Talkin’ Cowboys: Offense Must Soldier On

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys)
Date: September 18, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Patrick "No C" Walker, Josh Rodriguez

Episode Overview

This Thursday edition of "Talkin' Cowboys" dives deep into how the Dallas Cowboys’ offense plans to push forward despite injuries, previews the upcoming matchup against the Chicago Bears, and features segments like "QB Vision" and "Lab Coat" with in-depth analysis. The crew addresses concerns around the offense with key injuries on the line, shares optimism for backup starters, explains the defensive strategies they expect from Chicago, and highlights statistical insights about Dallas' early-season success.

Main theme:
How will the Cowboys offense maintain momentum with shifting personnel, especially at center, and overcome the Chicago Bears’ physical yet undermanned defense?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. North Texas Giving Day & Community Involvement

• The episode opens with a discussion about North Texas Giving Day and the importance of community engagement.
  • "For those that have a passion for helping others and impact others, please go do some research on foundations that might be near and dear to your heart." – Patrick Walker (01:53)
• Website: northtexasgivingday.org

2. Cowboys Injury Report (04:12 – 09:10)

• Daron Bland:

  • Did not participate in practice (foot injury), not expected to play against the Bears.
  • “He’s not trending toward playing… I would pencil him out of this week.” – Isaiah Stanback (04:48)

• Trevon Diggs:

  • Missed practice with illness, should recover in time for the game.

• Tyler Guyton:

  • Limited (shoulder). Concern is minimal; described as an estimation due to walkthrough practice.

• Kevontae Turpin:

  • Limited (neck). Shows positive recovery trajectory—no neck brace observed and possibly available for Sunday.
  • Medical staff praised for caution, especially with neck injuries (LVE, Damone Clark references).

• Bears Injury Situation:

  • Multiple players with hamstring issues; star CB Jaylon Johnson out indefinitely, weakening their secondary.
  • “Jalen’s starting cornerback is going to miss… that is going to impact their ability to try to stop an offense and a passing attack that seems to be finding its groove.” – Isaiah Stanback (09:18)

3. Confidence in Brock Hoffman Replacing Cooper Beebe at Center (10:18 – 15:15; 19:25 – 21:07)

• Brock Hoffman (nicknamed “Mr. Glass Eater,” “Juggernaut”) will start at center.

  • “He’s exceptionally confident… his main position growing up was center.” – Kyle Yeomans (10:49, 11:41)
  • Experience playing center through high school and college; recent NFL work at guard.

• Hoffman seen as a “1A, 1B” to Beebe, not a major step down.

  • "I have confidence in Hoffman… I just don’t want him to get outside of himself emotionally." – Patrick Walker (11:17)
  • Chemistry with other linemen highlighted; his mauler mentality fits with the current interior line group.

• Fun segment:

  • Bet that if Hoffman allows "zero sacks and less than two pressures," Josh Rodriguez will wear eye black on Monday’s show. (19:35)

4. QB Vision: Chicago Bears Defensive Preview (21:07 – 38:10)

• Bears Defensive Standouts:

  • Montez Sweat (#98): Capable edge rusher, “a dude when he wants to be.”
  • Grady Jarrett: Interior lineman to respect, though less impactful so far.
  • Dayo Odeyingbo (#55): Flashes on film.
  • Tremaine Edmunds (#49): Middle linebacker, "the heartbeat of their defense… very aggressive, very physical." (22:25)

• Defensive Style/Keys:

  • Chicago's defense is extremely physical and handsy at every level.
  • Defenders are “aggressive with their hands,” will body receivers throughout routes.
    • "It’s like Dennis Rodman fouling you every play… they’re going to do it every single play." – Isaiah Stanback (23:06)
  • Defensive game plans have shifted year-to-year and week-to-week; expect a mix but likely to favor two-high safety looks vs. Dallas’s strong pass game.

• Coverage Philosophy:

  • In games against teams with multiple receiving threats (e.g., Detroit), they played conservative “two-high” coverage.
  • Bears’ man-coverage alignments are atypical—DBs use outside leverage, funneling everything inside, leading to heavy traffic in intermediate/deep zones.

• Attack Opportunities:

  • If the O-line gives Dak time, crossing routes (especially to Lamb, Pickens, Tolbert, Ferguson) can create big plays.
    • “If you have the time up front… huge opportunities for big plays.” – Isaiah Stanback (29:45)
  • The over-aggressiveness and physicality create room for counters, wham blocks, and cutbacks in the run game.

5. Running Game & Offensive Identity (31:10 – 34:47)

• Ground Attack Stats:

  • Dallas averages 5.1 yards/carry (tied for 3rd in NFL) and is in the top three for rushing TDs (four total).
  • "This is a top-three rushing attack that the Cowboys are taking to Chicago now." – Isaiah Stanback (31:37)

• Bears’ Weakness vs. Run:

  • Chicago ranks 27th in rushing defense (allowing 148 yards/game).
  • O-line physicality is key; over-aggressive Bears can be exploited with misdirection plays.

• Former Cowboys in Chicago:

  • CB Nahshon Wright (now a starter due to injuries) and former Cowboys secondary coach Al Harris present revenge/chess-match elements.
  • “If there is anybody in this league… who knows the weaknesses of the receivers that Dallas has, it’s Al Harris.” – Patrick Walker (33:58)
  • But… “There are levels to this. If you’re telling me that Nahshon Wright can lock up CeeDee Lamb, I’m laughing in your face.” – Isaiah Stanback (37:11)

6. Lab Coat Analytics: Play Action and Passing Success (43:26 – 48:33)

• Play Action Dominance:

  • Dak Prescott ranks 2nd in completion percentage above expectation (CPAEx) on play-action passes (+25%).

  • His passer rating on play-action: 105.6 (24-point improvement vs. non play-action).

  • Play-action reduces the "tight window" percentage defenders yield (fewer contested throws).

    “Establish the run in Chicago… that will then strain the secondary… and you can walk away with a convincing win.” – Isaiah Stanback (45:39)

• Crucial for Dallas:

  • Need to run successfully to open play action and exploit the Bears’ depleted, shaky secondary.
  • Running game sets up favorable coverages, giving Dak and the WRs time/space.

7. Potential Challenges & Historical Struggles (46:08 – 49:57)

• Concerns:

  • Dak has struggled historically against Dennis Allen defenses (4 previous matchups; only 86.1 passer rating, 1 TD, 2 INTs last meeting).

    • “Give credit to Dennis Allen… but when I look at the horses, he doesn’t have the same ones.” – Kyle Yeomans (47:24)

  • Still, personnel is different; Dallas offense is healthier and more potent, while Bears lack their top CB and are struggling up front.

  • O-line must be dominant to keep pressure off Dak. If the Bears’ front gets to him repeatedly, things could go south.

    “If they start getting to him early… Prescott in the pocket… I don’t like that idea of a panic Dak.” – Josh Rodriguez (48:50)

• Urgency / Bears’ Desperation:

  • Bears are desperate for a win under new head coach Ben Johnson, making them a dangerous opponent.
  • "Desperate animal is an unpredictable animal… play them as if you’re playing the Packers, the Eagles, the Chiefs." – Isaiah Stanback (49:15)

8. Mind Games & Coaching Intrigue

• Matchup includes emotional subplots:
  • Former Dallas assistants on Chicago's staff, ex-players facing old teammates/coaches.
  • “Chess game” of coaches (Al Harris) knowing the Cowboys’ tendencies and how Brian Schottenheimer/crew will counter.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” – Brock Hoffman via Kyle Yeomans (10:49)
• On Hoffman’s “Juggernaut” mentality:
  • “Once he gets going, nobody can get in his way. It’s over.” – Isaiah Stanback (14:44)
• “There are levels to this. If you’re telling me that Nahshon Wright can lock up CeeDee Lamb, I’m laughing in your face.” – Isaiah Stanback (37:11)
• “Dak Prescott leads the league with a 75% completion percentage on third down resulting in a first down… Dak Prescott is on an absolute heater.” – Isaiah Stanback (48:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• North Texas Giving Day & philanthropy: 01:45 – 03:20
• Injury Report & Updates: 04:12 – 09:10
• Brock Hoffman & Offensive Line Discussion: 10:18 – 15:15, 19:25 – 21:07
• QB Vision: Bears Defense Breakdown: 21:07 – 38:10
• Lab Coat Analytics (Play Action, Cowboys Passing): 43:26 – 48:33
• Discussion: Dak vs. Dennis Allen, Offense vs. Bears Urgency: 46:11 – 50:36
• Closing Remarks / Bears Context: 50:36 – end

Conclusion

• The Cowboys are well-positioned to exploit a battered Bears defense, particularly on the ground and with play-action. Offensive line performance and discipline are critical, especially for backup center Brock Hoffman’s performance.
• Despite historical challenges vs. Dennis Allen and potential trap elements given Chicago’s desperation, Dallas’s talent and current offensive form provide reason for optimism.

Look ahead:
Tomorrow’s episode is “Say It With Your Chest Friday,” where bold predictions will be made and more deep dives into the matchups will be shared.

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