeah, we like this guy—let's just go ahead and hand pick it.'"
    — Patrick Walker (17:28)

• Harsh reality check:

  • "Linebacker was your Achilles heel all season long."
    — Josh Rodriguez (41:25)
  • "This coordinator hire is going to determine whether your window stays open or it slams shut."
    — Patrick Walker (17:38)

• On the 49ers' strange luck:

  • "If those findings [about the power plant] became public … you're not going to tell me that a multi-billion dollar stadium was built within this proximity and no studies were done prior?"
    — Kyle Yeomans (05:19)

• Fan Engagement and Banter:

  • "Someone said, 'Isaiah looks pale...'"
    — Josh Rodriguez (02:13)
  • "How many times this season did we see [Savone Revel] get taken out of the game to adjust [his knee brace]?"
    — Kyle Yeomans (50:27)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 10:35 – Detailed breakdown of all defensive coordinator interviewees
• 16:59 – Philosophy: You need better players, not just a new DC
• 24:16 – Defensive report card series begins (Interior DL, DE/Edge, LB, Secondary)
• 41:25 – Linebackers: described as the “Achilles heel”
• 46:59 – Grading the secondary, with sharp criticism and faint hope for injured players
• 50:43 – Detailed discussion of Savone Revel's struggles and potential

Summary Table: Cowboys 2025 Defense Position Grades

| Position Group | Panel Consensus Grade | Comments & Notable Points | |----------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Interior Defensive Line | B/B+ | Strong with Williams/Clark, but slow start, depth issues | | Defensive End/Edge Rusher | D/D- | Clowney shined late, others underperformed, lacked sacks | | Linebacker | F | Poor coverage/tackling; "Achilles heel" of the defense | | Secondary (CBs/Safeties) | D to F | Stewart/Revel promising, but group failed collectively |

Conclusion and Closing Vibes

The hosts are clear: Dallas’ defensive shortcomings in 2025 were not minor missteps, but fundamental personnel and coaching problems that demand urgent, thoughtful change. The defensive coordinator search is thorough for good reason, and the roster needs both talent infusion and better leadership. Optimism remains for a rebound, especially with so many offseason resources, but only if lessons are truly learned—and not repeated.

Next Week Sneak Peek:
Look forward to a full episode celebrating Josh’s win in the pick ‘em segment, and some movie podcast recognition—because #CowboysNation knows how to mix football, celebration, and friendly ribbing like nowhere else.

“You had one of the top three offenses in the NFL... this defensive coordinator hire is going to determine whether your window stays open or it slams shut.” — Patrick Walker (17:38)