Talkin’ Cowboys: Prescott, Pickens & a Pinch of Butter

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys
Date: September 15, 2025
Dallas Cowboys 40, New York Giants 37 (OT) — Reaction & Analysis

Episode Overview

This episode of Talkin’ Cowboys, hosted by Kyle Yeomans, Patrick “No C” Walker, Josh Rodriguez, and Tommy Yarish, recaps the Dallas Cowboys’ thrilling 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants—marking their first victory and a 40-point "burger" in 654 days. The crew debates the messy but resilient performance, highlights key offensive and defensive moments, discusses standout individual contributors (notably Dak Prescott, George Pickens, and kicker "Butter" Brandon Aubrey), and details the instant-impact signing of pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. They also laugh about post-victory Whataburgers and hand out their trusty smelly stickers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Victory in Context

• Opening Energy (01:25):
  • Cowboys escape with an overtime win after a wild, back-and-forth contest.
  • "There’s a lot of hesitation amongst Cowboys fans and for a good reason. It was an ugly win, but...there’s no such thing as really an ugly win in the NFL." — Kyle Yeomans [02:20]
• 40-Burger Watch (03:26):
  • First 40-point game since 2023; the 40-burger tradition returns.

2. Offensive Resiliency & Dak Prescott’s Performance

• Prescott’s Poise (25:17, 26:16):
  • 38/52, 361 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; but the clutch moments define the win.
  • "Dak Prescott in the fourth quarter and overtime...15 of 20 passing, 187 total yards, and a touchdown." — Kyle Yeomans [26:10]
• Turning Point & Clutch Factor (27:08, 28:24):
  • "This is why you pay Dak Prescott all that darn money...he has ice in his veins when it comes to the New York Giants." — Patrick Walker [27:08]
  • "Dak Prescott’s 14 wins vs. the Giants are the most by any QB vs. any opponent since he entered the NFL in 2016." — Patrick Walker [27:30]
  • Crew highlights Dak’s leadership, his critical runs (especially late in OT), and keeping belief in receivers after mistakes.
• Quotes:
  • "When he had to make the gutsy plays, he made the gutsy plays, made them in the air, made them on the ground." — Josh Rodriguez [45:04]

3. New Additions & Roster Management

• Jadeveon Clowney Signing (07:17-08:56):
  • Cowboys agree to terms with Clowney during the game, aiming to upgrade the front-four pass rush.
  • "If you’re gonna play a lot of zone, you better get a lot of pressure up front with just four." — Josh Rodriguez [07:42]
  • Deal: 1-year, $3.5M base, up to $6M with incentives.

4. Defensive Highs & Lows

• Giving Up Yardage (14:29–16:46):
  • Concern over secondary: Cowboys surrendered 450 yards and 3 TDs to Russell Wilson, nearly a career-high.
  • Overreliance on zone coverage, communication breakdowns, and missing Duron Bland cited.
  • "That was rough sledding…you’re very happy to get out of there with a win." — Tommy Yarish [14:29]
• Front-Seven Bright Spots (17:16–18:45):
  • Shoutouts to Kenny Clark, Solomon Thomas, Osa Odighizuwa, and especially Kenneth Murray for high-impact plays.
  • Issues at DE: Some players struggled to finish, leading to Clowney’s signing.
• Quotes:
  • "You talk about the goal-to-go stands and the hell that the Cowboys defensive front gave Russell Wilson and that Giants offense." — Josh Rodriguez [18:02]
  • "They've got to figure out what's going on that back end. Or…start getting home on these quarterbacks." — Patrick Walker [18:45]

5. Standout Individuals & Culture Shifts

• Brandon "Butter" Aubrey (05:44, 44:40):
  • UFL find now a clutch kicker—hit a 60+-yarder and the OT game-winner.
  • "To have a kicker of that caliber on this team just feels so right and cosmically justified." — Patrick Walker [05:16]
• George Pickens’ Impact (10:01–11:19):
  • Only 5 catches, 68 yards, but crucial in drawing penalties and opening up opportunities.
  • Locker room presence praised:
    • "He was pushing us to keep going every single play. And I appreciate that as a man and as a brother." — Tyler Smith (read by Josh Rodriguez) [12:45]
• Jake Ferguson:
  • Stabilizing tight end, fearless in the seam, tough after the catch.
• Brian Schottenheimer’s First Win:
  • Celebrated as a milestone for the new head coach—icing on the victory cupcake. [48:05]

6. Postgame Spirit & Humor

• Whataburger 40-Burgers (04:10, 38:11, 43:10):
  • Hosts celebrate with Whataburgers post-show for the first 40-point output in nearly two years.
• Smelly Stickers (Player of the Game Honors, 43:44):
  • Dak Prescott gets a "pair” (for his gutsy performance) [44:53]
  • Aubrey gets the "pineapple with a little butt" [45:40]
  • Pickens gets a pineapple with glasses [46:44]
  • Schottenheimer awarded a cupcake for his first win [47:41]

7. Memorable Quotes & Banter

• "Every demon starts as an angel, so ..." — Josh Rodriguez on George Pickens’ reputation [13:15]
• "I don't know how you could be critical of what he's done through two weeks." — Kyle Yeomans on Dak [32:06]
• On defensive struggles: “Cowboys are very lucky to have gotten out of this game with a victory.” — Tommy Yarish [16:26]
• "This was a sweet win … The icing on top? This was the first win in the NFL head coaching career for Brian Schottenheimer." — Kyle Yeomans [47:44]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Game Recap & Vibes: 01:25-04:10
• Takeaways Sequence: 04:12–14:29
• Clowney Signing & Front Office: 07:17–09:07
• Offensive Standouts & Dak in Crunch Time: 25:17–32:33
• Defensive Evaluation: 13:50–19:02
• Player-By-Player Praise (Ferguson, Pickens, Aubrey): 10:01–11:40, 44:40, 45:46
• Smelly Sticker Awards: 43:44–48:05

Episode Flow & Tone

A balanced mixture of celebratory banter and critical analysis, the hosts keep the discussion lively with running jokes (“smelly stickers,” “we’re back to the 40 burger!”), pointed stats, and direct messaging to the fans about not overreacting to early-season wobbles or “ugly” wins. There’s a strong emphasis on team resilience, leadership culture, and the vision for growth as the season unfolds.

Takeaway Summary

• Resilient Team Win: Cowboys survive an emotional rollercoaster to win in overtime despite a porous secondary.
• Dak Prescott: Cemented his dominance over the Giants with late-game heroics and leadership, earning stats comparable to Rodgers/Brady in comeback spots.
• Secondary Concerns: Overreliance on zone exposed coverage issues; arrival of Jadeveon Clowney is an instant fix attempt.
• Complementary Star Power: Brandon Aubrey’s reliability, George Pickens’ physical and psychological impact, and return of an effective running game offer optimism.
• Locker Room & Culture: Team chemistry, accountability, and the importance of on-field leadership highlighted.
• Fun Moments: Celebration of the "40 burger" with Whataburgers, clever metaphors, inside jokes, and player-of-the-game “smelly stickers" keep the tone upbeat.

For Listeners Who Missed It

If you’re catching up, this episode offers both catharsis for Cowboys fans after a wild win and honest assessment of what needs fixing for Dallas to contend. Expect sharp analysis, compelling stats, love for new faces like Clowney, classic Dallas optimism, and enough food (literally and figuratively) to keep you hungry for Week 3.