Talkin’ Cowboys: Revenant Reality

Summary

Talkin' Cowboys: "Revenant Reality" – Episode Summary

Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys
Date: September 22, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Patrick "No C" Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez
Location: The Star in Frisco, TX

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Overview

This episode is a raw, emotion-filled breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys’ embarrassing 31-14 Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears. The hosts hold little back, addressing the team’s failures in execution, effort, and coaching decisions—particularly on offense in the red zone and on defense with communication and coverage breakdowns. The show blends passionate critique and detailed football analysis, catering to frustrated fans seeking answers.

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Main Themes

• Embarrassment and Frustration: The loss is characterized as far worse than a typical “fall”—more like a "face plant." The hosts share the fans’ pain and frustration.
• Failures in Execution and Effort: Both player effort and coaching choices are examined as root causes for the loss.
• Red Zone Mismanagement: Questionable play-calling and identity issues, especially after CeeDee Lamb's injury.
• Defensive Breakdowns: Communication, scheme, and execution failures are dissected.
• Leadership and Roster Decisions: Debates on offseason moves, missing veterans, and the impact on this year’s performance.
• Looking Ahead: Concerns about future games, team depth, and whether the team can recover its identity.

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Detailed Discussion & Key Moments

1. Setting the Tone: Frustration and Humor

00:57–01:44

• Kyle Yeomans opens, calling the loss “embarrassing and frustrating.”

  “It felt like you gave up… scheme wise was rough, execution wise was maybe even rougher.” (Kyle, 01:59)

• The crew playfully riffs on their travel woes, making airport/grounded analogies to the team’s performance.

  “One thing that DFW as an airport and the Dallas Cowboys had in common this weekend is they didn’t know how to communicate.” (Isaiah, 03:13)

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2. Early Game Turning Point: The Unfinished Block & Fumble

04:23–06:46

• Key sequence: Javonte Williams’ fumble after Jalen Tolbert fails to finish a block.

  • Patrick and Josh replay the film: “There's one reason. Certain wide receiver did not finish his block.” (Josh, 04:29)
  • “That was Jalen Tolbert… a criticism we’ve had… even in preseason and training camp: finishing those blocks.” (Josh, 06:05)

• The team stresses the importance of receiver effort in the run game.

  “Big plays are dependent on the receiving group blocking downfield… it’s a decision to or not to, based upon the effort that’s exerted.” (Patrick, 04:51)

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3. Questionable Play-Calling: Running CeeDee Lamb & Ignoring Williams

07:14–11:13

• Much criticism is directed at the play where CeeDee Lamb is given a handoff in the backfield and is injured.

  • Isaiah: "This was a gaff of monumental proportions that could have resulted in you losing your All-Pro… it is the grace of every almighty being that his leg did not snap." (Isaiah, 08:00)

• Why not use Turpin or stick with Williams?

  • “Why, for the most part, would you risk CD Lamb? Now you lose him for the rest of the game and your identity went with him.” (Isaiah, 10:10)

• The frustration peaks as the Cowboys fail to run the ball in short yardage, despite Williams’ 7.6 yards/carry average (10:57–12:22).

  “How many yards are we running for again? …and you have zero run attempts from inside the 2. Four straight passes… that’s my problem.” (Patrick, 12:07)

• Historic parallel is drawn to Seattle’s infamous Super Bowl play.

  “It’s very similar to… Seattle with Marshawn Lynch… you’re on the one yard line. Give him the ball!” (Patrick, 13:02)

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4. Defensive Collapse: Scheme, Communication, & Accountability

14:23–22:29

• Eberflus’ defense shines Week 1, but collapses in Weeks 2 & 3, giving up big passing numbers to struggling offenses.

  “You’ve given up seven passing touchdowns in two weeks. That’s… to who? Everybody.” (Patrick, 16:16)

• Confusing coverage, poor safety play are highlighted with specific examples:

  • Malik Hooker “looked lost on multiple occasions” despite previously playing for Eberflus (Kyle, 19:01)
  • Examples: DJ Moore and Cole Kmet touchdowns stemmed from basic breakdowns in zone and cover-3 responsibilities (Patrick, 19:46–22:09)

• Simple schemes not being executed:

  "These are coverage calls you learn in high school... These are simplistic 'lineup, this is your area' type plays and the ball is getting dropped." (Isaiah, 22:22)

• The Cowboys as the “get right” opponent for bad teams:

  “Other teams are now using you as the get right game… you’re the punching bag.” (Isaiah, 23:05)

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5. Loss of Leadership, Offseason Moves Second-Guessed

28:07–30:13

• Josh argues letting veterans like Jordan Lewis and DeMarcus Lawrence go is hurting the team, especially given a lack of leadership and clutch plays:

  "It's really painful to see two of the best guys you had on defense, leaders on your team, are... being leaders for other teams." (Josh, 29:24)

• Debate if the team is “one player away”—general consensus is “no.”

  “This team is not one guy away, in my opinion.” (Kyle, 30:28)

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6. Discipline, Culture, and Lost Identity

34:29–35:56

• Discipline collapsing; hosts express concern Cowboys haven’t shifted culture under McCarthy as hoped:

  “It is indicative of a team that has not fully changed their culture like they have claimed to have. This feels a lot like those losses with McCarthy…” (Josh, 35:02)

• The team appeared to “throw in the towel” early in the game.

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7. CeeDee Lamb’s Injury: Offensive Identity in Jeopardy

43:08–49:11

• With Lamb potentially out, George Pickens is pressed to fill the WR1 role but the hosts question his discipline, effort, and consistency:

  "You need George to step into that. You're trying to earn yourself some money... show every play... that you are full speed through the route, through the break, through the run block every single time." (Isaiah, 49:11)

• Turpin showed toughness but the offense is left without an X-factor if Lamb misses time.

• Ferguson’s big day is chalked up more to checking down than real impact.

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8. Defensive Worries Loom Over Next Matchups

49:59–52:11

• Green Bay (Week 4) looms—Packers are “pissed” after a tough loss.
• Browns (recent Green Bay opponent) are cited as having the best D; Cowboys are at the other end of the spectrum.
• The schedule only gets harder, and Josh worries the offense can’t compensate for “how bad this defense has performed.”

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Notable Quotes

• “I don’t have a positive takeaway.” (Isaiah, 03:49)
• "That play doesn't happen if George Pickens doesn't get a block... it's the consistency." (Patrick, 47:19)
• "The Cowboys are now the get-right game for opponents." (Isaiah, 23:05)
• "The reward is not worth the risk." (Patrick, 11:31, on risky gadget plays and Lamb's injury)
• "Simple for your defenders also means simple to dissect for the opposing offenses. Yes. But he [Eberflus] has to find some kind of effective way to communicate responsibilities..." (Patrick, 18:00)
• "This is a different look… it felt like they threw in the towel in week three." (Kyle, 35:56)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:59 – Opening take: "Embarrassing and frustrating loss"
• 04:23 – Film breakdown: Wide receiver's block leads to strip
• 08:00 – CeeDee Lamb risky run & injury criticism
• 12:07 – Zero run attempts from the 1-yard line, playcalling outrage
• 19:01 – Safety miscommunications and coverage breakdowns explained
• 23:05 – “Get right game” for opponents: Cowboys as a punchline
• 29:24 – Leadership void after losing veterans
• 35:02 – Culture questioned—reminiscent of past McCarthy teams
• 43:08 – Lamb’s absence, Pickens as WR1, questions about offense without Lamb

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Conclusion: Where Do They Go From Here?

The Cowboys find themselves in a “manic,” “malarkey,” or simply humiliating Monday. The team faces existential questions about effort, discipline, leadership, and coaching. With CeeDee Lamb's status in doubt, defensive miscommunications rampant, and questions about culture change unresolved, the panel is openly worried about the future. The next game against Green Bay is now critical for their season's direction.

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Actionable Takeaways for Cowboys Fans

• Expect continued angst and hard questions from this panel until the Cowboys show serious improvement in effort, discipline, and schematic execution.
• Watch for leadership to emerge—either from young players like Pickens or from returning veterans.
• Defensive communication and discipline must be addressed immediately, or the Cowboys risk sliding even further in a brutal upcoming stretch.
• Keep an eye on injury reports, especially regarding CeeDee Lamb, as the offense’s identity may depend on it.

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Transcript

[Isaiah Stanback]

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 saquon Barkley, the NFL's reigning leading rusher. I'm also the NFL's leading husher.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Shh.

[Isaiah Stanback]

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.

[Nationwide Announcer]

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Amber Finra, Columbus, Ohio.

[Kyle Yeomans]

The following is a production of Dallas Cowboys.com and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

How about them Cowboys?

[Kyle Yeomans]

This is Talking Cowboys streaming live from the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters at the.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Star in Frisco CD Lamb.

[Isaiah Stanback]

It's on. Jake Ferguson.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Touchdown. Keeps it and he bangs it in for the touchdown.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And now your hosts, Isaiah Stanbach, Patrick Walker, Josh Rodriguez and Kyle Yeomans. It's a Monday morning edition of Talking Cowboys presented by Black Rifle coffee company live from the Star in Frisco, Texas in the SWBC studios. Welcome in everybody. We've got the whole cast and crew ready for you to rock today with Patrick no see Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah Stamback with Chris Beam in the back, I'm Kyle Yeomans. The Cowboys fall in week three. 31:14 and I don't know if it was just classified as a fall. It felt like it was a stumble that led into a face plant that led into tuck and roll, tuck and roll. That maybe went downhill a little bit.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Drawers are down the whole time.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, like you got pants. Team that was winless. Yeah, not good. Not good in gb. Not ngb.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Not great.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Bob, we're going to break it down here over the next hour. First off, before we even get there, I would like to say thank you for listening because we know you're frustrated too, but we're frustrated with you because it was embarrassing and frustrating loss. Just plain and simple. It felt like you gave up. It felt like you man. Scheme wise was rough. Execution wise was maybe even rougher. And yet here we are.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I feel like no see has a lot to say today.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Dude, I told you yesterday afterwards I said I think no see's gonna go ham on a Monday morning. Especially after getting off the flight. What time did y' all get back last night? Wasn't too bad.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Wasn't too bad. A little after midnight.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yeah, it was a crazy trip.

[Isaiah Stanback]

The trip started off weird and ominous. There was a two hour plus delay getting off the tarmac or even getting on the tarmac because we didn't have a airplane.

[Josh Rodriguez]

An airplane for those kind of need one of those.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You kind of need one of those.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Okay.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah. To. To kind of get.

[Kyle Yeomans]

So was everybody just kind of chilling?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Chartered. Right.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You charted? Yeah. Waiting in the heat. But to be fair, it was an issue with DFW as a whole.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

So for those that everybody got grounded.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah, everybody got grounded. And I mean it was, it was apropos because one thing that DFW as an airport and the gut the Dallas Cowboys had in common this weekend is they didn't know how to communicate.

[Josh Rodriguez]

So no takeoff either.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah. Couldn't get off the tarmac.

[Kyle Yeomans]

So no air traffic control either.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And no touchdown.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Would you say that they were grounded? They were grounded. Were they grounded?

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Rooted. Rooted.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That was last year.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Oh, it was last year. I'm sorry. Different.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Different for. Than this year.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah. Bottom line, for the. To avoid a fine. Let's just say it was a crap show. Crap show.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Wow.

[Isaiah Stanback]

What. What's. What's. Cuz I know Cal's general question is what's your biggest takeaway? My takeaway is that I don't have a positive takeaway. Oh. And the game started with a takeaway for the Bears and it kind of went from there. You saw the, the defense get off to a quick three and I'll start. Javante Williams gets the ball, 26 yard gain, looking very much like Javante. And then he, he gets his lunch money taken. Very uncharacteristic. And then what happens from there, the next sequence of events that then lead to the first Bears touchdown, it just all cascaded from there.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Do you know why he had his lunch money taken? Why is that? I'm allow people to go watch the film and figure out why.

[Josh Rodriguez]

But I'll tell you, there's one reason. One, yes, there is certain wide receiver did not finish his block. Oh, and let.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

This is what. We watch film.

[Isaiah Stanback]

We do watch film.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

We watch film here. Rodriguez was on it. We had not talked about this prior to the show, by the way. Really, at all if to your point.

[Josh Rodriguez]

But my bullseye is on a particular wide receiver.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

He ran good routes yesterday. He ran your routes yesterday. But we talked about it last week. I believe it was. We did the receiving group. The running game. Big plays are dependent on the receiving group blocking downfield. And it is a decision to or not to based upon the effort that's, that's, that's exerted whether or not you want to engage in that smoke or not. And if you choose not to engage in that smoke and just kind of check the box and say, okay, I, I've got my Hands on my guy. Now the running backs pass me and I can just now let up.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hey, please. Play still going, by the way.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Play still going. There are individuals who the thing called hustle.

[Kyle Yeomans]

What's hustle?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Effort.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah, there's effort.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

So certain play up, certain players are like, okay, yeah, you might have, quote, unquote, done your job, but I still see that there's an opportunity to go make a play. So since you didn't finish me, I'm going to go take the ball. And that's what happened on that particular play. Now, we could point to a whole lot of things, but we're talking about that play. Javonte Williams did lose the ball.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yes, he did.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That's his responsibility to keep the ball. But I could tell you had somebody else finished their job, that person would not have been in position to take the ball away from Javonte. When this was a team thing.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You saw the same thing, Josh.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yes, absolutely. It was Jalen Tolbert. And this is a criticism that we've had from week one. I mean, even in the preseason and in training camp, as far as, like finishing those blocks, being able to be physical against your defensive player in front of you. He did not finish the play. That same player went out and snatched the ball away from Javante Williams, who had an amazing game. I mean, despite the fumble, he took his lunch money, like you said, going out of bounds. I was like, that. That was out of bounds. That was out of bounds. And it was not. But unfortunately it was that block from Jalen Tolbert that led to the fumble.

[Isaiah Stanback]

So you say.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Or the takeaway, really.

[Isaiah Stanback]

So you.

[Josh Rodriguez]

They took it away from you.

[Isaiah Stanback]

So you say. Oh, that play notwithstanding, your running back was having another great game.

[Josh Rodriguez]

It was a great game, an amazing game.

[Kyle Yeomans]

10 carries, 76 yards.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Come on. Yeah.

[Josh Rodriguez]

10 carries, 76 yards, 7.6 yards per carry. And he only had 10 carries on the day.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Okay, well, that's because you were playing from behind. Game started.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

How many carries did he have from. From the one yard line?

[Isaiah Stanback]

Still?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Hold on.

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, no, no, but hold on.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

No.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Your running back is having another great day, so let's use your franchise while I receive Red running back.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Oh, we're going back.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

You want to go to that?

[Isaiah Stanback]

Hear me out.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Did we talk about this?

[Isaiah Stanback]

We talked about this on talking Tuesday.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Talking Tuesday.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Forgot who. Who made that call.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I blame that call, whoever it was.

[Kyle Yeomans]

No, it's not. I know, I know, I know.

[Isaiah Stanback]

It's not your fault. Make sure you call in every Tuesday. Yeah, we talked about this.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Talk let's not blame. No, no, no.

[Isaiah Stanback]

We're not. We're just.

[Kyle Yeomans]

But he did ask the question. He asked the question.

[Isaiah Stanback]

He asked the question.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I want to see more CD Lamb in the run game. And I think all of us looked at it and said, nah, Worth.

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, no, you were already. If you wanted to mix it up, that's why you have the Kevante Turpin package and Cavante was fully cleared. You should have used him on that package if that's what you were going to do. Why? Why? Why, why, why, why? For the most part, coming into this game, I. I've loved how Shotty has called plays. Okay? This was not a mistake when it came to that CD Lamb handoff. This was a gaff of monumental proportions that could have resulted in you losing your all pro record setting wide receiver for the entire season. Because if you look at how his leg was rolled up on it is the grace of every almighty being that his leg did not snap.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yep.

[Isaiah Stanback]

James Connor, the fact that he was able to even come back in the game and test the angle out, the willingness, the willingness which he showed his grit and toughness from last year playing through that shoulder.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

There was, there were, there were, there were examples of willingness in that game of coming, wanting to come back in the game. And there was examples of not.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Gentlemen, we'll get to that in a second. Gentlemen, when you so bad. If you could have seen me in the press box in Chicago when I saw CD Lamb in the single back formation, I said, he better motion out, snapped the ball and handed him the ball. And as soon as he started running and I saw the trailer, I said, please, no. And then he went down with the tackle. And I'm just like, oh my God.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

We didn't get up. We did not get up to the, to the linebacker. And because our old line didn't get up to the linebacker, that linebacker.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That was another sequence of Lemony Snicket, a sequence of a Series of unfortunate events. CD Lamb should not have been the ball carrier in the first place.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And it's not like it was a wrinkle. He lined up in the back.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Lined up.

[Josh Rodriguez]

He lined up, said we. And your running back is running seven yards a carry. What are you doing?

[Isaiah Stanback]

Louder please. What are you doing? Again, all several things can be true at the same time. Coming to this game. I love how shy was calling the game. We said on Tuesday though, you have a running back that is doing numbers. He is leading the league in yards per carry. You have the top three rushing defense you have a offense. You have a package specifically for Kavonte Turpin at running back that you have practiced time and time again in training camp.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Why?

[Isaiah Stanback]

For this. For in the name of all that is holy and good would you risk CD Lamp? So now you lose CD Lamp for the rest of the game and your identity went with him. You couldn't get a chunk play to save your life. Jake Ferguson. Shout out to Jake Ferguson.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

13, 14.

[Isaiah Stanback]

He tried his best to contribute, I think. Yeah. 13 receptions on 14 targets, but he averaged a little more than six yards. They. You play right into their hands because now they shaded all their coverage to George Pickens and they said, you can have the underneath. You can have it. Come on. No, no, no. Now it's. I, I need that, that facial expression. Give me what's behind that facial expression because I know where you're going with it. Come on with it.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

There's so much on Monday. Are we doing a Monday we say.

[Isaiah Stanback]

After a loss like that?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I. So I am, I too am upset that they utilize CD in the backfield. I don't think it gives you an advantage in any regard. No, I just. There's no situation where I'm finding in.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Other ways that doesn't put yourself in a peculiar situation. And even with that, it's one play. And that one play turned out in a negative fashion. It very easily could have been a normal tackle.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Move on. Absolutely.

[Kyle Yeomans]

But I think you learned your lesson. You still.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I agree.

[Kyle Yeomans]

We said it before the snap.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

The reward is not worth the risk.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Exactly.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Said exactly 1000,000 verbatim on this show last week. But again, so that is what it is. Unfortunately, players get hurt in football. We would have not have liked to seen him in that position. To be hurt from that position. Right. From that alignment, from that position, from that responsibility. All right, that's done. I am more bothered as we fast forward towards the end of the game. You have five plays from the 11 yard line and in. And then you have four plays from the five yard line and in. How many yards are we running for again?

[Josh Rodriguez]

7.6, 7.6 for him.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Six yard average for the team right from the one yard line.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

How many, how many, how many run.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Attempts from the inside? The two. They had zero.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

So. So it was two plays from the five and then it was two plays from the one.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yes.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Four straight passes. Yeah. Zero run attempts. Yeah, that's my problem. And I understand, I feel and I know that coach Scheidemer is going to go back and wish that he did Things differently. And we're playing Monday morning. Absolutely, we're playing Monday morning. Quarterback. I get it. However, your identity right now truly is. You're running the ball effectively and your offensive line is blocking their butts off in the run game. I don't understand how you don't allow them that opportunity. The chance to put the ball in the end zone on the backs of your offensive line. That's what I can't comprehend.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Completely agree.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

It's. It's. To me, it's. It's very similar to, you know, you go back to Seattle with Marshawn lynch, it's like, well, you got Marshawn lynch and the old line's been doing good and you're on the one year out. Give him. Give him the ball, you know.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Right.

[Isaiah Stanback]

It's like, you know.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Give him the ball, you know. Who called that play?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Do you know? I do. I do. He looks familiar. Give him the ball.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It was shades of that. Intrusive thoughts is what I put on Twitter last night. Or x. Yes, but I said intrusive thoughts came in.

[Josh Rodriguez]

There's some. Some overthinking.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

There's a reason why. Yeah. Why I've mentioned that. Yeah. I don't understand. I can't comprehend when you're winning the line of scrimmage why you do not. Why you line up five yards away from the one yard from the goal line and then you then in turn proceed to pass it numerous times. Now, the interception that Dak had, there is an individual who did not get their block. They got beat on that particular play was Brock Hoffman. Brock Hoffman lost his one on one assignment. The nose tackle beat him, put pressure in Dax face. Dak threw the ball up. Nobody was open anyway. It was four down interception.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Hence no I black today.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Exactly. So that's what bothered me more than anything. There was a bunch of other things that I could point to.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Another one. Here's another one.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Okay, go ahead.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Matt Eber Flutes, your defense is three weeks in. It had a stellar outing against the Philadelphia Eagles.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Week one.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Week one. And we had some high hopes.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yep.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Two consecutive weeks in a row.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

How about how many safeties did they play in that game primarily?

[Isaiah Stanback]

Say again safeties?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

1. High or too high?

[Isaiah Stanback]

I have to. I can't. It was too high. Yeah, that's right. It was too high.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

The receivers did nothing.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Two weeks beyond that game, you've now played a wildly underperforming Giants offense that you may look like a historic Giants passing offense. And you've now played a historically bad through the first two weeks offense and Caleb Williams and the Bears and you let them look fantastic. Caleb Williams left yesterday's game for the first time in his NFL career without being sacked a single solitary time.

[Josh Rodriguez]

His quarterback rating was 142.6.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Not a single sack.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Not a single sack. And as I was told that we could scheme pressure.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I was told that we could scheme pressure. I was told we could scheme pressure. And it's, it's not happened through those two games. I was also told that Jadevion was brought here to contribute but he was in a track suit yesterday.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I don't, I don't like it's been a week. He hasn't had training camp.

[Josh Rodriguez]

If the Cowboys had had let him go with his first visit without, without.

[Kyle Yeomans]

A contract been a rep count maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe even then I think it would have been close.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Okay, so I'm next week I'm not going to speak to the what, what Jadavian could have brought to this game. I'm not going to bring that conversation. But what I, what I will address is that you've given up seven passing touchdowns in two weeks chunks. That's, that's to who Everybody. The issue.

[Josh Rodriguez]

No, no, no, no. Who are the quarterbacks? Can you just.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Russell Wilson, the Bears and the.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Oh and did you see what did Russell Wilson do against the Chiefs yesterday? What did Malik Neighbors do against the Chiefs yesterday? Malik Neighbors barely clocked in yesterday.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Okay, can I, can I give you the difference? Week one, I mentioned it was too high safety primarily you took away their, their ability to throw the ball down the field. Did you get a pass rush? No. But you took away the receivers and I said you had to make a decision on whether or not you want to stop their ability to pass the ball or you want to allow Jalen Hurts to hurt you every now and then by running the ball in front of you.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Sure.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Pregame show yesterday I mentioned if you had to make a decision on what approach you want to take. I said I would much rather you take the bend but don't break method while you keep everybody in front of you because they have a lot of weapons that can hurt you both at tight end and, and at receiver. I said and if you give Caleb Williams time, he can't hurt you. He can throw the ball is this dude. There's not a pass that he can't make. So you have to make a decision. Take away the receiver threat or take away Caleb Williams threat. They went single high. Right. I mean I said it many times. I said go to do what you did week one. Last week you tried the single high thing. That did not work at all. This week you tried the single high thing again and it did in the two high zones. Your guys seemingly don't understand what to do. And that I can't also cannot comprehend because those coverage calls that Eber Flutes is calling, I know the finger is going to get pointed at him because he's responsible for the men that's touched the field. Those coverage calls are not difficult. They. He is not. And I say this just this is me backing him in this regard. He's not calling complex coverages.

[Isaiah Stanback]

We've heard these are simplification a lot.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

This is very simple. Now, simple for your defenders also means simple to dissect for the opposing offenses. Yes, but he has to find some kind of effective way to communicate responsibilities to. Primarily I'm speaking to his safeties because that's where a lot of these issues the last two weeks have lied. There's been a Donovan Wilson issue, has been a Malik Hooker issue.

[Josh Rodriguez]

But what you're asking Donovan Wilson to do is not play last week.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That was last week. And this, this week changed up. This week it changed up.

[Josh Rodriguez]

He was going downfield a little more.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

He was cut. He was carrying because he were playing single high. Right. So he has, he has a responsibility for certain zones. Right. Versus if you're playing too high, everything's coming towards you. So that's what I'm saying. You're asking guys to do things outside of themselves when you try to go to single high. When they went too high yesterday.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Oh, when they did.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

When they did. And when they went too high yesterday in one of the red zone situations, Malik Hooker had his eyes on DeAndre Swift in the backfield going to a flat route when that's not even his responsibility.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That's where I had the criticism was Malik Hooker looked lost on multiple occasions yesterday. And I mean it's, it's notable to have a bad game as a safety, but to look lost in a system with a defensive coordinator as one of the few players on this defense that have actually played with this defensive coordinator. Because remember before Malik Cooker was here, where was he? He was in Indian Indianapolis. Who was his defensive coordinator and passing game coordinator during his time in Indianapolis? Matt Eberflu. So you out of anybody on that defense who should be able to know where to communicate, where to be, what type of coverage is you're playing and whether it's too high or one high, I don't care. You should be in the right place at the right time. And there were too many times where he was not in the right place at the right time.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

You're absolutely. And I will. And I will back up your statements by giving two examples, two to touchdown examples from yesterday, one of which was the touchdown to DJ Moore in the back of the end zone. That was, that was, that was a match zone. Right. Where if somebody comes in your area, you're responsible for taking them. And you guys can go back and watch this on the film. Okay?

[Kyle Yeomans]

F. So Isaiah, break it down. Last night on game night, talking about.

[Isaiah Stanback]

The 10 yard, 10 yard touchdown.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

So every J. Moore works barn window.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Well, that there was a barn window there because everybody else who was in coverage on that play had their guy.

[Isaiah Stanback]

There's another reason.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

So people come into your zone, you walk my way. I got you. You go that way. He has you. Your eyes now have to be who comes in my area. Well, Malik Hooker was back there too high looking at the running back. Go to the flat. Your his eyes were five yards behind the line of scrimmage versus the guy that's creeping up behind him. He never saw him. So that's why that touchdown happened. On the touchdown to. To commit right on the seam route where he was running around butt naked. Okay. With house shoes on. That was cover three. There was two receivers to the left. There was a two tight end set to the right that was attached to the line of scrimmage. I mean, to the lineman. When those guys, both of those tight ends went on the seam route. Malik Hooker was on the far left hash. This was that the ball was on the right hash. Okay. The ball was on the right hand. So the center is lined up on the hash, right hash. Malik Hooker's body was lined up on the far left hash over by the two receiver side. He never came off the left hash as a single high safety. Donovan Wilson did not help because he didn't get a jam while he was going out to his flat. Your responsibility as a flat defender is if somebody threatens your vertical, I have to get her what we call a redirect. Early in the game, Maris Leophil was in there, gave one hell of a redirect to Loveland. Loveland still made the play. But that's not on. That's not on Maris. He did what he could based upon the coverage. Yeah. Donovan Wilson did not get a redirect and there was no safety over there to even remotely make a play on either one of those tight ends going to the seam. They. That's why that touchdown happened. So when we start talking about communication and we start talking about responsibilities, these are the things that we're referring to based upon the film and based upon the understanding of the coverages that are being called. These are not complex defenses. So I again I know people are going to get on Ibrah. This is his unit, this is his responsibility. Something's not getting conveyed properly. But these are coverages that you learn in high school, in middle school, you master them in high school and then you add wrinkles to them in college and then at the NFL you start messing around with the way in which they look and pre snapping all that stuff. These are simplistic lineup. This is your area type plays and they're the ball is getting dropped.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You know what, what makes it worse on top of everything being true is you came into this season, you had the overhaul in the coaching staff. Bring in Matt Eberfluss, heralded linebackers coach. You know, you know what he can do. He's coming back to the Dallas Cowboys as D.C. great, wonderful. All the feel goods. Okay. Now you're three weeks in and two of those three weeks you. You've your defense for all of the reasons that we are saying has become the punching bag in the punchline. So other teams are now using you as the get right game.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That that is this early in the.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Season, this early in the season you're the get right game. That's the Giants use you as a get right game. They couldn't transfer it over because the Chiefs looked at what the Cowboys did against Russell Wilson and Malik Neighbors and Wandell Robinson and said do the opposite of that. Okay. Now you go against Caleb Williams, you. You're the only team that can't get a sack on Caleb Williams. You can't knock him off his spot consistently. Guys wide open in the back of the end zone just sitting there filing their taxes proactively. And let me get this out the way. Oh by the way, look what I found. A touchdown, right? It just at every level. And then when you talk about you you mentioned the name. How many times are we going to say Maris Leopold? Can we get more reps for Maris Leopard, you're going against these mobile quarterbacks and you don't have a linebacker on the field that has the speed and the athleticism to cover or spy these mobile quarterbacks. So even when they in the rare occasion when they get knocked off the spot they have free reign to extend the play in whichever way they so choose with their legs or to threaten to the line of scrimmage to get you to crash down and then whoop the dude.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Right?

[Isaiah Stanback]

And we also talked about a desperate Bears team that really craved a first win for Ben Johnson. Of course they were going to pull out. They were going to empty the entire playbook.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Flea flicker.

[Isaiah Stanback]

The flea flicker.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Oh, gosh. You want. You don't want to talk about that.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Talk about.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Okay, we'll talk about it after the break.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yeah, sorry.

[Kyle Yeomans]

We've got more to break down. Rant 3114 Cowboys ball to the Chicago Bears. We've got more talking Cowboys after this.

[Nationwide Announcer]

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.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Financial services. Insurance. Financial services.

[Nationwide Announcer]

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.

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation Ember Finra Columbus, Ohio. Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Spooky season is quickly approaching, so time to stock up on all your favorite treats. Now through October 7th, you can get early savings on your Halloween candy favorites when you shop in store and online. Save on items like Hershey's, Reese's Pumpkins, Snickers Miniatures, Tootsie Rolls, Raw sugar, milk chocolate, caramel, Jack O Lanterns, Brock's Candy Corn Charms, Mini Pops, and more. Offer ends October 7th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

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.

[Isaiah Stanback]

We're with you.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

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.

[Isaiah Stanback]

How's it going? You see that Cowboys game?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Oh, I Watched.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Been seeing some good things. Totally. They have some talent.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yup. Some great talent.

[Isaiah Stanback]

And they got some fight.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Hoping this is the year.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Me too. Oh, I'm Cody, by the way.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I'm Travis.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Nice to meet you, Travis. Go Cowboys.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Go Cowboys. 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 I'm home. Hey, mom. Before you ask, I've done my homework and the dishwasher's unloaded.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Nice. Hey, can you. Hey, hon.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

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

[Isaiah Stanback]

Here's your wine.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Wow.

[AT&T Announcer]

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

[Kyle Yeomans]

Back to Talking Cowboys Back here on Talking Cowboys. This portion of the show is brought to you by Invisalign, the official smile of the Dallas Cowboys. Welcome back here to Talking Cowboys. Patrick Nosy Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah, Stand back. I'm Kyle Yeomans. It's, it's a, it's a dark Monday, not only because it's thunderstorming and raining outside here in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, but I know fans are frustrated and I mean it.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I really, the staff is frustrated and looking yesterday, one of my favorite pieces from yesterday, Nick Eatman had a column about what the problem is on defense. Oh, the problem being the pass rush and being non existent. You're not able to get to the quarterback. There's no threat there. And he argued that with a certain pass rusher that you had that is now in Green Bay, the Cowboys might be 3, 0 and now that's a bold statement and I understand where he's coming from. He loves the way that Michael Parsons plays. Of course, I can counter that and say, I imagine if we did have Michael Parsons, I don't think we would be allowing only 3 yards per carry in the run game.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, there's a give and take there.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Kenny Clark is a big part of it. But I'd argue that two of the guys that you let go in the off season because you were trying to sign Michael Parsons would have changed your record by now. That being Jordan Lewis who had has two interceptions on the season already. DeMarcus Lawrence, who's playing really well in Seattle. If the Micah Parsons trade conversation was a little earlier on in the off season, had that. Had you had that forethought. Of course, you couldn't foresee what the Micah Parsons drama would lead to, but it's really painful to see that two of the best guys that you had on the defensive side of the ball who contributed a lot to you and who were the leaders on your team, who are you in desperate lack of this year, are being leaders for other teams and guys that you could use right now?

[Isaiah Stanback]

All I'm saying is I hope that. That the fans, that small pocket of fans that couldn't find, you know, find a way to appreciate Jordan Lewis. I hope you found it. Yeah.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

There.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I think most of our listeners, because we've talked about it over and over again on.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That's why I said that small pocket.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Most of the listeners to talking know the value of Jordan Lewis and when he left, knew the value of Jordan Lewis. I think it may have been a split opinion on DeMarcus Lawrence, but the fact is he's decent football with Seattle.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Those are guys you could be right now you can use and you would have the cap space for right now.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Absolutely. Totally would. And I know there's a conversation of go get a pass rusher. Go get. I know. I know there's a guy in Cleveland that people want to trade for. I get all that. I understand. This team is not one guy away, in my opinion. I see. And I don't even agree with Nick. And I think that's a debate from everybody. I don't agree.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I think it's a solid. I think it's a solid argument.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's an argument, but I don't think so. I think. I would say maybe you get this, the Philly game because you get one extra close, but you also probably don't shut down Saquon Barkley and they just run it over and over and over.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

And over and over again.

[Josh Rodriguez]

So let's say you have to take the good with the bad. And I think Kenny Clark is adding to your defense right now. Absolutely, 100%.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I just don't think even with Kenny Clark here now in this current situation, this defense is not one player away. Javian Clowney might help. Sounds good.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Love it.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You already made that decision. Let's see what he can do once he ramps up and gets in the game shape. I don't think they're. Yeah, the back end is not good. You might get Daron Bland Back this week, who knows? Trayvon Diggs is not either 100% healthy or not the same.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Just as a whole, arguably a liability this season.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It has been so far. So there's a lot to fix. The defensive side. You didn't like that last night.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Why would you have him up there to press?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

You went over this last night.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Tell me.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

We were talking about the flea flicker. Yeah.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yes. Yes.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Two players on the flea flicker were able to dissect exactly what was going on.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Talk about it.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That was ready. Ready Stewart and Kenneth Murray. Only two players that were able to look at the offensive lineman and understand that they were not blocking downfield and that it was a pass, they immediately retreated. Ready? Stewart immediately put his arm up and said, crosser. Crosser. For whatever reason, Malik Hooker being 18, 19 yards away from where the action was taking place, step forward as if he was coming downhill to go play the run from 20 yards away. Two players, two players got past him. Cover three. Deeper than the deepest. Allow two players to get there. Because you're playing. Run from 20 yards away. This is the communication and the understanding of your responsibilities. That is hard for us to comprehend.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That's overplaying your hand.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That's overplaying your responsibility.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Responsibility. If you're trying to clean up for it. When you need to worry about yourself.

[Kyle Yeomans]

In your position, there's certain keys, by the way, as.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

As your position, your position requires certain keys to help you do your job more effectively. The front seven. Okay. Or mainly the linebackers. Okay. The second level defenders and even the third level defenders. I'm looking at the office alignment. If the offensive linemen are never crossing the line of scrimmage, most likely a pass.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

All right. Right. Most likely pass. Right. So that's why huge tell. That's why. Ready Stewart. And that's why Kenneth Murray, both. They step forward and they immediately retracted because they're like, oh, no, I can't see the ball right now. But this is a pass. It's a pass. Right. So ready Stewart immediately put his hand up. Now, they did that from seven yards away. From. From the action. Yeah. 20 yards away. We have somebody stepping forward. Yeah. And when you step forward, when other guys are running full speed, your. Your chances of opening your hips up and catching them, slim to none. Right. So now your deepest guy, who's supposed to be deeper than the deepest, is now trailing, and that's why you have a touchdown. So that's what happened on the flea figure for those that are have not had opportunity to go watch the film.

[Isaiah Stanback]

So not diagnosing the play. Yeah, well. Or quickly enough. Or at all.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I like the way that Floyd just put this in the comments. He just said that's just not being good at football. So you doesn't have to be brainstorming.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Speaking of title of the episode, not good at football.

[Kyle Yeomans]

I mean I'm sure that'll.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I don't want to rile up some people. I don't want to pour salt on the wound. But I'll do it because I've already watched the film. The touchdown that you had to to George Pickens. Yep. It's not a touchdown. We have men down the field. We had office alignment across the line scrimmage.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You know what that brings me to? That brings me to the next next topic of. Just the next topic of you're talking.

[Kyle Yeomans]

About is you're talking about the Pickens one handed grab pick.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

His one hand grab. We had Lyman in the end zone past the line of scrimmage. It didn't get called luckily. I'm just saying like even your positive play should have been, should have been a flag.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Which goes to the next area of concern. The discipline is moving in the wrong direction now. Was great in Philly. Great discipline in Philly. Now we're starting to see those issues crop back up.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's like you're guessing. Second guessing everything.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Second guessing yourself in the wrong direction.

[Josh Rodriguez]

It is indicative of a team that has not fully changed their culture like they have claimed to have. This feels a lot like those losses with McCarthy where this is a team. It's the Bears.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah.

[Josh Rodriguez]

It is the Chicago Bears. It is Caleb Williams. I would argue it's worse with a 142.6 quarterback.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Exactly. I would argue because of all that it's worse also, not to mention USC yesterday, some of those losses that we're talking about, other than maybe the San Francisco loss, that was like a week.

[Josh Rodriguez]

This felt like the Saints loss.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Saints loss. That was in week two. I didn't see as much frustration and just downright bad communication in that game as we did in this game. And it's week three and it felt like they threw in the flag. They threw in the towel in week three. This isn't a week 14, week 15 where you're eliminated from playoff contingent. This is a different, different look across the board.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Speaking of throwing in the towel, I want to bring up from our post game last night. We're talking about one Joe Milton. We did talk about that five or six minutes left in the game and.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

It was four, four and a half.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Four, 21, 421 left three possession game rev and spam. Ford rev and span. Ford broke open. It was a holding call that had.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Everything he could to try to score on that play.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Dude, that was pretty sweet, though.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Isaiah Sandbach, what were your thoughts on Joe Milton entering the game at 4 minutes and 15 seconds?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Well, first of all, I apologized on our OT because I miscalculated the point differential for. In my head. We were in. It was a two point, a two possession game. It wasn't. So I apologize for all those that were. That are angry at me for that. They were like, I misspoke.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Like two different tweets.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Tagged us both. I'm like, what are you talking about?

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

And I appreciate count and sometimes. Apparently not. Yeah, apparently not. We were emotional last night. Yeah, we were emotional last. We were. So we were. I apologize for that. I understand it now. So I go back and I apologize to coach for my. My sentiments in the first word segment. I. I still would have liked to see deck in there. I. But I.

[Kyle Yeomans]

But I understand it was too early.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

But I understand why. And that in. In all respect to shoddy, he might have got a phone call. He might have got a phone call because I think a player two before that, those guys fell right at the knees of that.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That was the one that got rolled up on. And so pass or the rough in the passer pill.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That might have been a Get him out of there. Yeah. Type of deal. So I'm not. I don't know. Right. But again, I apologize to him for my initial sentiments. Not understand differential points. But I understand if that was his decision. That was right off the heels of Dak almost getting his knee blown out. Yeah. So I, I could, I could be a little empathetic to the fact that get him out of there. So in any other scenario, yeah, I would say maybe too early, but I do understand if that was a fear for him. You were this close to losing your quarterback. Matter of fact, I jumped out of my seat and was like, holy crap. Yep. Because they panned away from it and you didn't see what happened to Dak. All I saw was a dude going right at his knee.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah, that was rough.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Isaiah thought it was really bad.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

And.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And I don't blame him because I missed it. I was looking at the ball. I was looking at whatever else was happening. So I wasn't watching Dak in the backf. They went back and looked at it. It very easily would have been a bad situation.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

But good, good on. But good on him for coming in and being prepared. He came in and threw some nice balls. Yeah, he came in, throw some nice.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Balls and they fought back from 4 down, 14, 3, 14. All right. And then think they again, CD Lamb left the game and the identity went with it. And you're one and two. And the two losses that you have are because either CD Lamb didn't show up for you in Philly like he needed to in the second half, or he wasn't available to in the game. So you have two losses tied around CD Lamb. You have. And that. That's credit to emphasize the importance. That's credit to the importance and the value of CD Lamb. But you also have to adapt quickly. And it's not as if you don't have. We talked about George Pickens. It's not as if you don't have an alternate wide receiver. One, he's not CD Lamb. But in these instances, which is likely one of the reasons that he was so frustrated yesterday. In these instances, you have to be the one to take over the game.

[Josh Rodriguez]

You should be enough in that you.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Have to be the one to take over the game. And you. He, he wants to prove to the league that he can be that guy. When a guy like CD Lamb goes down, it has to be your show.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And let's talk about that when we come back on the other side of the break. How if CD Lamb is going to miss time, which certainly seems like a possibility, where do you go outside of that going into this Week 4 matchup with the Green Bay Packers? More to come right after this.

[Nationwide Announcer]

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.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Financial services. Insurance. Financial services.

[Nationwide Announcer]

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.

Nationwide Investment Services Corporation Ember Finra Columbus, Ohio. Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway Cough and cold season is coming, so make sure you're prepared and stock up on your family's favorite personal wellness products. Now through October 7th, shop in store and online for savings on products like Mucinex Kickstart Combo, Zyrtec Allergy Relief tablets or Liquid Gels Halls Cough Drops and Mucinex fast day and night, so you and your family are armed and ready for the season ahead. Offer ends October 7th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I'm home. Hey Mom. Before you ask, I've done my homework and the dishwasher's unloaded.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Nice. Hey, can you. Hey, hon.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yes, I've got the finale ready to play. Here's your wine. Wow.

[AT&T Announcer]

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 minutes or more or for wireless downtime lasting 60 minutes or more caused by a single incident impacting 10 or more towers. 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 Nosy 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 caller. Would you Dear doctor My friend supported me during a tough time, but what's.

[Isaiah Stanback]

The right gift that says thanks for.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Being a shoulder to cry on? 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 skincare 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 to talking cowboys back here on Talking Cowboys. Final segment here on this I don't even know.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

It's okay.

[Kyle Yeomans]

What's the Monday? What's the I know it's a Monday but, like, what's an M word for like, messed up? Monday. Yeah, Manic Monday. That's a good one.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Rather not. Same.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

No.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Oh, M. Yeah.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Okay.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yeah. Monday. Yeah, you're right.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That one, too.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

You're right.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I can't even do the acronym because.

[Kyle Yeomans]

How about this close to embarrassing Monday.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Embarrassing.

[Kyle Yeomans]

That's. That's a little.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That's a reach. All right.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Patrick knows who Walker chopped. Isaiah A. Stand back. I give it all. I give it an effort all the time. At least you gave it an all the time. You guys will always get my best. Got Chris Beam in the back of Kyle Yeomans. All right, we just started the conversation. CD Lamb a big part of the week one loss. Because of the drops and some of the miscues in the second half of that game. He was not available for the entirety of this game. So you're one and two. One and. Oh, when CD Lamb is available and a threat and playing. And playing well. He, of course, goes down with that injury early in the game. He did say after the game he feels like he can play going into weeks. We'll see. It's different when you get on the flight and you get home, get some sleep and then you get to wake up.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah, yeah. Flow to that area.

[Kyle Yeomans]

There's a little bit of time between now and that week four matchup with that Green Bay packers team that's going to challenge him again. So we'll see. We'll see if CD Lam is not available or if he is available going into that matchup.

[Josh Rodriguez]

It is a Sunday night game.

[Kyle Yeomans]

A little extra time.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Malarkey.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Monday malarkey. That's good.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Your ankle requires you to change directions.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yes, it does. And what is CD Best doing? Changing directions.

[Isaiah Stanback]

I don't see him practicing at all this week. And then we'll see if he even takes the field.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, Josh, when you looked at the offense without him, of course they weren't able to adjust in this matchup. But how do you adjust with an entire week of heads up that you're not going to have your playmaker, and you have a playmaker that is either not playing well or not giving complete 100% effort 100% of the time?

[Josh Rodriguez]

Well, of course you want to look at George Pickens. You want to look at George Pickens and what he's able to provide to you in just terms of talent. But if he's going to be your number one guy for the foreseeable future, that being, you know, a week, maybe two, I don't know. Who knows? But he needs to be more disciplined. And when it comes to run blocking, that's a big thing for George Pickens. I think it's been arguably sloppy. I don't want to use that flow, just throw that term around. But it's just not clean.

[Kyle Yeomans]

You say borderline sloppy.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Borderline sloppy.

[Kyle Yeomans]

It's not completely clean, but it's not completely sloppy at the same time.

[Josh Rodriguez]

And Dax, interception wasn't a bad throw. That was just a drop. That was a drop. That was bad concentration on George Pickens part. He's trying to make a play completely understandable, but you're putting your team in a bad situation. I like George Pickens. I like what he can provide to you. But he needs to be disciplined if he's going to be the number one guy for you. It's one thing for him to take a step back and just do his thing when he has CD on the other side.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Side.

[Josh Rodriguez]

But when he's that guy, he is that guy. Kevonte Turpin. I had people in the comments saying that he needs to step up. I don't know what else more he needs to do, but if you saw that shot he took going 37 yards down the field, holding on to that ball while getting demolished on the sideline.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Next stinger.

[Josh Rodriguez]

While dealing with the next stinger. He showed out for you. He really did. I don't think the Cowboys put enough there for you. And a big thing, DAX. I mean, 14 attempts to one Jake Ferguson. I know. He was my offensive X factor of the week.

[Isaiah Stanback]

This is your fault.

[Josh Rodriguez]

This is my fault. I get it. I understand. Because I thought I was going to.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Clean up your X factors.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Keep hitting all but 70 yards, you know, on 12 likes that check down. I mean, that. That's rough. You don't want to see that. You want to see Jake Ferguson get down the field. Man. The. The Yak yardage isn't there for Jake Ferguson. When he's catching the ball, he's getting tackled.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Tackled.

[Josh Rodriguez]

That to me is not great for a guy that you just extended to a large contract or, you know, a team friendly contract, but a large contract nonetheless. He needs to be an X factor for you more than what we give him credit for. And Javante Williams is your best weapon. Currently without seed CD lam out there. And please run on, lean on the run game because if anything, that's going to let you hold onto the ball longer.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Now, now, now you just need to give George Pickens the handoff.

[Kyle Yeomans]

No, let's not do that.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Please don't do that George, George pick. I think we're done with that now.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

My frustration.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Please pick George Pickens. Revolves around the fact that Cowboys fan.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

My frustration with George, I know that's kind of what we were kind of hitting on. George is fully capable of a lot. Yes, it's easy. I mean, the Javante Williams run that he got chicken stripped on that play doesn't happen. That play doesn't happen if George Pickens doesn't get a block.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, George Pickens got the spring that.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

That, that sprung that right.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Consistency.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

It's the consistency, it's the willingness to exert that effort that's required on a per down basis. Now you can look and say, well, you can't. Who was it that we had here that was a safety and said you can't give 100 every play?

[Kyle Yeomans]

It was Xavier Woods.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Xavier woods said that?

[Isaiah Stanback]

No, no, was that. That was Chadobe, right?

[Kyle Yeomans]

No, it was.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That was Xavier. Okay, okay.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

I. Yeah, you could say that. Right?

[Kyle Yeomans]

There's no way to give 100% effort every.

[Isaiah Stanback]

That was exactly.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Yes, it was. You gotta pick and, I don't know, pick and choose your battles, I guess. But you need, you need to see more. At a draw. I did not see a sense of urgency to step into the one spot after CD left that. And that's, that's what more so was like, ah, I'm watching it and I'm waiting and I'm looking. I'm like. It doesn't seem like his effort level stepped up. It doesn't seem like his route running stepped up. He was. There was sticky paper on him. When he did have one on one matchups, there was no separation. There was times where he ran slants. That ball got deflected. His. He kind of stair stepped his slant routes instead of coming flat. There was times where he ran stop routes and a guy literally ran the route for him. So like, there wasn't a sense of this is your. Now your number one guy. Tolbert ran really good routes. But we have our, our, our, you know, evidence on Tolbert as well. But you know that, but he is your returning touchdown, you know, leader from last year. So, I mean, there's a lot, man, there's a lot. You know, you expect George to step into it because we've talked about there's no one a. There's no one beat. It's just, you know us, it's cd, it's CD and then it's everybody else.

[Isaiah Stanback]

It's more the expectation like you need George to step into that. So in the Event CD misses time. Even if it's just one week against the Green Bay packers. You, George is trying to earn himself some money this year. You're trying to earn yourself some money. You have to show every play, whether you're the target or not the target, that you are full speed through the route through the break, that you're full speed through the run block every single time. Like you pointed out, great run block on that Javante Williams break. Great run block. Do it again and then do it again and then do it again. But as it stands, Cowboys are one and two. Could be two and one, could be three and oh, could be. But you're not. You're one and two. Now you're going up against a pissed off Green Bay packers team that just lost at the wire to the Cleveland Browns.

[Josh Rodriguez]

I thought they were world beaters.

[Isaiah Stanback]

They weren't. They got beat by the Browns. However, it doesn't exactly work in your favor.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Yeah, I was about to say I.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Don'T like that because now they're pissed.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

But the Brown, but also also the.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Browns, they were unstoppable.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

The Browns have the number one defense in the league. Like, let's give the respect there like this. It's not like you're playing some just. The Browns were just terrible on. The Browns have the number one defense in the league, so they're able to stop the running attack in the passing of Green Bay.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Right.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

They have a pass rush out of this world. They have guys that can cover in the secondary. They will hit you in your mouth. So let's, let's give the respect to Cleveland in that regard. They're not world beaters. Green Bay had. Did not have the data they wanted, but it was because of the defense that Cleveland had.

[Isaiah Stanback]

Yes. Now, that being said, who has right now the worst defense or one of the worst. Listen, okay, so my point being, you.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Need to be worried about that number one.

[Isaiah Stanback]

You need to be worried about everything.

[Kyle Yeomans]

All of it.

[Isaiah Stanback]

All of it. At this point, coming out of that Bears game, you got, you can't piecemeal it. Now coming out of the Giants game, you could say, okay, well, the offense can shoot you out out, right? Can shoot it out with you. Get maybe win a barn burner like they did against the Giants in defense. That'll give you some time to figure it out. But then you saw CD Lamb go, now we don't know if he's available against the Packers. Now you're wondering, can they shoot it out on offense while your defense is possibly giving up more chunk plays. And then you throw in the fact that number one is over there wanting to get. You know what I mean? So that you have very real concerns. Because what you can't do. But this is what you're facing. A possible one in three start. Let's say. Let's say you get right against the jets and the Panthers. I don't know that you can. You just. The Bears. Okay. So who knows? This back end of the season. Good God. Okay, you're gonna.

[Kyle Yeomans]

We got it. We got it. Josh.

[Josh Rodriguez]

Yeah. Just really quickly. I don't think. I know there's schedule with the full arsenal he has. Even if CD Lamb is 100% healthy, even if you have George Pickens out there, there is nothing that the offense can do to outplay how bad this defense has performed. No, you can't take any game for granted. This was the part of the season where the Cowboys supposed to stack those wins because it's not getting any easier in the last half of the season. You're supposed to win these games. You don't. And this is where we're at.

[Kyle Yeomans]

And that's what happens when you have Pete Carroll calling pass plays at the one yard line. I mean, Brian Schottenheimer calling pass plays at the 1 yard line over and over again. And there's a lot of things to break down like we just talked about for the last 51 minutes and 30 seconds. You got to get something right. You got to find some level of positive. There were positives in week one. There were some less positives, but at least a win in week two, tough stuff here.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

Go watch the film, people. You have access to it.

[Kyle Yeomans]

Go find it. Go get it done. For Patrick Nosi Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Isaiah Stanback. I'm Kyle Yeomans. We'll be back tomorrow. We'll be taking your calls talking Tuesday. I'm sure you'll have some colorful things to say about this Dallas Cowboys team. Thanks for watching. Talking Cowboys. Cowboys fall to the Bears 31, 14 and week three. We'll see you tomorrow. This has been a production of Dallas Cowboys.com and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club.

[Patrick Nosy Walker]

How about this? Cowboys?

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