Talkin’ Cowboys: "Man Up in Mile High"

Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Patrick "No Ce" Walker, Josh Rodriguez
Location: The Star, Frisco, TX

Overview

In this Thursday edition of Talkin' Cowboys, the crew delivers an in-depth preview of the Dallas Cowboys' upcoming game against the Denver Broncos. The conversation flows from updates on Cowboys' injuries and roster moves to a sharp breakdown of what to expect from the matchup between the Cowboys defense and the Broncos' offense. Special attention is paid to coverage schemes, run defense, key Denver playmakers, and how recent adjustments could impact the outcome on Sunday. As always, the crew blends football analysis with signature laughter and camaraderie.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Cowboys Roster Updates & Injuries

• Practice Participation:

  • Demarvion Overshown (LB), Savion Redel (CB), and Cooper Beebe (OL) all returned to practice, though only in individual drills ([06:06]).
  • Jonathan Mingo activated to the 53-man roster; Trevor Keegan designated as the corresponding IR move ([13:51]).
  • Zion Childress re-signed to the practice squad, freeing a spot by moving Jalen Brooks to the “practice squad injured” list ([07:12]).

• Injury Report:

  • Trevon Diggs remains in concussion protocol; Patrick notes based on personal observation that Diggs "doesn't look like he feels well" ([09:29]).
    • “As we sit here and have this conversation on Thursday, I do not believe Trevon Diggs takes the field this week... If he does, I'll be pleasantly surprised.” – Patrick Walker ([09:44])
  • Donovan Wilson still limited by an elbow/shoulder injury but could play.
  • Kenny Clark's elbow soreness is minor; practiced in a limited capacity.
  • Tyler Smith and Eric Scott Jr. ("One Yay") limited but trending positively after migraine issues ([11:12]).
    • Discussion highlights how debilitating migraines can be, relating to both professional athletes and Isaiah's daughter’s experience ([11:31]).

• Team Health Trend:
  “As far as the injury front is concerned, Cowboys are getting a ton of good news. And then you add Zion Childress back... you got a lot of cornerback enforcement.” – Patrick Walker ([13:00])

Broncos Offense vs. Cowboys Defense: Game Plan & Matchups

What Worked for Giants' Defense vs. Broncos

• Man Coverage Success:
  “The Giants defense played man-to-man and was in the hip pocket of every receiver.” – Isaiah Stanback ([19:27])

  • Aggressive, sticky, and attack-minded play limited the Broncos for three quarters.
  • Switch to soft zone coverage in the fourth quarter allowed Broncos to rally for 33 points.

• Film Breakdown:

  • Giants’ defenders were assignment-sound on Denver’s heavy screen game, displaying film study and preparedness ([19:47]).
  • “If you run zone... Bo Nix had more time, guys could work their way into open zones because [the Giants] were playing zone defense...” – Isaiah ([20:41])

What the Cowboys Can Learn

• Takeaway:
  “Just don’t take your foot off the gas,” warns the crew after the Giants' costly switch to zone and conservative play with a lead ([21:37]).
• “If you get out to a hot start… and don’t make the brain fart mistake the Giants did—don’t just give the fourth quarter away, then the Cowboys can win.” – Patrick Walker ([25:59])
• Key: Play Man, Pressure Bo Nix, Don’t Let Up.

Denver’s Offensive Weapons

• J.K. Dobbins (RB):
  • 523 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 2nd in 10+ yard runs in the NFL ([24:09]).
  • “For me, frankly, a little intimidating going up against him, tackling the way this defense has been tackling... He pounds the rock.” – Josh Rodriguez ([23:31])
• Cortland Sutton (WR):
  • Size (6'4"), consistency, and Sean Payton’s new "Marcus Colston"—the go-to big-play threat ([31:10]).
  • “If you run zone, he’ll find his way in the zones, he understands coverage. If you don’t get pressure on Nix, you allow for him to get down the field and now Nix will throw it up...” – Isaiah Stanback ([31:44])
• Bo Nix (QB):
  • Can run if needed; “If you get pressure on him and knock him off his first or second read, he's shaky. He will throw it up... Now comes your opportunity to come down with that ball.” – Patrick Walker ([33:27])

Defensive Emphasis

• Be Aggressive, Stick in Man:
  • “Cowboys defense, be average. But give me the splash plays... minimize the chunk plays.” – Patrick Walker ([34:04])
  • “Coverage helped the pass rush… coverage can generate pass rush just as pass rush can help coverage. You just can’t be bad at both things.” – Patrick Walker ([45:59])

In-Depth Lab Coat Segment with Patrick “No Ce” Walker ([40:49–47:11])

Data on Cowboys Coverage Trends

• Early Season:

  • Week 1 vs. Eagles: Only 3% man coverage ([42:20])
  • Week 2 vs. Giants: Just 4% man coverage ([42:24])

• Recent Game (vs. Commanders/Week 7):

  • Jumped to 48% man coverage, huge strategic shift ([43:01])
  • Result: Allowed only 2.9 yards per play in man (vs. 8.7 in zone); Washington QBs had a 45.7 passer rating, forced fumble, and pick-six ([43:39])

• Lesson:

  • “We’re not saying we want the Cowboys to run man coverage 100% of the time… What we’re saying is…you were not giving opposing offenses much to scheme against because they knew that when they came in you were a zone team. Now, if you’re keeping this at 48, 49, maybe you tap 50/50… now they got to guess.” – Patrick Walker ([45:02–45:18])

• Giants’ Example Connection:

  • “Three quarters of the Giants game against the Broncos in which they caused a lot of problems – they were playing man. When they opted to play zone, the Broncos put up 33.” – Isaiah Stanback ([46:09])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Importance of Man Coverage:
  “[The] Giants defense played man-to-man and was in the hip pocket of every receiver.” – Isaiah Stanback ([19:27])
  “Coverage helped the pass rush… you just can't be bad at both things.” – Patrick Walker ([45:59])
• On Sutton:
  “He is Sean Payton's new Marcus Colston.” – Isaiah Stanback ([31:10])
• On Defensive Improvement:
  “If you’re close to average and you don’t have self-inflicted wounds… the Cowboys can take this game.” – Patrick Walker ([30:19])
• Podcast Chemistry:
  “This has just been a show of promotion.” – Kyle Yeomans ([48:05])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Roster/Injury News: [06:00]–[14:11]
• Broncos Offensive Threats (Dobbins, Sutton, Nix): [23:09]–[33:54]
• Cowboys Defensive Game Plan & Lab Coat Segment: [40:49]–[47:11]
• Fun Banter (Underwear & Fan Shout-Outs):
  • Opening banter: [01:37]–[05:41]
  • Fan interaction & Tony Romo story: [39:01]–[40:18]
• Lab Coat/Science Lab Analytics: [41:08]–[47:11]

Conclusion

This episode arms Cowboys fans with key context for Sunday’s clash against the Broncos:

• The defense’s resurgence is real after schematic changes, especially with increased man coverage.
• The Broncos have a formidable run game and a big-play wideout, but can be rattled with pressure and aggressive coverage.
• The real test is consistency—staying aggressive for four quarters, not just three.
• Internal chemistry, detailed analysis, and fan engagement are what make Talkin’ Cowboys essential pregame listening.

Don’t miss Patrick Walker’s full “Science Lab” column on DallasCowboys.com for deeper data breakdowns!

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