Talkin’ Cowboys: Feast on the Chiefs?

Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys
Date: November 25, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Patrick “No C” Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez
Location: The Star in Frisco, TX

Episode Overview

This edition of Talkin’ Cowboys zeroes in on the Dallas Cowboys' upcoming Thanksgiving matchup against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. The crew dives deep into the big headlines from the previous week’s win, injury updates, and tactical assessments, with a heavy dose of QB Vision—a breakdown of what to expect from both sides of the ball against KC. There’s an emphasis on keys to beating the Chiefs’ aggressive defense and the impact of recent adversity on the team. Listeners also join in for a lively call-in segment to close the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys Vibes & Housekeeping (01:04–05:27)

• The show kicks off with lots of playful banter: the hosts joke about family members watching and hometown shoutouts (Little Elm’s rough football year).
• They discuss how their loved ones react to their on-air antics and reminisce about touching fan and community support.

2. Injury Updates & News (05:28–13:37)

Tyler Guyton Injury:

• Isaiah Standback: “The headliner for those who may not be available against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving is Tyler Guyton. He left the eventual victory over the Philadelphia Eagles…with an ankle injury, he did not return. It's not looking good for Tyler Guyton. It's a bleak outlook as far as him being able to turn around and play four days after suffering an ankle injury.” (06:05)
• Nate Thomas is penciled in as starting LT if Guyton can’t go.

Kaylin Carson Hydration Issue:

• Isaiah Standback: “Kaylin Carson...was just battling dehydration. That’s why he was in and out of the game… it was a weird thing.” (07:15)
• Discussion about cramping and the importance of hydration, especially odd given the timing and conditions.

Other Player Updates:

• George Pickens: Dealing with a contusion, but soreness is the main issue. Expected to play.
• Osa Odighizuwa: Elbow injury; probably a precaution as he’s expected to play.
• Kavontae Turpin: Shoulder and illness, should play.
• Main concern: Only Tyler Guyton is unlikely to return for Thursday.
• Practice Note: No full practices; just walkthroughs this week.

Jerry Jones Soundbites:

• On George Pickens’ future: “No, I do not. We've got two number one receivers and that's just exceptional at a time when our quarterback is at the best he's ever been." (12:10)
• Jerry sidesteps a question about Pickens eventually earning more than CeeDee Lamb.

3. QB Vision: Breaking Down the Chiefs’ Defense (20:03–34:21)

Josh Rodriguez leads with QB Vision: Analyzing Steve Spagnuolo’s Defense

• Most Dangerous in 3rd & Long: “Kansas City is most dangerous when they get you in third and eight, third and seven plus, right. That's when they send the dogs after you. Spags wants to light you up.” (21:42)
• Chris Jones #95: “He is a problem when he wants to be… If he doesn't want to be blocked, you can't block him.” (22:10)
• On Jones taking plays off: “He takes plays off. He doesn't go 100 all the time. You can frustrate him.” (22:21)
• Edge Rusher George Karlaftis: Team’s performance decline. “He's not the guy he used to be. I want to be his fan… I'm not seeing it.” (24:43)

Linebackers & Secondary:

• Drew Tranquil (#23): Likes his aggressive, downhill play.
• Nick Bolton: Not as dominant as past years.
• Trent McDuffie: “Put some respect on it. He’s damn good.” (26:24)
• Jalen Watson (#35): “Tostitos Plaza. If he walks upon you, throw the ball up.” (27:52)
• Chiefs are fast, aggressive, and deceptive in coverage. They excel at secondary blitzes and confusing coverage shells.

Best Attack Strategy vs. Chiefs D:

• Establish some semblance of a run to set up play action.
• Attack outside; take underneath routes, especially on screens.
• Chris Jones gets frustrated by slow, methodical gains.
• Spagnuolo brings creative, unpredictable pressure, especially on third downs—diagnosing it pre-snap is critical.

Memorable Quote:

• Josh Rodriguez on Spagnuolo Blitzing:
  “Third down. I don't care if they're bringing it, they're bringing it. It could be third and 16. They're it's Spagnolo, its Spags, you're getting pressure on third down.” (25:05)

4. Stat of the Week & Game Plan Keys (38:20–43:00)

Patrick Walker’s Stat of the Week:

• “If the Cowboys can rush for at least 85 meaningful yards—meaningful, not garbage time yards—they win this game on the ground.” (39:10)
• Chiefs’ run defense is strong (top 8 in NFL), but in games where opponents broke 85–100 rushing yards, KC is vulnerable.
• Non-traditional runs (receiver screens, swing passes) can supplement the ground game against a “brick wall” interior.

Josh Rodriguez’s Counter:

• “If we run at least eight screens [plays], I treat those like run plays... If I can get the ball out to a quick swing screen out to Javonte Williams… that’s just as good.” (42:24)

Key to Victory:

• Patience and persistence versus the Chiefs defense—dink and dunk, win the time of possession, and frustrate Chris Jones, forcing Spagnuolo to overcommit.

5. Listener Calls & Reflections (44:08–53:14)

Dano from Florida (44:34):

• Praises Tyler Booker’s performance vs. Jalen Carter: “He totally destroyed Jalen Carter… it was impressive.” (45:00)
• Commends Jake Ferguson’s increased “violence” as a receiver.
• Notes Williams’ impact on defense, growth of Aubreyshawn, and likes the LB rotation.
• Heartfelt reflection on the team’s handling of recent tragedy: “The Cowboys have handled it so, so well… the way the team came around, the way the front office handled it. They deserve all the credit.” (47:17)

Mike from New York (49:26):

• Lauds the team’s resilience, adjustments, and comeback win against the Eagles: “That was resilience and fight… the defense really, you know, shut out a team like that in the second half.” (49:26)
• Says Pickens and CeeDee Lamb will bounce back after a tough game.

Host Reactions:

• The hosts echo callers’ positivity and highlight the emotional resilience and unity of the locker room after adversity.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Isaiah Standback on the team’s response to tragedy:
  “They promise to play relentless football to honor him. And here we are two games in—they’re doing it.” (48:09)

• Josh Rodriguez on Keys to Attacking KC:
  “If there's a brick wall… understand that it's a brick wall… If there's a wall here and it's soft over there, I'm going to the drywall. Right. I'm not going to keep hitting the dog on brick wall.” (43:40)

• Patrick Dosie Walker on defensive keys:
  “Make Chris Jones check out by being effective on the ground. 85 yards on the ground and I think the Cowboys get away with a win.” (39:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Injury News & Notes: 05:28–13:37
• QB Vision: Chiefs D Breakdown: 20:03–34:21
• Patrick’s Stat of the Week: 38:20–43:00
• Listener Calls & Emotional Reflections: 44:08–53:14

Tone & Style

Talkin’ Cowboys delivers its usual mix of insider football analysis, player anecdotes, jovial locker room banter, and unfiltered fan passion. The hosts speak candidly and humorously, balancing technical X’s and O’s with personal stories and interactive energy for listeners.

Summary Takeaway

This episode arms Cowboys fans with a clear, tactical understanding of what’s at stake and how the team can take down the Chiefs: stay patient, withstand the blitz, establish some run presence, and attack smart underneath. The unity and resilience of the Cowboys locker room—both from a football and human perspective—stand as this team’s backbone entering a pivotal holiday matchup.

For more, tune in tomorrow for “Lab Coat” breakdowns, “Get Your Popcorn Ready,” pick’ems, and a packed Thanksgiving week show!