Talkin’ Cowboys: Holiday Wish? Sit Dak (December 29, 2025)

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah Stanback, Tommy Yarish
Location: Live from The Star in Frisco, TX

Episode Overview

This episode, recorded the Monday after the Dallas Cowboys’ win over the Commanders on Christmas Day, centers around whether the team should play or sit quarterback Dak Prescott in the now-meaningless season finale against the Giants. The crew recaps the game, reflects on standout performances, and discusses the ongoing issues and adjustments within the Cowboys’ roster and coaching staff. As the playoffs are now out of reach, the main focus shifts toward minimizing injury risk and building toward 2026.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Should Dak Prescott Play in Week 18?

• Current Situation:
  The Cowboys are eliminated from playoff contention; the final game vs. the Giants carries no postseason implications.

• Argument to Sit Dak:

  • Dak was sacked six times and hit 11 other times against the Commanders.
  • Hosts repeatedly stress the risk of injury outweighs any benefit now.
  • “You can lose everything if he gets hurt now.” – Isaiah Standback [14:26]
  • “It is a godsend that you walked out of that game without any injuries.” – Isaiah Standback [14:43]
  • The competitive culture is not at risk by sitting him; rather, it’s management’s duty to protect valuable assets.
  • “Would you subject your superstar players—your largest assets—to any danger? You wouldn’t.” – Isaiah Standback [14:01]
  • From an organizational perspective, a $60 million QB’s health for next season is paramount.

• Counterpoints (and Why They’re Refuted):

  • Some fans equate sitting Dak with a “quitter mentality” or undermining team culture.
  • Hosts argue sitting starters in meaningless games is safeguarding the future, not quitting.
  • “You paid him to give yourself a shot to win championships. That’s what you’re paying Dak Prescott for—which is gone this year.” – Kyle Yeomans [17:34]

• Token Start or Snaps?:

  • Some suggest giving Dak a token series or snap to keep his 17-starts streak alive, but consensus is that even that’s unnecessary.

2. Backup Quarterback Reps

• Urgency for Experience:
  • The crew highlights that the Cowboys’ backup (Joe Milton) has little-to-no NFL game experience.
  • “You need somebody that’s had games under his belt... the guy needs the reps.” – Tommy Yarish [07:19]
  • Sitting Prescott would allow Milton to start and gain in-game repetitions, valuable for the team’s insurance policy moving forward.

3. Player Perspectives & NFL Politics

• Dak’s View:

  • Prescott is a competitor and wants to play every game.
  • Sometimes management needs to protect players “from themselves.”

• NFL Business Reality:

  • There’s pressure from TV networks and league obligations to play stars in primetime games (like Christmas Day on Netflix).
  • Hosts acknowledge organizational politics but argue player safety trumps these factors.

4. Recap: Cowboys vs. Commanders (Christmas Day Game)

Offensive Highlights

• Hot Start:

  • First two drives: 13 and 17 plays, each ending in a TD.
  • Dominated time of possession (38:44).

• Kevontae Turpin’s Touchdown:

  • Added a spark with an 86-yard TD in the first half [24:27].
  • Celebrated with a humorous rap “Turpy, Turpy, speed, speed, zoom, zoom. No one can lead the torpedo, don’t concede Christmas…” [23:05]

• Dak Prescott’s Performance:

  • Threw for over 300 yards but missed several deep throws.
  • “As poor a performance as you’ll get from Dak in 2025.” – Josh Rodriguez [24:47]
  • Admitted postgame that he missed plays, notably an underthrow to CeeDee Lamb [25:14].
  • Concerns about loss in deep ball velocity due to previous injuries [25:25].

Defensive Analysis

• Run Defense:

  • Effective, held the Commanders in check.

• Passing/Explosive Plays Allowed:

  • Gave up too many big plays (20% of Washington’s plays were “splash” plays) [29:55].
  • Gave up a 72-yard TD to Jakorey Croskey-Merritt.
  • Large concern over defensive breakdowns and lack of coverage quality in the secondary.

• Individual Standouts:

  • Jadeveon Clowney – “Sign that dude.” (Multiple hosts). Came in late to the season but has been very productive [32:12].
  • Malik Davis (RB) – “Hungry” for stepping up with 100+ yards despite an eye injury [45:09].

5. State of the Defense & Coaching

• Defensive Scheme Transition Issues:

  • Matt Eberflus brought in a new system but lacks the right personnel, as much of Dan Quinn’s personnel remains.
  • “This entire secondary could use an overhaul or just being healthy in its entirety.” – Kyle Yeomans [35:52]
  • Injuries (esp. to Trevon Diggs, Bland, etc.) and lack of scheme-fit players.
  • “You have a room full of strong safeties… only one true free safety” – Isaiah Standback [40:36]

• Pass Rush Problems:

  • Dante Fowler didn’t deliver; they’ve relied on late pickups (Clowney).
  • “When your team leaders in sacks are guys you picked up at camp and mid-season, that’s not good at all.” – Tommy Yarish [37:47]

• Front Office Aggression & Money Constraints:

  • The team was aggressive in trading for talent (e.g., Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams) but emphasizes you can’t have blue-chip talent at every spot due to cap constraints.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Dak as an Asset:
  • “If he gets hurt now, your chance at that ring…write it off for next year.” – Isaiah Standback [14:26]
  • “It is a gift that you walked out of this previous game without any major injuries.” – Isaiah Standback [14:43]
  • “You want them to be competitive… as an organization, I must manage you to protect you from yourself.” – Standback [15:35]
• On Defensive Failures:
  • “It wasn’t great. It was more of the same… pass rush is still Pepe Le Pew. Secondary still playing soft, tackling wasn’t great.” – Standback [31:14]
• On Defensive Personnel:
  • “You have a room full of strong safeties. You have one free safety by trait, and he’s older.” – Standback [40:36]
• On Offensive Stagnation:
  • “Why can’t the offense continue to score points in the second half?” – Tommy Yarish [27:00]

Fun Moments/Recurring Jokes:

• Turpin speed rap and debate over “Turbo Terp” vs. “Turpy, Turpy, speed, speed” nickname [23:05, 24:11]
• Clowney getting a cupcake smelly sticker “had his cake and ate it too” [47:29]
• Segment giving “smelly stickers” (players of the game) with playful banter about food-themed stickers [45:08–49:44]
• Steak-sharing postgame celebration, with Dak strategically eating from a different spot than Turpin [48:46]
• Jokes about Dak only needing one snap or a kneel-down to keep his starts streak alive [09:40]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Week 18 Scheduling / Playoff Picture: 05:18–06:29
• Dak’s Roster Value and Injury Risk: 07:06–14:46
• Competitive Culture vs. Prudence / 'Quitter Mentality' Debunked: 13:11–15:35
• State of the Offense (Recap of Commanders Game): 21:25–24:46
• Prescott Performance Concerns: 24:33–26:20
• State of the Defense / Scheme Fit Issues: 31:07–40:21
• Personnel Problems (LB, DB, Pass Rush): 37:08–40:21
• Smelly Stickers / Players of the Game: 45:08–49:44
• Clowney/Cupcake Sticker, Turpin/300mg Coffee Sticker: 47:29–48:37
• Steak-sharing story (Dak & Turpin): 48:46–49:44

Conclusion

The consensus among the Talkin’ Cowboys crew is clear: there’s nothing to gain from playing Dak Prescott or other key starters in a game that can only jeopardize the team’s future prospects. The emphasis is on protecting assets, giving valuable live reps to backups, and acknowledging the limitations faced by the coaching staff after a transitional, injury-riddled season. Defensive personnel and schematic issues are underlined as key offseason priorities. The episode is punctuated with humor, recurring show traditions, and a look at how the Cowboys can improve their fortunes in 2026.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This summary covers the Cowboys’ approach to the final week of a disappointing season, why preserving player health trumps chasing meaningless milestones, what went right and wrong against the Commanders, and how the team must recalibrate for next season. The hosts’ authentic, locker-room-style banter makes for a lively, insightful look at the state of Cowboys football.

“If you can’t get the ring, why risk your superstar? You gain nothing.” —Isaiah Standback [14:01]
“You paid him to give yourself a shot at championships. That’s what you’re paying Dak Prescott for—which is gone this year.” —Kyle Yeomans [17:34]