Talkin’ Cowboys: No Clowning Around

Summary

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Talkin’ Cowboys: No Clowning Around

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys
Date: September 10, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Patrick “No C” Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah Stanback
Location: The Star, Frisco, TX
Main Theme: Reacting to the breaking news of Jadeveon Clowney’s visit, Dallas Cowboys defensive trends, and a preview of the Cowboys' defense vs. Giants' offense in Week 2.

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Episode Overview

This episode kicks off with true breaking news: Jadeveon Clowney is at The Star visiting the Dallas Cowboys. The hosts discuss what his signing would mean, salary possibilities, and how it fits into the larger trend of Brian Schottenheimer's aggressive offseason. The rest of the discussion centers on defensive identity, the transformation of the defensive line with Kenny Clark, and how the Cowboys match up against the New York Giants' offense, spotlighting Russell Wilson and the opponent's offensive woes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News: Jadeveon Clowney Arrives at The Star

• [02:11] Kyle Yeomans announces Jadeveon Clowney’s visit to the Cowboys for a workout/tryout.
  • "Jadeveon Clowney is in the building. That is the breaking news."
• [02:31] Josh Rodriguez confirms it’s not just a rumor; Clowney is confirmed to be on site.
• [03:10] The panel reflects on Clowney’s viability, “mercenary” status, and recent sack production.
  • "He still got some tread left on those tires." – Josh Rodriguez
  • Clowney had 9.5 sacks with Baltimore in 2023, 5.5 the prior year.

Contract Speculation

• [04:43] The hosts debate Clowney’s likely salary and incentives:
  • Kyle thinks $4M or under; Josh says over $4M. They bet hot sauce on the result.
  • "The Cowboys...are signing a veteran who's a mercenary. It's going to be incentive heavy." – Patrick Walker [06:20]
• [07:09] The value Clowney could bring is his “violence at the point of attack” and the mentor/rotation pass-rush ability.

Cowboys' Recent Roster Aggressiveness

• [11:10] Isaiah Stanback notes “a difference in planning” with the 2025 Cowboys.
  • The Cowboys have made several bold moves: trading for George Pickens and Kenny Clark, signing Kaiir Elam, and the shocking Micah Parsons trade.
• [11:40] The hosts emphasize that thanks to Kenny Clark, Dallas was already seeing a transformation:
  • "The Cowboys allow 2.7 yards per carry with Kenny Clark on the field, 6.6 off." – Kyle Yeomans

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2. Cowboys Defensive Depth and Identity (2025)

• With Kenny Clark’s arrival, Osa Odighizuwa’s pressure rate, Solomon Thomas, and the addition of Clowney, “all of a sudden our defensive line is still nasty even without Micah Parsons.” – Kyle Yeomans [12:48]
• Young defenders like Donovan Azaraku need time to develop; veterans like Clowney let the team avoid rushing prospects unexpectedly.
• [13:58] Stats highlight Clowney’s remaining burst:
  • In one 2024 game, Clowney’s 0.76 second “get-off” was even faster than Parsons’ 0.79, a remarkable measure at age 31.

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3. Cowboys Defensive Line Culture & Coaching

• [51:48] Patrick Walker and Josh Rodriguez praise DL coach Aaron Whitecotton for instilling “a certain mentality and standard”:
  • "The position coaches are going to have a tremendous impact on the identity...It's not by chance."

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4. Cowboys Roster Moves & Ex-Players

• Former Cowboys Israel Mukuamu and Deuce Vaughn have landed with the Panthers (practice squad) and Broncos respectively.
  • Vaughn joins a staff featuring Darren Sproles, which the crew sees as a perfect scheme/system fit.

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5. Week 2 Preview: Cowboys Defense vs. Giants Offense

Russell Wilson & Giants Offensive Struggles

• [26:00] The Giants’ O-line “abysmal” in Week 1; Wilson had “zero time.”
• 45 drop backs produced 28 pressures allowed, with LT James Hudson responsible for 9. Despite his veteran status, Wilson played decently when he could set his feet.
  • "Their pass blocking is abysmal...timing off...tight ends can't block, tackles can't block, and Russell Wilson just had zero time." – Patrick Walker [27:45]

Receiver Weapons

• Giants' Malik Nabers is one to watch: "He was routing people up, his routes are nasty and very discreet." – Patrick [26:36]
• But the offensive scheme suffers from poor spacing and blocking.

Giants’ Red-Zone ineptitude

• Giants had 13 plays in the red zone, 11 inside the 10, ending in just 3 points.
  • "First and goal from the one yard line...first play is a gimmick trick play to your backup right tackle. That is a problem." – Isaiah Stanback [29:24]

Cowboys’ Defensive Approach: Zone or Man?

• [34:11] Discussion around Matt Eberflus’ likely approach as new DC – will he stick to zone-heavy looks or introduce man?
  • Cowboys played zone on 100% of snaps vs. Philly. Eberflus/Chicago used 78% zone coverage.
  • "Zone defense...if you have a pass rush with that, it makes it almost impossible for offenses to throw the ball." – Patrick Walker [39:55]

Numbers/Matchups and DC Flexibility

• Cowboys of 2024/early 2025 thriving with zone. Eberflus known for being “malleable” and tailoring weekly plans to opponent (an upgrade over prior regimes).
  • "I want someone that is malleable, that is able to look at the guys across from you and say, well, that's not going to work this week." – Isaiah Stanback [38:22]

DL Science & Run Defense (Lab Coat Science with a K)

• [46:14] Josh brings out "Lab Coat" to highlight Kenny Clark's impact:
  • Clark’s get-off last week: 0.89s (faster than Quinnen Williams/Dexter Lawrence, and only surpassed by Dallas’ DEs).
  • "A nose tackle...getting off the ball faster than a lot of defensive ends in the league." – Josh Rodriguez [47:54]
• Giants’ “run game” struggled: 23 carries, 74 yards, and if subtracting Wilson scrambles, RBs had just 30 yards on 15 attempts.

Cowboys LB Play and Coaching

• Tackling and gap discipline seen as good enough to contain Wilson as a rusher, “easier to close in on 30-plus-year-old Russell Wilson than it is Jalen Hurts.” – Kyle Yeomans [50:31]
• Aaron Whitecotton’s impact on DL culture receives strong praise.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:15] Patrick Walker: “I like it.” (Immediate reaction to Clowney’s Cowboys visit.)
• [06:20] “You're dealing with the Dallas Cowboys signing a veteran who's a mercenary. It's going to be incentive heavy.” – Patrick Walker
• [11:10] Isaiah Stanback: “Is this indicative...of a difference in planning for the Dallas Cowboys? ...I haven't seen a move like this, particularly Week 2, signing a guy that you obviously need.”
• [12:20] Kyle Yeomans on Kenny Clark: “When he's on the field, the Cowboys allow 2.7 yards per carry. When he's off the field, it's 6.6.”
• [13:41] Josh Rodriguez (on Clowney’s get-off): “Jadeveon Clowney at 31 had, at least in one game, was faster off the ball than Micah Parsons.”
• [38:22] Isaiah Stanback: “I want someone that is malleable...able to look at the guys across from you and say, well, that's not going to work this week.”
• [39:51] Patrick Walker: “Zone defense...if you have a pass rush with that, it makes it almost impossible for offenses to throw the ball.”
• [47:54] Josh Rodriguez: “A nose tackle...getting off the ball faster than a lot of defensive ends in the league.”
• [53:06] Patrick Walker (on Aaron Whitecotton): “The position coaches are going to have a tremendous impact on the identity...It's not by chance.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:11 | Breaking: Jadeveon Clowney visiting Cowboys | | 03:09 | Clowney’s recent production and role explained | | 04:43 | Hosts debate Clowney’s potential contract numbers | | 11:10 | New front office mindset, Schottenheimer’s aggressive moves | | 12:20 | Kenny Clark’s early impact, Dallas run D stats | | 13:41 | Clowney's get-off speed: Next Gen Stats | | 26:00 | Giants O-line struggles, Russell Wilson’s plight | | 34:11 | Cowboys secondary’s zone vs. man; Eberflus' possible flexibility | | 38:22 | Importance of DC malleability; adapting weekly | | 46:14 | Lab Coat Science: Cowboys D-line get-offs vs. other stars | | 50:31 | Russell Wilson’s run threat vs. Dallas LBs | | 51:48 | Aaron Whitecotton praised for building DL culture |

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Conclusion

This episode combined real-time breaking news excitement with granular, data-heavy insight on the Cowboys’ evolving defense. The Clowney developments are set against a backdrop of an organizational philosophical shift—more proactive and aggressive in managing roster talent. The conversation underscores the emerging defensive line identity, strong praise for position coaching, and careful analysis of how Dallas matches up with the Giants’ offense, particularly focusing on protecting against the run and pass despite the absence of Micah Parsons.

The overall tone was both analytic and enthusiastic, with the hosts frequently riffing humorously while staying tightly focused on football substance.

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For next episode: Tune in as the crew previews the Cowboys offense vs. the Giants defense and discuss how Dak Prescott and company can capitalize in Week 2.

Transcript

[Peyton Manning]

Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company. They're one of America's largest financial services companies. Like how I'm more than just Peyton Manning. I'm also motivating Manning. When I say insurance, you say financial services. Insurance. Financial services. Insurance. Financial services. Now when I say nationwide, you say is both. Nationwide is both. Nationwide is both. For your insurance and financial needs, Nationwide is on your side.

[Patrick Walker]

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation. Ember Finra, Columbus, Ohio.

[Kyle Yeomans]

The following is a production of Dallas Cowboys.com and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club. This is Talking Cowboys streaming live from the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters at the Star in Frisco.

[Isaiah Stanback]

CD Lamb Touchdown.

[Peyton Manning]

Parsons has seconded. Prescott keeps it and he bangs it.

[Josh Rodriguez]

In for the touchdown.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And now your hosts, Isaiah Stanback, Patrick Walker, Josh Rodriguez and Kyle Yeomans. It's a wonderful Wednesday edition of Talking Cowboys presented by Black Rifle Coffee company live from the Star in Frisco, Texas and the SWBC studios. Welcome in, everybody. We've got the whole cast and crew ready for you to rock. No, see, Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah, stand back. I'm Kyle Yeomans with Chris Beam in the back. Chris Beam, do you have the sounder?

[Patrick Walker]

I don't.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's okay. That's fine. It's fine.

[Patrick Walker]

I have one.

[Kyle Yeomans]

What's the sounder? That sounds like breaking news.

[Patrick Walker]

Oh, it is.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Go ahead.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's rare. We rarely have breaking news.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Damn good.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Off the top of the show. Off the top in the middle of the morning. We are developing 9am podcast.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Developing.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It is developing.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Breaking. Developing. Thank you for that. Is it though?

[Kyle Yeomans]

I mean, it's breaking.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Unless pen comes to paper.

[Kyle Yeomans]

What I'm about to say is breaking, developing is afterwards.

[Patrick Walker]

It's breaking.

[Kyle Yeomans]

But it's breaking right now. That Jadavi.

[Isaiah Stanback]

There's a lot of things in development.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Development.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Jadavian Clowney is in the building. That is the breaking news.

[Patrick Walker]

I like it.

[Kyle Yeomans]

He is here he is on a visit with the Dallas Cowboys.

[Isaiah Stanback]

He's having breakfast or.

[Kyle Yeomans]

No, he's. He's having a workout.

[Patrick Walker]

I thought it was. No, see, honestly, when I saw him.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Originally I was like that looks like.

[Patrick Walker]

No, see right there.

[Kyle Yeomans]

He just the gym and grow like.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You'Re a liar, but I love you. No, it's definitely been confirmed that Jadevion Colony is in the building. Yeah. So we'll see how that goes. He's here for a tryout sl workout with the Dallas Cowboys. Former first round pick. Everyone knows Jadevon Clowney very well. If you are even a remotely casual NFL fan, you know of Jadevon Clowny and his contributions to, to his respective teams over the years. Free agent right now. Cowboys obviously goes without saying they move on from Michael Parsons, get Kenny Clark in the building. But they want to see apparently a veteran, a mercenary, if you will.

[Isaiah Stanback]

If you will.

[Josh Rodriguez]

If you will, a mercenary come in and help their, their young budding pass rush. So we will see if they can come to terms on a deal with Jadevion Clowney. Right now it's just a conversation in a workout and we'll see. We'll see. I mean, he's. He still got some, some tread left on those tires. I mean, he, he averaged, I think five and a half, almost six sacks between the last two. See, actually between the last two, he had five and a half the year prior.

[Patrick Walker]

He had nine and a half the year prior.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Oh, better still.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah. Nine and a half of Baltimore in 17 games and I think 14 and.

[Josh Rodriguez]

A half with 14 stars. Panthers. Yeah. So he still got some trade left on the tires, to say the least. And I mean, obviously I'm, I'm with. It goes without saying. The reason I say developing is because again, if you know Jadevion Clowney. Yeah. Then you know that you have to pay.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Today's young Clowney. If you know the Dallas Cowboys, then you know that typically that becomes a part of the talking points. Right. So that's what I mean, it's. It's definitely promising, optimistic. I love the fact that in the shot and hammer era, they're going out and they're trying to resolve some things ahead of time.

[Patrick Walker]

Last four seasons, 26 sacks.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Is that good? That's seems.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That's pretty good for a guy that's 32 years old.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah. I would take five and a half sacks.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Sign me up.

[Josh Rodriguez]

If you get. Just round it up. I'll take six. On a one year deal. Sure. You know.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah. You give me four and a half sacks, I'll be fine.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Give them $3 million. Okay. One year deal for six sacks.

[Kyle Yeomans]

There you go. I don't know if you'll get six sacks.

[Patrick Walker]

You're not getting three.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Wait, which one? Which one?

[Patrick Walker]

For three.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You're not getting them for three. Goes back to what I was saying. This is why we said develop.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I think it's more like. I think it's more. That's a fun game. I think it's more likely that you would get him for three than he would get six sacks. He's. It's weak two of the NFL season.

[Josh Rodriguez]

What do you think?

[Kyle Yeomans]

And he's still sitting in our building, having breakfast at the training table. He's not a high commodity.

[Patrick Walker]

That means nothing for a veteran. At 32 years old, that means nothing for a veteran.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It means.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Especially when they're named.

[Patrick Walker]

David, we just talked about yesterday.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You want to make a. You want to make a show bet?

[Patrick Walker]

Kyle, we just talked about veterans that are available for. That are. That are mercenaries. Okay. Guys that are available sitting at the crib, hire guns, hired higher hitman guys. Those guys typically aren't on rosters week one.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Why they want to feel it out.

[Patrick Walker]

And.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And the. The rule for week two.

[Patrick Walker]

Exactly. For veteran. Veteran football players. If you're on your roster week one, your whole season is guaranteed in terms of your contract. That's why some of these guys, guys like him, are sitting at the crib up until week two.

[Kyle Yeomans]

So what would you think it would cost to snag a guy like.

[Patrick Walker]

I think probably you got to pay him probably five.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Five.

[Kyle Yeomans]

How about we. How about we split the difference?

[Josh Rodriguez]

It's Almost a minute.

[Kyle Yeomans]

4 and under. 4 and under. 5. 4 and above. You and I make a show bet right now.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hey. Okay.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Four and under is my side.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hot sauce.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Four and above is yours. Hot sauce.

[Patrick Walker]

Five wood. Incentives.

[Kyle Yeomans]

What is that?

[Patrick Walker]

Oh, no.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Okay.

[Kyle Yeomans]

No, we're talking about salary. What goes to the salary cap base.

[Patrick Walker]

That's not. Escalators, three and a half base. Well, no, it's not the same thing. I'm talking about potential.

[Josh Rodriguez]

They're go.

[Patrick Walker]

The Cowboys, if. If they're able to pull this deal off, if they. If they are able to come to agreement, he shows up, he's able to have a good workout. They say, you know what? Yay. Let's move forward. There's going to be incentives. You're dealing with the Dallas Cowboys, Right. You're dealing with the Dallas Cowboys signing a veteran who's. Who's a mercenary.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Okay.

[Patrick Walker]

It's going to be incentive heavy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Patrick Walker]

Performance. It's going to be performance based.

[Josh Rodriguez]

So with that being said, I. I'll stick with my three as the base kind of.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I'm still right there.

[Josh Rodriguez]

1.25 incentives. Yeah. So 4.25 max.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And if there are. Are incentives, I hope he makes them. And you're only making a position that already has, like, decent depth, arguably better, which is something that we haven't done in a while.

[Patrick Walker]

Not decent depth with pass rushers.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That's fair.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That is.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I think your ends have a decent depth. But like you said, for that specific role that he brings.

[Patrick Walker]

Correct.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You don't have that player Right now.

[Patrick Walker]

But one thing that. Sorry. So what do you know about Jadavian Clowney? Well, you know that he's a, he's a large human being who's well respected. He's not what he used to be.

[Isaiah Stanback]

So he looks like myself.

[Patrick Walker]

He's, he's so. He's. He's tall.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Like he was in great shape.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah, he's tall, he's lanky, he's a big body, but he's violent. And I don't care what year you want to. I don't care what year you want to go point to. He's violent, violent at the point of attack. He is going to pursue the quarterback with reckless abandonment. So like in terms of the energy and the culture that you're trying to create on this defensive front, he goes along with what you have out and, and he adds a pass rush element. Right. I think you have Marshawn Nean, who's really your. He's a, he's a two gap kind of guy, right. He's going to push the pocket type of dude. He's not really a true pass rusher. You have Dante Fowler, who's here to.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Rush the passer, right.

[Patrick Walker]

Coming off his 12 and a half sacks from last year, Donovan Azaraku, you draft him to be your pass rush. But we saw how light he was last week and kind of got thrown around a little bit. It's going to take some time, right? So it's not to say he's not going to be having impact, but it's.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Going to take him some time.

[Patrick Walker]

Right. Like, be realistic. You saw him versus ones last week and as an ownership group and as a front office, you have to understand, okay, let's give this young man some time. Let's not put so much pressure on him to be our guy right now. Opposed from Dante Fowler. So outside of those guys, you don't have a guy that you're like, yeah, that's my pass rusher and third down situation. So you need a guy that can go do that.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Connie will be situational and he would be a great addition in that capacity. And I mentioned it a few minutes ago, I love the fact that, you know, however you feel about the Michael Parsons trade, it's done, it's in the books. There it is. But when you look at Schottenheimer, he's not. And Will McClay, they're not resting on the laurels of, well, we know what is Rocco can be, we know what Sam Williams can be. We know what Marshawn Nealon can Be they're saying we that all of that's true, but it's also true that we're not going to wait around to find out that they can be the impact piece. We're going to let the year progress and they're going to one or one or multiples of those guys are going to turn out to be impact guys before this year is over. But why not bring in the mercenary that's proven and still has tread left.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Devil, you know the devil.

[Patrick Walker]

Also, best case scenario, right, you have these young guys that are. You're giving them time to develop and you're hoping that you, that they contribute in the way that you like them to earlier than later. Right. But if the best case scenario is you bring in some veterans that, that are plug and play guys that can execute your game plan that you're trying to get accomplished and then if your young guys come along faster than you were hoping, now you have waves of defensive alignment and I keep going back to that, especially in this division. Your defensive line, you need two waves of defensive alignment. You need the ends that you can come in and waves and you need interior D linemen that you can have in ways waves. If you're able to do that in this division and in this game of football where the top teams are getting bigger, bigger and bigger at the offensive line position, you have a chance. The Philadelphia Eagles are big up front. If you want to talk about going the, want to go outside the. Outside the conference, the teams that you're going to have to face if you're able to get to the big show, those guys are huge. Okay. They're huge. Why did KC struggle last year? Why did they struggle last week? Because they getting pushed around up front. Right. The, the Har balls have figured it out. Like this is our, this is our repertoire. We get big fellas up front that move people.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yep.

[Patrick Walker]

Whether it's Baltimore, whether that's. That's the Chargers. So teams are realizing that the trenches is where it all starts and ends. And we can obviously sprinkle in our position guys. We still need your skill guys and guys that go make plays, but at the end of the day, we control the line of scrimmage.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Let me just ask you guys this really quickly. Jamie Clowney, he's a name that we all know. I don't think, I think his name has a lot of pedigree behind it. I don't know that he's that player that a lot of people still think that he is. But, but my question is, does, is this Indicative to you guys of a difference in planning for the Dallas Cowboys. Do you think they're coming into this season with a different mindset that they have? I haven't seen a move like this, particularly week two, signing a guy that you obviously need. Yeah, I haven't seen this go back.

[Patrick Walker]

I mean, we can go back into to no sees repertoire, go back into the historic history books since Schlenheimer has taken over. What moves have taken place here with the Dallas Cowboys?

[Kyle Yeomans]

Trade for Pickens. That was a big one. Murray right off the jump. Yeah. You signed higher Elam trade Murray, you trade for Kyrie.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Elam quite active.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You trade Micah Parsons, which is an interesting deal, and then you turn around Kenny Clark in return, who is incredible in his one game.

[Patrick Walker]

This is all this. This is all this year.

[Kyle Yeomans]

This is all Schottenheimer in 25.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Patrick Walker]

Interesting.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It is. It's a different mindset.

[Patrick Walker]

Okay.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And I think. I think it adds to the little bit to the formation of 2025 was not what the Micah Parsons trade was for, but, oh, goodness, Kenny Clark comes in, and when he's on the field, The Cowboys allow 2.7 yards per carry. When he's off the field, it's 6.6 yards per carry. First matchup. It is some science. It'll be on big, flat, big facts later in the day as well. So when you talk about, yes, Kenny Clark showed up and it's like, oh, we have a legitimate defensive tackle. We just got to finish the pass rush. And all of a sudden our defensive line is still nasty even without Micah Parsons. And I think that's the realization that's happening here, is, hey, the defensive tackle room is much better than it was. Oh, so Iggy zoo in week one. 4th highest pressure rate out of all defensive tackles in the National Football League.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I like that.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Then you have Kenny Clark right there. Then you had Solomon Thomas, who did some great things. You didn't even have Mozzie Smith active. And you can put him in the fold now that Perry on Winfrey's not in the fold, and he's on IR for four weeks. So you have depth at that room officially because of Kenny Clark and what he's done. Then you bring in a Jadavian Clowney, add that to the depth that you already have at the edge rusher spot, and hope somebody, whether it's Clowney or somebody else that's on the field, can finish and tackle the quarterback and sack the quarterback. Then all of a sudden, I think we're looking at this defensive Line in an entirely new mindset.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Let me add some more signs to the Clowney. To the Clowney situation. It's more proof that Clowney very much still has tread left on his tires, even at 32 years old, let's say 31. Last year I just randomly went to next gen stats. Shout out to next gen stats. I chose a random game for Jadevion Clowney for the Panthers. Just a random game. No rhyme or any old game. Any old game. Average get off in this particular game, this was against the. The Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson. Okay. Against that, that, that team. 0.76 average get off that game. 0.76 seconds is ridiculous in and of itself. This was a guy that was so quick. 31 years old. And if you want perspective for that, Michael Parsons get off in the packers debut was like 0.79.

[Patrick Walker]

So slower.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Jadevion Clowney at 31, interesting. Had at least one game in which he was faster off the ball than Michael Parsons. Approaching peak levels.

[Kyle Yeomans]

There's something left there.

[Josh Rodriguez]

There's something a little bit. Little bit.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And if he's in a rotation that warrants him being fresh all game long. Yeah, I like it.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Was there any injury concern with him last year that you.

[Josh Rodriguez]

He started 14 games last year. Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

So I don't know. I mean, a lot of times if they bring in a guy and he's eaten breakfast.

[Patrick Walker]

14 last year, 17 the year before.

[Kyle Yeomans]

There's going to be some level of interest there on the Cowboys side of things. I like it. Do I think it's an over the top move? No, but exactly how I just outlined.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Over the top.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's another thing you can add to the. To the list of moves you've already made.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Absolutely. And I don't think they're done. I don't think they're. I think shouldn't be. Like I said, I think this is indicative of a change of operation for the Dallas Cowboys and how they're willing to operate now going forward. No, I feel you, Isaiah. We're not done.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Do you feel him?

[Isaiah Stanback]

I feel him.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You feel him? I love how you feel.

[Kyle Yeomans]

A gentleman named Shrel in the comments. Is Clowny the guy Isaiah was talking about we should get.

[Patrick Walker]

But I'll take him. Yeah, but I'll take him.

[Kyle Yeomans]

We'll see what happens.

[Patrick Walker]

No, I won't. I. I like that he's on that. He was potentially on the roster.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Keep the man bus coming. Wow. Keep the man buns. Okay. This will be one of those days.

[Isaiah Stanback]

All right, Isaiah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

My, how forward of you welcome to the show, sir. I'm glad we're all friends.

[Josh Rodriguez]

At least by me.

[Patrick Walker]

I'm appalled.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That's the one roster spot that's open now.

[Patrick Walker]

The Cowboys. Yes, Potentially. Potentially filled.

[Kyle Yeomans]

One open. We'll see whether or not something develops out of that story. But Jadavian Clowney in the building today for a meeting with the Cowboys apostle.

[Patrick Walker]

You guys are the same size, right?

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah.

[Patrick Walker]

Easy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah. I don't know about that one. All right, news and notes, Patrick. Anything else stick out?

[Patrick Walker]

Oh, that wasn't news.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Cowboys were off.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That was the news.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That was the news.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah. No, Cowboys were off yesterday. No. No transactions that are of note. They. They waived injured Christian Matthews, defensive back they brought in late in training camp. Didn't have much of an impact, wasn't able to practice much, dealt with some injuries, and. And now he's been sent to free agency with an injury settlement. And just outside the building, for those that were wondering, two former Cowboys. Two former Cowboys draft picks found a home. We talk about the Panthers and Genaevon Clowning potentially arriving from the Panthers. Well, the Panthers did sign Israel Mukwamu to their practice squad. And Deuce Vaughn lands with Deuce. Good for Izzy. And Deuce Vaughn lands with Sean Payton.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah, buddy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

In the Broncos.

[Patrick Walker]

Huge for him.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Guess who else is on the staff with Sean Payton? Darren Sprols.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I was about to say. Sprouls is on staff there as well.

[Patrick Walker]

Wow.

[Josh Rodriguez]

So that might be the perfect fresh start.

[Patrick Walker]

That's awesome.

[Isaiah Stanback]

A fortuitous arrangement.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I like that.

[Patrick Walker]

That's freaking awesome, dude. I love that for him. I love that for him.

[Josh Rodriguez]

So two guys who deserved a fresh start somewhere, they got it is he and Deuce Vaughn.

[Patrick Walker]

Deuce was going to have a successful career, man. I just. I just think so.

[Isaiah Stanback]

He just needed the right system.

[Josh Rodriguez]

He needed the right Sean Payton and Darren Sproul.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And remember Sproul's.

[Patrick Walker]

How much is this?

[Kyle Yeomans]

There was so much a comparison. There was so much smaller running back guy with a similar skill set coming out of Kansas State, strong, built back. He took like three years or four years to find his groove. That's part of why I think Dallas was so reluctant apart with the Chris Vaughn conversation. But they loved Deuce. They loved who he was as a person, as a work worker, work ethic, all of those things. Check the box. I agree with you. I think there just needs to be a spot for Deuce.

[Isaiah Stanback]

They need to have him sort of premeditated in using him in the offense. They need to have a plan for him. And I don't think either. McCarthy definitely did not have that in mind. And I just don't think as we've gone along bringing in new running backs, I don't think that was the system that will fit. That suited him best.

[Josh Rodriguez]

To your point, who better to know what to do awesome. With Deuce Vaughn than Darren Sprouls?

[Patrick Walker]

How cool is that for him to have him even as a mentor?

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, like, that's, like, that is really cool.

[Patrick Walker]

That's the gold standard. Like. Like, who are you in the NFL? Well, there was one guy that was like, me. Oh, who is that guy? Oh, he's my coach.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Awesome. He's your coach and your head coach. Kind of knows how to coordinate with sort of deal running backs who can operate.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Just genuinely happy for the guy. I know. I know we're talking about the Broncos right now, but.

[Patrick Walker]

Okay.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Happy for the guy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Broncos. As much as we're talking about once.

[Patrick Walker]

A cowboy, always a cowboy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah. And I'm not right now. They're like, yeah, in. That was still a shocking one. Not shocking. Well, it was surprising. That's. It was surprising that he didn't make the 53. I'm not going to say shocked, but I was surprised.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Remember Sean Payton? Did coach Darren Sprols, too, during New Orleans. So been around it.

[Patrick Walker]

Question, answer. The Matthews settlement was. He wasn't on active. He wasn't on 53, was he?

[Josh Rodriguez]

No.

[Patrick Walker]

Okay.

[Josh Rodriguez]

No, he started on reserve.

[Patrick Walker]

Got you.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That didn't count as a spot or anything.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Not at all.

[Kyle Yeomans]

All right, when we come back, it's time to turn the page to Week 2 of the NFL season. The Cowboys taking on the New York Giants. Sunday noon kickoff on Fox. Because it's Wednesday. If you're new to talking Cowboys, every Wednesday we preview the Dallas defense.

[Patrick Walker]

That's right.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Taking on the opponent's offense. So we'll break down this Matt Eber flu defense for the Cowboys taking on Russell Wilson and the Giants offense, Matt Neighbors and company. Isaiah's got his Techno bowl shirt on. It's got that touchdown Cowboys.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Is that.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Who's that underneath? Is it Michael Irvin?

[Patrick Walker]

Mike.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's Mike.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Mike. Okay.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Mike's on the shirt. We'll talk about the defense when we come back with more talking Cowboys right after this.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Did you run?

[Peyton Manning]

Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company. They're one of America's largest financial services companies. Like how I'm more than just Peyton Manning. I'm also motivating Manning. When I say insurance, you say financial services. Insurance. Financial services. Insurance financial services. Now when I say nationwide, you say say is both nationwide. Nationwide is both for your insurance and financial needs. Nationwide is on your side.

[Patrick Walker]

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, Ember Finra, Columbus, Ohio.

[Rob Gronkowski]

This is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes. Anyone else feeling hungry? Because Applebee's just cooked up the ultimate option. Play with their new ultimate trio deal. You can choose from three of their delicious appetizers and pair them up with three sauces for just $14.99. Craft your perfect trio from over 80,000 different combinations in this flavor packed plate. Built for one or to share if you're generous. You can stick with the classic pairings like boneless wings and buffalo sauce, mozzarella sticks and marinara or brew pub pretzels and white cheddar beer cheese. Or you can spice things up and try some unexpected combinations like dipping chicken wonton tacos and and their honey Dijon mustard. The choice is yours. The ultimate trio is the perfect way to hit all your cravings in one plate and turn appetizers into an entree. It's time to head to your neighborhood, Applebee's or order online today. Now that's eating good in the neighborhood.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Every day begins with a promise. A promise to work hard and to build a future. That's why we're here, providing the tools, expertise, and John Deere equipment you have relied on for generations to help you get the job done right. We're with you. That's our promise to you. Because no matter the project or the challenge you're facing, we're with you. We're united.

[Kyle Yeomans]

If you're looking for fresh American roasted coffee that gives back, you need to head to your local grocery store and pick up a bag of Black Rifle coffee. That's right. America's coffee is now available in the coffee aisle of a grocery store near you. Black Rifle Coffee Company is veteran founded with a mission to give back to those brave men and women who have served our nation. Every bag, box or can you purchase helps support that mission. Head to your local grocery store and roast yourself some Black Rifle coffee today.

[Josh Rodriguez]

How's it going? You see that Cowboys game? Oh, I watched. Been seeing some good things. Totally. They have some talent. Yup. Some great talents.

[Patrick Walker]

And they got some fights.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Hoping this is the year.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Me too. Oh, I'm Cody, by the way. I'm Travis. Nice to meet you, Travis. Go Cowboys.

[Patrick Walker]

Go Cowboys.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Make a new friend based solely on their shirt choice. What would you like the power to do? Bank of America. The official bank of the Dallas Cowboys Copyright 2025 bank of America Corporation.

[Patrick Walker]

I'm home.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hey, mom, before you ask, I've done my homework and the dishwasher's unloaded. Nice. Hey, can you. Hey, hon.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yes, I've got the finale ready to play.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Here's your wine. Wow. Isn't it nice not having to ask?

[Kyle Yeomans]

We think so. That's why if there's a network interruption, AT&T will proactively credit you for a.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Full day of service.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Guaranteed credit for Fiber downtime lasting 20 minutes or more or for wireless downtime lasting 60 minutes or more caused by a single incident impact 10 or more towers.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Restrictions and exclusions apply. See att.com guarantee for details.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Back to talking cowboys.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Foreign.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Talking cowboys. This segment is brought to you by Invisalign, the official smile of the Dallas Cowboys. I didn't give the comment of the day yesterday and I'm disappointed because it was a really good one. It was saved. A Canales on the YouTube channel said took PTO just to watch this show live and still missed 39 minutes of it. Kind of funny how how life works on you sometimes. But appreciate you taking pto. And I don't know if he's watching live today because he took PTO yesterday. But hey, if you're watching after the fact, thanks for watching. Thanks for. For loving on the show.

[Isaiah Stanback]

If you're gonna take PTO to watch this show, it needs to be a say with your chest Friday. I think I feel very confident in saying that.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Unless.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Unless it's the day of the week.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Huh?

[Kyle Yeomans]

Is that your favorite day of the week?

[Isaiah Stanback]

It's my favorite episode of the week, yeah, Absolutely.

[Patrick Walker]

Unless he was. Unless he was planning to get on the phone. He missed the opportunity.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Talking Tuesday.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I love talking Tuesday. All the days have their different and pros and cons. I teased it in the last segment, but there is a. There's a formula to this whole thing. Tuesday is talking Tuesday.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hello, QB vision.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Monday. Yeah, Monday's the reaction day. Of course, after the game for the most part. Of course this is all thrown off if we play on Monday or Thursday, right? But Tuesdays usually talking Tuesday. Wednesday we preview the Dallas defense versus the opponent's offense. Thursday you flip it. Dallas offense versus the opponent defense. And we have the QB vision segment in segment two is usually how we kind of roll with that and then say it with your chest. Friday is a hodgepodge of whatever the biggest storyline, biggest topic, biggest pressing need. We'll play some games, we'll have some fun, and we'll say it with our Chest.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I love it.

[Kyle Yeomans]

They all have their own little appeal to me.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I just want to thank you for using the word hodgepodge. I don't think it's utilized enough just in life in general.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That's also an excellent rundown for anybody that's new to talking Cowboys, you know.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Because like you imagine, there are we, of course, we have our people, our faithfuls that have been here for a long time, myself included. I've been listening to talking Cowboys for years. But then you have people that are probably just now, like, figuring out, like, oh, wait, that there's. The Dallas Cowboys do nine shows a day to check these out, and it.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Gives us some level of rhyme and reason to keep a consistency throughout the year. We're going to have different topics of conversation, but at least kind of the structure of it all.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah. Wednesday's breaking news day. We'll always have breaking news for you.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Right here off the top of the show, guaranteed. All right, Cowboys defense taking on Russell Wilson and the Giants offense. Coach Schottenheimer was asked about it the other day because of his relationship with Russell Wilson during their time in Seattle. What does he do best? He said he's one of the best deep ball throwers that he's ever been around.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Can he still do that?

[Patrick Walker]

Yes.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You think so?

[Patrick Walker]

Yes, I know so.

[Kyle Yeomans]

What about what the weapons that he has around them. Guys like Malik Neighbors is starting to become one of the elite receivers in the NFL. You think he can do it there in New York?

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah. The Giants have the skill, position, weapons. In terms of the receivers, there's no question about that. Their receiving core is respectable. To me, you start talking about Malik Neighbors, he is a. He's a dude. You go back and watch his game from last week, he was routing people up his route. Oh, his routes are nasty and they're very, very discreet.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Like his, his.

[Patrick Walker]

His nods and the way he stems his routes. Like, it's. There's not a lot of indications and not a lot of indicators for the opposing defense and secondary to kind of tip your hat as to what route he's about to run. Like, he's very good at running routes. Darius Slaves respected. Wandell Robinson, I think, is one of the more underrated receivers in the league. I think he does a good job running routes. In terms of Russell Wilson. Russell Wilson didn't have a shot last week.

[Josh Rodriguez]

No.

[Patrick Walker]

Everybody's coming after him and saying, you know, put in Jackson Dard, and I know Jackson Dart had a great preseason and all that jazz. But Russell Wilson, if you Go back and watch the film. Russell Wilson, the balls that he had time to throw was still accurate. Russell Wilson still had the velocity. Russell Wilson still put the ball on the money majority of that game. The defensive line of the Washington commanders literally held up the face of the Giants offensive line and slap them all day long. The left tackle needs to go go see the priest and talk and everything else because he. Oh, my goodness, he was so bad.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You're talking about. It's not Thomas, right? Thomas.

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, Andrew Thomas is out. They're trying to get him back right now.

[Patrick Walker]

It was a Hudson or something like that.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, James Hudson.

[Patrick Walker]

Listen, the offensive line is bad. They're. They're rushing. Their running attack is bad. Their pad level is very vertical. They're not getting any push. There's pretty much a stalemate at the line of scrimmage. If not getting pushed back, they're not getting to the second level. Their pass blocking is abysmal, is really bad. Their timing seemingly is off. The tight ends can't block, the tackles can't block, and Russell Wilson just had zero time. But when you look at the. The routes, the routes were there conceptually, what they're trying to do offensively, when they're spread out, I like their routes, I like their concepts. When they're in condensed sets, I think it gets very convoluted for them. They try to run some stuff down in the red zone with condensed splits. They try to run little bunch sets, things that are close to the tackle box and the spacing is just not there. The routes. The routes are on top of each other and defenders are all in the area of the receiver. So I think they're condensed sets, though. They like to try to get to those. I think they don't. They don't have it figured out yet in terms of spacing and timing. But when they're spread out, this guy's. Yeah, they're. They're getting to day bowl system and those guys are getting open. But Russell Wilson had. Did not have the time last week.

[Isaiah Stanback]

He did not. And in terms of that, I mean, obviously Russell Wilson can still cook. I is genuinely believe that he doesn't have any time to throw the ball. And even when he does, he doesn't have enough confidence in. Off his offensive line to stand in the pocket because he feels the pressure coming when it's not even there. He expects ghosts. It's crazy, man. Their def. The rushing defense, 30th in the league last year, doesn't look to have improved by any stretch. They had 13 plays in the red zone, 11 of which were inside the 10 yard line, led to three points.

[Josh Rodriguez]

It was bad.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That is really bad. And when you have a first and goal from the one yard line and your first play, Brian Dayball, your first play is a gimmick trick play to your backup right tackle, that is a problem. That, that is indicative. That is saying, I don't trust my offensive line to get me one yard in four tries.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Wow. Listen.

[Patrick Walker]

And Russell didn't have time on that one.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And we're talking about.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And what do you need on the trick play to make it happen? You need time.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And we're speaking generally as far as saying Russell Wilson didn't have time. And I know a lot of fans, they hear that and they say, okay, well what does that mean? Let me tell you what that means. The, the Giants offensive line on 45 pass blocks, 45 drop backs, they allow 28 pressures.

[Patrick Walker]

That's insanity.

[Josh Rodriguez]

More than half the time.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yikes.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That Russ dropped back.

[Patrick Walker]

What's that, 60%?

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yes. He was under duress, which is to Josh's point, why he started feeling ghosts even when they weren't there. He. He went full Sam Donald. Okay, so that bodes exceptionally well for the Cowboys, especially if Andrew Thomas can't come back for week two. Because you mentioned James Hudson. You guys mentioned James Hudson. He was accountable for nine of those quarterbacks back pressures.

[Patrick Walker]

Nine. There, there was some series where it was back to back. Yeah, back to back.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And credit to Russ, given that he was pressured 28 times, only allowed 2 sex, only sacked twice. He was running for his life. But in running for his life, he couldn't set his feet. He couldn't get the, the accuracy level that he wanted had he been able to set his feet. So I mean, this is a game where with or without Genevion Clowney? But specifically with. But with or without Davion Clowney, this is a, a team in the Cowboys who came off of a great pressure rate.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Against the Philadelphia Eagles, they didn't get home but once. But.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And that's the thing.

[Patrick Walker]

I do, I do have one concern because I'm not really. We're laying this out as if Dallas is about to just run through hot dogs.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Does a lot to work on.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah, they still have a lot to work on. And I think, I do believe that it's an opportunity for these, these young DNS to work on their pass rushing Clowney.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Maybe that's why he's in the building. Well, y' all play the Giants, let's.

[Patrick Walker]

Think about it last week, the first half, I'm pretty sure the D line was instructed to two gap and try to contain Jalen hurts. They weren't pass rushing the second half. You saw Dante Fowler start, you remember me in the middle of the game. I was like, why are these guys not rushing the passer? Like they're running right down the middle of these guys. They're not picking a shoulder when you.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Were mad at how much he pinched in too. And you go back and watch on the film, watching it live, it was bad watching it on the film. He's being pushed inside almost every well, it's frustrating, right? It was a rough week.

[Patrick Walker]

One you're a pass rusher and you're being told to not pass rush. Like instinctively you're gonna be like, oh, let me get to this quarterback. And then you go to do that and you're like, crap, I'm not doing my assignment right. And you get screwed. So but in the second half, you started seeing Dante Fowler especially and Donovan Ezraku. They were being allowed to do their pass rush and they started picking one side of the tackle instead of going down the middle of the tackle and they started getting some pressure. So it's not as if Dallas can't rush the passer. It's just I believe they're in being instructed not to be be a focal point there. But I might. I'm bringing that up because the times that Russell Wilson was able to have some time and was able to pick apart the defense a little bit was when the Washington commanders were playing zone. When the Washington commanders were playing zone and the WA and the New York Giants were not in condensed sets. Russell Wilson was. He was decisive, he was quick. The ball was out his hands. You knew, you can tell confidence that he understood what the zone was where the ball was supposed to go with that particular concept. And it was, it was old school, Russ. Right, Just boom, receive the ball, dump the ball. Let's walk with confidence. Let's get back to the line of scrimmage. The Washington commanders played a lot of man to man defense a lot. Because they had confidence in their ability to get home at the defensive front. Last week, Dallas didn't show hardly any man to man, if at all. I have to go back and let's hear. So I am, I am interested to see if Matt Eberfluss enacts man to man defense because we did not see that last week and that was partially scheme.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Well, you Simply can go 1v1 and win this game.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yes.

[Isaiah Stanback]

They don't have the personnel to beat you in that. If you're just going man to man, like I said or like you said, if you're incorporating more of a blitz package with Eberfluice which you can do want to disrupt them early and often, I think that's a great idea. I think if you incorporate the blitz very early on, you're going to have success.

[Patrick Walker]

Yeah, I I want to know what this secondary get them out of rhythm in man. I We don't know. We don't know how healthy Trayvon Diggs is and his ability to guard in man. We don't know how confident Duron Bland is in his ability to guard man. We don't know. Kyrie Elam in a game situation. We don't know. We saw them in zone last week and they were very, very effective.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That's what I was going to but.

[Patrick Walker]

I want to see it in man.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That's what I was going to point at because I understand the concern or the intrigued for you seeing Russ having some success against the zone that was run by the commanders. We said this coming out of the Giants game, not the Giants game. I'm sorry, the Eagles game wherein now we know that the Cowboys secondary can play in elite at elite. An elite level in zone versus multiple actual weapons. AJ Brown, devonte Smith, super bowl champion. Right. Right. Those three guys plus Jalen Hurts throwing the ball and a Goddard and got it right. So when you look at the commanders, they don't have that that artillery the Giants. Oh, when you look at the Giants, they don't have that artillery. Right. They have Malik neighbors three solid Wandale Robinson can he can play some ball.

[Patrick Walker]

Yes, he can.

[Josh Rodriguez]

But is he DeVontae Smith?

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's not the same.

[Josh Rodriguez]

No, it's not the same. He's not. They don't have the same caliber weapon at tight end either. So if you're going to switch to man for this game because you believe that Trayvon Diggs and Jerry Jones said it on 153TheFAN. He believes that that Trayvon Diggs is capable of being fully unleashed now. Okay. If that's the case, you're talking man coverage with Trayvon Kair and then Duron again the Giants don't have the personnel to match up against that and then combine that with the fact that the offensive line for New York simply cannot stop a runny nose. Right. So the pressure is going to be there. So this is a perfect game to be able to be in man.

[Patrick Walker]

Right.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Because it's it's shortened coverage windows Can.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I add some numbers to this conversation?

[Josh Rodriguez]

I like numbers.

[Kyle Yeomans]

There's some. These are good numbers too. Cowboys utilized in 2024. So this is last season. Different coordinator. Keep that in mind. They still utilized more than 80% of opposing drop backs in zone coverage. They were in zone coverage for more than 80% of the time all the way throughout 2024 in that spot. And they had all in every game they had more than 50% in zone coverage except for one game and that was week 11 against the Texans, who have some weapons in their own right. Last week you talked about it. You said they used a lot of zone and you didn't see any man. It's because they didn't play man. The Cowboys deployed zone coverage in every single one of the 33. Jalen Hurts drop backs in their Week 1 loss to the Eagles, only the second team to do so in a game since the start of the 2024 season. The Bills did it in Week 13 last year and that was the only other time that a team in the entire NFL had only used zone. And I get it. It was a matchup thing. You're going to see it because of the way that the Philadelphia Eagles run their offense and the way that they have the weapons on the outside. I don't know if even with the matchup against the Giants, we're still going to see a whole lot of man. Just because traditionally this group, this personnel package used zone. Last year. They've only used zone this year. Why change it going into another. And the reason why, I guess, is because Russell Wilson knows how to read his own and he can pick it apart.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That's.

[Kyle Yeomans]

But at the same time, I don't think it's going to be a huge discrepancy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I do think this will be last year I was going to say I think this is. We're right here. I think this is going to be a huge test of will Matt Eber Floose quite literally tailor his game plan.

[Patrick Walker]

On a weekly basis, which you might.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And that that I'm right there with Isaiah on that particular point because I see the numbers. I understand that was Zimmer last year. That was Dan Quinn in years prior to Zimmer. Remember, we don't know what Eber flutes looks like. What we just saw was Ebert flu. Look at how Vic Fangio not found you but how the Eagles just says the Eagles. How they were able to take advantage of the Cowboys with their personnel set right. Their offensive personnel set. A lot of that was against man coverage. Ear flu said the hell with that.

[Patrick Walker]

What would you rather have? Would you rather have a D coordinator and Matt Eberflu? Is that that changes from week to week based upon his opponent, or would you rather have him have his base defenses, like, trying to beat us?

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, Matt Abraflus, that is. That is what has killed us so much in the past. I want someone that is malleable, that is able to look at the guys across from you and say, well, that's not going to work this week. We need to change things up. And it's something that we. I mean, he even did in the second half last week, change it up. It wasn't working in the first half. You weren't able to contain Jalen Hurts.

[Patrick Walker]

Wasn't able to get pressure.

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, not at all.

[Patrick Walker]

So immediately came and started bringing pressure.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And then in halftime, granted was the long halftime and then you had the delay and. But the defense played much better. They held them in the second half and they contained Jalen Hurts for as much as they could in that second half.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And Saquon.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And Saquon. I mean, it was crazy. I mean, I. I want that. I want someone that's malleable enough.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And it also makes it very difficult for the opponent you have coming up next week to be able to settle in and say, well, they have these tendencies. Well, if your tendency is to adapt every single week, what are you giving the next study? What is your tendency?

[Kyle Yeomans]

Here's. Here's the numbers from Eber flu last year prior to being fired by Chicago. And he was the defensive play caller, so keep that in mind. Bears defense played zone coverage on 78% of opposing drop backs that last season, the ninth highest rate in the NFL. Only the Cowboys and Seahawks have allowed a lower passing success rate when playing zone coverage than the Bears this season, and that was in 24. Okay, so he likes zone. He's going to play a lot of it, but it's not one specific type of zone. It's different types of zone. It's going to mix, imagine, disguise and throw different wrinkles into the whole thing.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Thing.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It'll be interesting to see if they utilize any kind of man going into this.

[Patrick Walker]

Which is it? It's awesome. If you have a pass rush. Yeah, if Zone. Zone defense. When guys can play zone and understand zone and play with each other, play, you know, to each other's. What's the word I'm looking for? Strength, strengths. Right. And you're okay passing off zones? Like, hey, I'm. This is my area. I'm passing it off. To you now, Kyle, you're passing off the pat. Passing off disco. When you can do that, it's awesome because it makes it very difficult to find passing lanes if somebody's always coming into a zone when you're running a route, if you can have a pass rush with that, it makes it almost impossible for opposing offenses to have success throwing the ball. Which is why when you start seeing people come in the building, you need somebody to go get the quarterback. And I know people in the chat's gonna be like, well, you let one.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Of the best guy in the league.

[Patrick Walker]

Out the building, understand? But what can you do with that? Like we always said, that's a great move. If you use the space, if you use the picks to go out there and make your team better across the board if they can. Dallas Cowboys can elicit a pass rush without the necessity to blitz. While running zone collectively and getting better every week at their zone coverage, it is going to be difficult for opposing offense to throw the ball.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That's how the passing game looks going into this Week 2 matchup. When we come back, we got to talk about the run defense and how they may fare against Russell Wilson.

[Patrick Walker]

The Giants run the ball.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Is he still mobile enough to run the football when we come back right after this. But Kenny, Nationwide is so much more.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Than a great insurance company. They're one of America's largest financial services companies. Like how I'm more than saquon Barkley, the NFL's reigning leading rusher. I'm also the NFL's leading husher. Hush up back there. Wow. I might have just set the hushing record. Well, almost. For your insurance and financial needs, Nationwide is on your side.

[Patrick Walker]

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation Ember Finra, Columbus.

[Rob Gronkowski]

Ohio this is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes. Anyone else feeling hungry? Because Applebee's just cooked up the ultimate option. Play with their new ultimate trio deal. You can choose from three of their delicious appetizers and pair them up with three sauces for just 14.99. Craft your perfect trio from over 80,000 different combinations in this flavor packed plate. Built for one or to share if you're generous. You can stick with the classic pairings like boneless wings and buffalo sauce, mozzarella sticks and marinara. Or brew pub pretzels and white cheddar beer cheese. Or you can spice things up and try some unexpected combinations like dipping chicken wonton tacos and their honey Dijon mustard. The choice is yours. The ultimate trio is the perfect way to hit all your cravings in one plate and turn appetizers into an entree. It's time to head to your neighborhood Applebee's or order online today. Now that's eating good in the neighborhood.

[Patrick Walker]

I'm home.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hey, mom, before you ask, I've done my homework and the dishwasher's unloaded. Nice. Hey, can you. Hey, hon.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yes, I've got the finale ready to play.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Here's your wine. Wow.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Isn't it nice not having to ask? We think so. That's why if there's a network interruption, AT&T will proactively credit you for a full day of service. Guaranteed credit for fiber downtime lasting 20.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Minutes or more or for wireless downtime.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Lasting 60 minutes or more caused by a single incident impacting 10 or more towers.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Restrictions and exclusions apply. See att.com guarantee for details.

[Kyle Yeomans]

If you're looking for fresh American roasted coffee that gives back, you need to head to your local grocery store and pick up a bag of Black Rifle coffee. That's right, America's coffee is now available in the coffee aisle of a grocery store near you. Black Rifle Coffee Company is veteran founded with a mission to give back to those brave men and women who have served our nation. Every bag, box or can you purchase helps support that mission. Head to your local grocery store and roast yourself some Black Rifle coffee today.

[Patrick Walker]

Welcome back into Dear Doctor the show where I answer life's questions with an ice cold can of Dr. Pepper. Sheila, let's hear from our next question. Call her, would you? Dear Dr. My friend supported me during.

[Josh Rodriguez]

A tough time, but what's the right gift that says thanks for being a.

[Peyton Manning]

Shoulder to cry on.

[Patrick Walker]

Okay, this one's easy. I say give her a delicious Dr. Pepper. Nothing says thanks girl better than a one of a kind soda. Yes, any Dr. Pepper flavor will do. Now, just a reminder that I don't need to be a real doctor to know that Dr. Pepper is the one you deserve.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's the official men's skin care brand of the Dallas Cowboys Jack Black. And right now Cowboys fans can get 15 off their 75 order. Plus because every deal needs a playmaker, your order will include a free five piece skin care set and free shipping. The Jack Black Playmaker is four of Jack's favorites in a full sized intense therapy lip balm. Make a play for the [e-mail] Cowboys with the code Cowboys VIP that's getjackblack.com Cowboys with the Code Cowboys VIP.

[Josh Rodriguez]

To.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Talking cowboys Back here on Talking Cowboys. The search is on for the 2025 Fan of the Year, presented by Captain Morgan. Now through September 29th. Nominate extraordinary NFL fans, dynamic duo and game changers who rep the Cowboys with pride. Turn every game day into an unforgettable adventure. You could be sent to Super Bowl 60. Enter to win NFL.com Fan of the Year.

[Patrick Walker]

Have you ever had Captain Morgan before?

[Kyle Yeomans]

Don't ask me questions you don't want the answer to the same.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Do you drink it with your leg Doing the Morgan stance is the question.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, every time.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Every time. Yeah.

[Patrick Walker]

So you have.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Stop.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Stop.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Right here, Right here.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Ask me if I've had it within the last 24 hours.

[Patrick Walker]

No, I'm not saying that. I'm not. I would never do that to.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I would never. Because I've got Talking Cowboys.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Are you potting under the influence?

[Patrick Walker]

Thursday Night Football?

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, that's black rifle coffee.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, it is. Black rifle, double cup cow.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And double cup cow, what they call.

[Kyle Yeomans]

All right, Patrick, Nosy Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah, stand back. Chris Beam in the back. I'm Kyle Yeomans. Patrick, you know what time it is?

[Josh Rodriguez]

It is time for community.

[Peyton Manning]

Yes. Science.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Science. Yes, sir. The first edition of Lab Coat of the 2025.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That's Lab Coat with a K. With.

[Josh Rodriguez]

A K. No C's with a K. Just one. So since we're talking about Cowboys run defense versus the. Versus the Giants attempt to run the ball in this coming Sunday's matchup. You said attempt. Attempt. Because that's. That's what they're going to do. I'm going to draw a circle around Kenny Clark.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Oh, he's pretty good, huh?

[Josh Rodriguez]

He's pretty good. He acquitted himself exceptionally well in his Cowboys debut against the Eagles and. What?

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, no, no, no. That was against Saquon Barkley.

[Josh Rodriguez]

It was all worse.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You can't tell me he was good against Saquon Barkley.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I can. I will. I just did.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Wow.

[Patrick Walker]

The starting O line for Philadelphia.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That is correct.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That's him.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Okay. And now he's going against a Giants offensive line. And that's not an attack. That simply is not what he went against against the Eagles. But we talked about Jadevion Clowney's. Get off. It's insane in the upper. You know.0776. But Kenny Clark. Point. I'm sorry. 0.89 seconds last week against the Eagles. And if you want context on that, a lot of fans asked me on Twitter. Well, contextually, what does that put him against? Some of the best defensive tackles in the game last week? Well, Chris Jones was 0.87. Dexter Lawrence. He's pretty good. He's coming to town. 1.18 seconds on the get off. Quinn Williams with the New York Jets. He's pretty good.

[Isaiah Stanback]

He's pretty good.

[Josh Rodriguez]

1.19 seconds.

[Patrick Walker]

The big fellas.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yes. The only five players on the Cowboys roster had a quicker get off last week against the Eagles than did Kenny Clark. And all five of them are defensive ends. You have a nose tackle. Not. Not a 3T.

[Isaiah Stanback]

No.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I don't know.

[Isaiah Stanback]

A big fella.

[Josh Rodriguez]

A big fella getting off the ball faster than a lot of defensive ends in the league. That's what the Giants are going to be up against. Between him, osa, Solomon and Olsen. Sally.

[Isaiah Stanback]

They shouts to the big fellows.

[Patrick Walker]

What was Solomon Thomas's get off.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Oh, I got you.

[Patrick Walker]

He was, bro.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You know what's crazy is. Is you would look at.

[Patrick Walker]

Do my eyes deceive me?

[Josh Rodriguez]

No, they. They do not. They do not deceive you. Let's see where it said that was.

[Patrick Walker]

Science, by the way, y'.

[Josh Rodriguez]

All.

[Patrick Walker]

If you guys didn't pick up. What. No, she was putting something.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Thomas looks like from Street Fighter girl.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Which you know they're called wrong.

[Patrick Walker]

They just cast Street Fighter.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Did you see that, Sagat? Yeah. That they. They're casting. I have questions about Mad that I.

[Patrick Walker]

Didn'T get in that one.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You could have.

[Patrick Walker]

That have been awesome.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You very well could have, my friend. Why did you not. I mean, you've done wwe. Why are you not doing. Why are you not an action hero?

[Patrick Walker]

You never know what I'm getting into next. You never know.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I. I think you need to. I need. You need to put it out, man. My devil, I think you need to put it out there. If we're being completely honest. To answer your question, Solomon Thomas was 1.18 seconds right there alongside Quinn and Williams also was 0.98 seconds and those guys were still editing well with that get off and then compare that to what can you. Again, Kenny Clark's getting off of the ball like a defensive end. Actually. Faster. Quicker is a better word. Quicker than a lot of defenses.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And then next to him in rotation is Zan G from Street Fighter and Solomon Thomas.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yes. Yes.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Let's check him out. Oh, yeah, there he is.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Fight.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Wrong game.

[Patrick Walker]

But that's all right.

[Josh Rodriguez]

So yeah, Cowboys run defense is. Has a chance to really do something special and good looking against the Giants offense who simply could not run the ball at all.

[Patrick Walker]

23 for 74.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah. Ungrate. Very ungrate.

[Kyle Yeomans]

23 carries for 74 yards.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Very ungrate.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Not Ideal.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Well, not just that.

[Kyle Yeomans]

The commanders have a good interior design line perspective.

[Josh Rodriguez]

44 of those rushing yards was Russ.

[Patrick Walker]

That's true.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Okay, so that, that brings up my next question of mobile quarterback back week two in a row. He can still run it. Does that present some level of concern just because of what you saw from Dallas in week one?

[Isaiah Stanback]

If you had the same game plan as last week where you're just worried about your linebackers managing the current linebacker situation? Jack Sanborn, if in Kenneth Murray closing in on Russell Wilson, I think you will be absolutely fine.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's a little easier to close in on 30 plus year old Russell Wilson than it is Jalen.

[Patrick Walker]

Hurts, right?

[Josh Rodriguez]

A little bit.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Little bit.

[Josh Rodriguez]

If you take.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I know Jim.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I do not an. I know.

[Patrick Walker]

I know that.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I do know. Jill.

[Patrick Walker]

If you take out Russell Wilson's eight attempts for 44 yards which were on broken plays because they don't script Russell Wilson to run the ball. Then between Tracy Singletary and Scatter Boo, they collectively had 15 attempts for 30 yards.

[Isaiah Stanback]

But okay, that's not good. But don't let Scottaboo get going, man.

[Patrick Walker]

He's physical. I'm not worried about him running around. You just better have more than one person.

[Josh Rodriguez]

But you know what I do like and you're right, Scatter Boo is very physical. Especially if you ever watched any of his collegiate tape. Like grief, my friend. Good grief. That being said, I have to say I like this level of physicality I'm seeing from just Schottenheimer's team. And of course that permeates. We'll talk about the offense as well, but offensive line for the Cowboys. But defensive line again, Kenny Clark and Olsen. Solly, that interior is just nasty. Like they play nasty. You know who else plays nasty? If you can get them on a contract and not let him.

[Patrick Walker]

Shout out, shout out to shout out to Aaron White Cotton.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah, yeah.

[Patrick Walker]

Like we cannot blow by the fact that these position coaches are going to have a tremendous impact on the identity of these position groups and the culture of this team. Like people talk about, we talk about players all day long and then we talk about the head coach or even the coordinators. Right. Oftentimes times the position coaches spend more time with these guys than anybody else on the staff.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yep.

[Patrick Walker]

So when you see players start having success, when you start seeing position groups start to take on a different identity, it's not by chance. Nope, it's not by chance. So we're, we're giving a lot of kudos to how this defensive front played last week. It's not that these guys are just like, okay, yeah, you know what I'm saying? Kenny Clark comes in here or everybody's just following Os like, no, this is a requirement if you're playing for Aaron White Cotton, who was the best deal, the best D line coach in football last year. That was, that's what everybody called him coming over from the, from the Jets. He brought a certain mentality and a certain standard with him when he came to the Dallas Cowboys. And everybody is embodying who he is. Everybody is, is demanded that they put out a certain effort that they get off the ball, that they play with a certain violence. Like this is mandated by the position group coach and I under people need to understand that that is not by chance.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And the jets missed Aaron White Cotton last week.

[Kyle Yeomans]

They definitely did. And our. That throws me all the way back to training camp as we wrap up the show here. Throws me all the way back to training camp. There was a mic'd up segment with Brian Schottenheimer. One of the conversations he had was with coach Wycott and he said, man, the media's playing you, playing you up. They love you. They love what they've seen so far. And this was middle through midway through training.

[Patrick Walker]

What do you say, Kyle?

[Kyle Yeomans]

He's said, we haven't played anybody yet. He said, there's no reason to build me up yet. I love that mentality, by the way. Said, they haven't played anybody yet. You know what? They played somebody. They look pretty damn good and I think there's one step in the right direction and we'll see what White Cotton can continue doing as we go along here in this.

[Patrick Walker]

There's no 25 season. We're not clowning around.

[Kyle Yeomans]

No, not at all. Not today, baby. When we come back tomorrow, we'll have some QB vision. We're going to preview the Cowboys offense versus versus that Giants defense. See how Dak Prescott in that passing game can get going and keep it going. Against the Giants in week two for Patrick no see Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah, stand back. Chris Beam in the back. I'm Kyle Yeoman saying so long from talking Cowboys, we'll see you tomorrow.

[Josh Rodriguez]

We the best.

[Kyle Yeomans]

This has been a production of Dallas Cowboys.com and the Dallas Cowboys football club.

[Peyton Manning]

Nationwide is so much more than a great insurance company. They're one of America's largest financial services companies. Like how I'm more than just Peyton Manning. I'm also motivating Manning. When I say insurance, you say financial services. Insurance. Financial services. Insurance. Financial services. Now, when I say natural. Nationwide, you say, is both. Nationwide. Nationwide. For your insurance and financial needs. Nationwide is on your side.

[Patrick Walker]

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, Ember Finra, Columbus, Ohio.