Talkin' Cowboys: Serve the Defense First?

Episode Date: December 30, 2025
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Patrick “No C” Walker, Josh Rodriguez, Producer Chris Beam
Location: The Star in Frisco, TX

Episode Overview

This episode of Talkin’ Cowboys dives deep into the state of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense as the 2025 regular season winds down. The crew debates whether to prioritize upgrading the defensive roster or focus on a coaching overhaul, discusses offseason roster challenges, and takes live calls from Cowboys fans with pointed questions about free agency, identity, and the ever-shrinking Super Bowl window. Key topics include the future of Jadeveon Clowney, the merits of building through free agency vs. the draft, and what sort of defensive coordinator the team needs moving forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Defense and Recent Performance

• "Get-right" Game Analysis (05:24–07:45)
  • The Cowboys’ recent game vs. the Commanders was described as a “get right” opportunity for the defense. However, Kyle and Patrick note miscommunications and lapses, particularly with coaching rotations:

    “It just looks like [the defense] can't figure itself out... there was ‘confusion’ on the side of the coaching staff...week 17 and there's still miscommunication.” – Kyle Yeomans (06:30)

  • Some “bright spots,” like Jadeveon Clowney, are singled out as foundational pieces.

2. Jadeveon Clowney’s Future and Defensive Line Outlook

• Clowney’s Contributions and Contract Patterns (07:45–12:10)
  • Debate on whether Clowney has overachieved, matched expectations, or if his up-and-down career pattern is a concern. Chris points out:

    “Every year or every other year in his career has been productive, and then he disappears... very contingent on what the contract situation is.” – Chris Beam (08:06)

  • Isaiah argues Clowney is exactly the “big body, versatile” DE type needed for any scheme.
• Need for More Proven, System-Agnostic Players
  • Dalvin Clark and Quinnen Williams cited as examples of "scheme-proof" impact players.
  • The group agrees the team tried to make personnel fit Eberflus’ scheme.

3. Roster Building: Free Agency vs. Draft

• Striking Out in the Draft (23:18–25:03)
  • Chris lists recent draft picks (2022–2025) and highlights a lack of contributions, especially on defense:

    “That's three or four drafts where you have struck out on guys and you're still waiting on 2025…You can't keep striking out on the defensive side of the ball in the draft.” – Chris Beam (24:53)

• Argument for Free Agency Prioritization (39:12–41:34)
  • Given the “shrinking window,” Kyle strongly advocates for bolstering the defense through proven free agents:

    “You need more proven guys than developmental guys.” – Kyle Yeomans (41:31)

  • Isaiah stresses the importance of acquiring “mental dogs” and building a defense with an identity.

4. Salary Cap, Pie Metaphor, and Roster Decisions

• Salary Cap Constraints and Prioritization (16:21–18:48)
  • The notorious “pie” gets discussed:

    “You’re going to be paying five people probably 70% of your salary cap.” – Isaiah Stanback (16:44)

  • Hard choices loom—talent like George Pickens, Javonte Williams, and Clowney vs. possible progress stoppers (i.e., role players hindering development).
• Jerry Jones’ Comments & Coaching Question Marks (17:45–19:19)
  • Jerry’s notion of “progress stoppers” and ambiguity around Matt Eberflus’ future:

    “It sounds like either Jerry Jones is going to keep his continuity with Matt Eberflus or he’s going to clean house. There’s no in-between.” – Kyle Yeomans (17:45)

5. Defensive Identity (or Lack Thereof)

• What Is This Defense’s Identity? (41:49–42:56)
  • Multiple hosts agree:

    “Every dominant defense has an identity. This is one of the first years…where you didn’t feel as if there was an identity.” – Isaiah Stanback (41:53)

  • Prior years under Dan Quinn or Mike Zimmer had known traits (e.g., takeaways, double A-gap blitzes), but 2025’s unit lacks a signature style.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Jadeveon Clowney’s Contract Year Rollercoaster

• “He’s literally there right now... Five and a half sacks. Who knows what he gets this week... it’s just been marginal. Like, it’s a marginal overachievement, but it is a slight overachieve.” – Chris Beam (11:42)

On Personnel vs. Scheme—Which Comes First?

• “If some say it…is it a scheme problem first or is it a personnel problem?... The egg came first, and that is the personnel.” – Isaiah Stanback & Chris Beam (21:24–21:32)

Salary Cap and Pie Metaphor

• “There’s already not enough pie going around. Most of it’s on the offensive side of the football team… you’re going to be paying five people probably 70% of your salary cap.” – Isaiah Stanback (16:42–16:44)

On Defensive Identity

• “You need some mental dogs. Like, especially on the defensive side of the ball, there’s a mentality that goes along… every interior, every dominant defense has an identity.” – Isaiah Stanback (41:33–41:53)

On the Window For Super Bowl Contention

• “When you look at the Cowboys and you have a shrinking window… you have Dak Prescott still at a high level, but he’s in his early 30s… and you have [the] owner and GM becoming very aware of his own mortality.” – Kyle Yeomans (41:24)

Classic Banter and Tone

• The crew’s friendly razzing and candid, light-hearted style persists throughout (“He’s a big personality… I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro two years ago. I have no problem climbing mountains…” – Isaiah on his fondness for Rex Ryan as DC, 49:04–49:08).

Fan Calls: Questions and Key Responses

[29:21] Mike in New York:

• Wants to see Dallas target defensive free agents; skeptical that a new DC (e.g., Brian Flores) alone will fix things.
• Chris: Reminds fans to beware offseason rumors and clarifies the show can’t suggest tampering with contracted coaches (30:36–31:13).

[31:46] Mike in Kentucky:

• Shouts out the show’s positivity and community.

[32:58] Hoodie Kush:

• Thinks Schottenheimer is taking bullets for the defensive coordinator; lists potential DC candidates (excluding under-contract options).
• Kyle: “Oh, absolutely… he’s taken several bullets for the defensive coaching staff.” (34:26)

[37:10] Jalen in Shreveport:

• Asks if the Cowboys should use free agency to fill defensive holes and draft best player available (BPA).
• Panel consensus: With the window closing, lean heavily on proven free agents and use the draft for BPA rather than need (39:12–41:34).

[47:31] Jamie in Edinburg, TX:

• Asks about the ideal type of defensive coordinator and whether the group would prefer a front-to-back or back-to-front defense.
• Isaiah: Advocates for an “aggressive” DC, specifically name-dropping Rex Ryan for his scheme flexibility and intensity, while also noting his long absence from coaching and fiery personality (49:08–51:43).
• Patrick: Notes that modern offenses have evolved and it's crucial a new DC can relate to today’s players (54:06–54:56).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 05:24 – Cowboys-Commanders game recap; defensive miscommunication
• 07:45 – Jadeveon Clowney’s contributions and contract-year debates
• 12:03 – What makes Clowney the right scheme fit?
• 16:21 – How does the salary cap “pie” force tough roster choices?
• 17:45 – Jerry Jones’ “progress stoppers” comments
• 23:18 – Cowboys defensive draft misses, 2022–2025 classes
• 29:18 – Fan phone lines: free agency vs. draft
• 39:12 – Should Dallas focus on free agency to fix defense?
• 41:49 – The search for a defensive identity
• 47:31 – What kind of defensive coordinator should Dallas pursue?
• 49:08 – In-depth: Rex Ryan as candidate; aggressive, confusing schemes
• 54:56 – Would a decade-long TV/media break disqualify Rex Ryan?

Summary Table: Defense Solutions Proposed

| Problem Area | Crew’s Solution/Opinion | |--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Defensive Identity | Acquire “mental dogs,” prioritize attitude and toughness | | Defensive Line | Retain Jadeveon Clowney; target other “scheme-proof” veterans | | Draft Struggles | Shift more focus to free agency, draft BPA rather than reach for need | | Coaching | Aggressive, flexible DC; consider but scrutinize “old school” candidates | | Salary Cap | Prioritize offense, accept some defensive role player turnover | | Window to Win | Leverage current core, “go for it” with proven vets now |

Final Takeaway

The Cowboys face tough decisions after a season of defensive underperformance. The Talkin’ Cowboys crew urges prioritizing free agent acquisitions, targeting a defensive coordinator who blends aggression with adaptability, and finding a much-needed identity for the defense—before the team’s Super Bowl window closes any further.

Listen to the full episode for all fan questions, laughs, and deep-dive debate!