Talkin’ Cowboys: Picken’ Apart the Blitz

Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys
Date: December 10, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Patrick No Cee Walker, Josh Rodriguez
Theme: Breaking down Cowboys-Vikings matchup, in-depth analysis of defensive and offensive strategies, and a deep dive into the Cowboys’ cornerback situation.

Episode Overview

In this Wednesday episode, the Talkin' Cowboys crew meets to dissect the upcoming Cowboys vs. Vikings game, delivering granular film breakdowns and insider perspectives. The discussion centers around defensive scheme challenges posed by Minnesota, the Cowboys’ offensive line struggles and opportunities, and a transparent, at-times critical evaluation of Dallas' own personnel decisions—most notably, the future of star cornerback Trevon Diggs. The show balances sharp football talk with candid, personality-driven banter.

Key Segments & Insights

Injury & Roster Updates

[05:32 - 09:01]

• Cowboys back on regular practice schedule after a busy stretch.
• Injury Report:
  • CeeDee Lamb: Progressing through concussion protocol with optimism he’ll play vs. Minnesota.
  • Jadeveon Clowney & Tyler Guyton: Expected to return, barring setbacks.
  • Trevon Diggs: Has 14 days left in his 21-day practice window to return from IR. Nearly played in Detroit, but the team wants to see more in practice before activating him.

“He was close, he was right there and they almost pulled the trigger on it, but they were like...let's give it a few more days.”
– Josh Rodriguez, [08:04]

The Trevon Diggs Debate: Rotation, Future, and Fit

[09:06 - 19:42]

Rotation on Return

• Hosts predict Diggs will be on a snap count, rotating with Kaylin Carson and Savone Revel—especially since Carson's recent play has been promising.
• Patrick asks: If Diggs regains his ball-hawking form, would they play him full-time? Consensus: try both, see who performs.

Bigger Picture: Is Diggs Still Part of Cowboys’ Future?

• Most panelists feel Diggs’ future in Dallas is doubtful, citing contract, fit, and leadership issues:

“I find it hard to believe that Trevon Diggs is in the future cards for this franchise. That's just my gut feeling.”
– Kyle Yeomans, [11:35]

“I don't believe he fits the characteristics of this defense...I'm talking about character...I don't see that fitting here.”
– Isaiah Stanback, [15:02]

• The group outlines what would have to happen for Diggs to stick: he must play lights-out and mend a clear culture/communication rift with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

“At the end of the day, two things have to occur...One is he has to return and play lights out...the other...can he and Matt Eberflus get along?”
– Josh Rodriguez, [16:10]

Leadership & Accountability

• Contrasts Diggs with other "big contract" Cowboys, noting most are leaders. Clear implication: despite talent, Diggs hasn’t seized that role.

Film Room: Vikings Blitz & Defensive Scheme Breakdown

QB Vision: [25:27 - 41:56]

Brian Flores’ Blitz Strategy

• Vikings DC Brian Flores runs a straightforward but high-pressure defense. Not "exotic" in look, but highly aggressive and difficult to read.
• Defensive fronts:
  • Consistently present 3-4 and 4-3 “simple” looks.
  • Overhang linebackers cap the formation edges.
  • Challenge for Dallas: differentiating which linebacker is blitzing; there’s little in the way of “tells.”

“The look is going to look simple…But there’s slim…I have not been able to pick up on an indicator as to what gives away which guy is coming.”
– Isaiah Stanback, [29:10]

Interior Offensive Line Challenge

• The foundation of the Vikings defense is monstrous interior linemen: Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen, Jalen Redmond.
• In their 3-4 look with A-gap blitzers:
  • Guards and centers are isolated—there’s little help, making communication and execution vital.
  • Running backs regularly tasked with picking up blitzers right up the gut.

Vikings Blitz Rate & Dak Prescott’s Strengths

• Stat: Vikings blitz on 49% of snaps—8% higher than any other NFL team.
  • Dak’s career: typically outstanding against the blitz (106 QBR vs blitz; 97.6 vs non-blitz).
  • Caveat: These A-gap, close-quarters blitzes are atypical—harder for the offensive line, harder for the quarterback to step into throws.

“I can't stress enough. Guard play, guard play, guard play. If your guards don't have the game of their life, it's going to be a problem.”
– Isaiah Stanback, [35:35]

Coverages

• Secondary runs predominantly Cover 2/Cover 4/Cover 6, presenting a "bend-but-don't-break" shell meant to:
  • Keep plays in front, avoid big shots.
  • Force QBs to throw quickly under pressure, seeking tips, overthrows, and sacks.
  • Middle of the field and slants can be open, but the window closes quickly.

Notable Vikings Defenders

• Byron Murphy Jr. and Harrison Smith highlighted as key secondary playmakers.

Scouting the Offense: Offensive Line Accountability

[49:05 - 53:05]

• Panel addresses offensive line’s need to bounce back after a “flat” performance in Detroit.
  • Candid locker room quotes from Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker owning the lack of “juice”/effort vs. Lions.
• Vikings’ interior defense viewed as the toughest collective unit the Cowboys have faced all year, moreso than even the Eagles’ DL.

“This is head up. This is each one of the—all three office of interior linemen have their own battle. They can't help each other. That’s the difference.”
– Isaiah Stanback, [53:03]

• The line must “juice up” both physically and mentally—even more than correcting x’s and o’s, effort and focus will be under the microscope.

Notable Quotes & Fun Moments

• Leadership & Contracts:

  “When you pay somebody at the top, there’s a responsibility that comes with that…It’s no different when you have the highest paycheck on one side of the ball—on defense—that comes with it.”
  – Isaiah Stanback, [18:18]

• Blitz Percentages:

  “49% on the season. That’s 8% higher than any other team in the league. Kyle, half the time they are blitzing.”
  – Kyle Yeomans, [34:24]

• Panel Chemistry:

  • Multiple running jokes about Captain Underpants, playfully accusing each other about Cowboys gear and underwear for team store discounts.
  • Banter on misfiring on handoffs (play calls) during the in-studio “film session.”

• Locker Room Candidness:

  “We didn’t have the kind of energy that we had been playing with in the last two games at home…we’re trying to figure out why that was.”
  – Cooper Beebe (quoted by Josh Rodriguez), [49:58]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [05:32] – Injury notes: Lamb, Diggs, Clowney, Guyton updates
• [09:06] – Trevon Diggs: Rotation plans, future speculation
• [15:02] – Isaiah on Diggs’ character fit in Dallas
• [18:05] – Paying leaders and culture expectations
• [25:47] – Start of QB Vision: Flores’ blitz philosophy
• [29:59] – O-line assignment problems vs. Vikings’ fronts
• [34:24] – Cowboys must counter a 49% blitz rate
• [41:56] – Recap and transition: O-line must “get their juice back”
• [49:05] – Cowboys OL candidness and the coming challenge
• [53:05] – Wrap-up: Each lineman must win their own 1-on-1 battle

Summary: Takeaways for Cowboys Fans

• Vikings Defense: Simple—but relentless and confusing blitz packages that stress the Cowboys’ communication and physicality up front.
• Cowboys Offensive Line: Self-awareness and effort must return after a Detroit letdown. If the line can handle the Vikings’ unique pressure, Dallas should be in strong shape.
• Trevon Diggs Situation: The crew is skeptical of Diggs’ long-term Cowboys fit. His return will be rotational, and his role—and future—are murky unless he excels and bridges a clear culture gap with Matt Eberflus.
• Watch Number 55 (Eric Wilson): Vikings’ LB with unique blitz impact; keep an eye on him Sunday.
• Key to Victory: Score above 27 points—the Vikings’ defense is formidable but the offense is struggling; 27+ is a magic number.
• Overall: The Vikings’ record may be poor, but their defense is legit. This is a trap game unless Dallas executes with high energy and discipline up front.

Next Episode:

• Cowboys defense vs. Vikings offense preview, more chat topics, plus Friday’s “Get Your Popcorn Ready” segment.

This summary captures the tone, context, quotes, and essential analysis as delivered by the Talkin' Cowboys crew—with timestamps and direct speaker attribution for key moments.