Talkin’ Cowboys: Staying On the Line

Date: December 9, 2025
Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys
Host: Dallas Cowboys (Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanbach, Patrick “No C” Walker, Josh Rodriguez)
Theme: Assessing the Cowboys’ playoff path, linebacker controversy, player development, and listener calls.

Episode Overview

On this lively “Talkin’ Tuesday” episode, the crew fields a rapid-fire series of listener questions while breaking down the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes, defensive issues—especially at linebacker—and the state of the roster following their underwhelming performance against Detroit. With a focus on engaging callers, the hosts debate whether the Cowboys can still win the NFC East, discuss player development under the new coaching staff, and navigate fan anxieties about the team’s potential heading into the season’s final stretch.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Injury Updates & Team News (03:28-06:00)

• CeeDee Lamb: Making progress in concussion protocol but still needs to clear benchmarks.
• Jadeveon Clowney: Expected to play against Minnesota after missing the Detroit game.
• Tyler Guy: On track to return for Vikings matchup.
• Trayvon Diggs: Was a last-minute decision vs. Detroit; close to being activated from IR. Jerry Jones says there are “a lot of eyes” on his return but clarifies it’s not in a negative sense.

  "That tells you just how close they were to getting Trayvon Diggs activated from injured reserve." – Isaiah Stanbach (04:32)

2. Linebacker Conundrum: Murray vs. Wilson (07:07-12:08)

• Growing frustration over Kenneth Murray’s continued snaps despite inconsistency, especially with Logan Wilson available.

• Jerry Jones was “non-committal” about the LB situation, hinting at more Logan Wilson soon.

• The panel agrees Murray’s play has only shown isolated flashes and believes the logic behind sticking with him is unclear other than “coaches having their guys.”

• Discussion on lack of development from recent LB draft picks (Marist Liufau, Shemar James).

• Emphasis placed on the responsibility of position coaches in player progression.

  “If you’re looking at the body of work in the Cowboys uniform [for Murray], it’s just been very… not great. There have been pockets of good football, but for the most part it’s like… No, no, no.” – Isaiah Stanbach (09:05)

  “We can’t just continue to not see productivity out of specific position groups and not have accountability had for the coaches that are responsible for those position groups.” – Patrick Walker (13:42)

3. Playoff Math and NFC East Hopes (24:26-33:20)

• Caller Mike (New York): Notes the team’s lack of aggression vs. Detroit, especially in contrast to the Chiefs game—hosts agree and label the performance “uncomplimentary football.”

• Caller Jason (New Jersey): Asks if the Cowboys can “be that nuclear giant” to make playoffs; hosts outline scenarios.

• Caller Nebby (Maryland): Breaks down playoff math clearly: Cowboys must win out, Eagles must lose at least two. Hosts agree this is possible but unlikely; Eagles end the season against weaker teams but have shown vulnerability.

• The panel debates whether to root for the Commanders or trust in Buffalo to beat Philly.

  “The Cowboys just need to give you more of a reason to believe—effective this Sunday against the Vikings.” – Isaiah Stanbach (27:00) "They (Eagles) need to lose Bills and they'll lose to Washington at least once." – Patrick Walker (33:20)

4. The Offensive Line, Dak’s Decision-making & Flournoy’s Emergence (35:35-51:52)

• Discussion on whether road noise affects Dak’s ability to change plays at the line. Conclusion: silent counts and hand signals mitigate home-field advantage to some extent.
• In-depth praise for Ryan Flournoy's development as a receiver:

  “He can get you 100 yards and some critical plays in important games. You just gotta make sure that you’re utilizing him correctly and putting him in spots to succeed… Ryan Flournoy—yeah, kinda good at American football.” – Isaiah Stanbach (51:05)

5. Defensive Turnovers & Philosophy (43:32-45:29)

• Caller John (Alaska): Observes Lions were more aggressive in trying to strip the ball than Dallas’ D.
• Hosts agree all defenses prioritize turnovers, but coaching teaches tackling first, ball-punching second—protection against missed tackles.

  “Your number one priority is to get the man down. Number two, if you’re in a position to get them down and you secure the tackle, then you try to go for the chicken strip.” – Patrick Walker (43:17)

6. Coaching, Development, and Accountability (13:17–17:33)

• Extended critique of the linebacker group’s lack of productivity over two coaching staffs.

• Reiteration that both staffs bear responsibility for the failure to develop recent draft picks.

• Hints that misfit between some players and new defensive scheme (Eberflus, Borgonzi) might be a key issue.

  “Something’s not clicking.” – Patrick Walker (17:33)

7. Rapid-Fire Fan Engagement (24:26-53:25)

• The crew attempts (with playful enforcement) to break a call-in record, urging fresh voices and concise questions.
• Callers mostly focus on playoff chances, frustration with linebacker rotation, Dak’s play, and appreciation for the hosts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the linebacker mystery:

  “Why is the sun not covered in ice? I don’t know…” – Isaiah Stanbach (08:57)

• On the Carson Commanders’ odds of beating the Eagles:

  “You better believe in the Commanders when they play the Eagles.” – Patrick Walker (27:58)

• On player development responsibilities:

  "There has to be a responsibility placed on these coaches—not calling them out, but they equally deserve the scrutiny we place on the players." – Patrick Walker (15:40)

• On handling listener calls:

  “If your question is beyond 15–20 seconds, Beamer’s gonna hit the button.” – Patrick Walker (02:25)

• On Eagles’ media:

  “One of my favorite things to do after the Eagles lose is… I listen to Eagles podcasts and listen to them whine about losing. It is music to my ears.” – Josh Rodriguez (34:04)

• On the impact of noise on offense:

  “There’s so many things that are nonverbal cues now. It really shouldn’t impact you that much.” – Isaiah Stanbach (36:05)

• On the state of fan belief:

  “I think there is reason to believe. But my gosh, there’s a lot that has to go your way.” – Kyle Yeomans (27:06)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Injury Updates: 03:28–06:00
• Linebacker Drama: 07:07–12:08
• Player/Coach Accountability: 13:21–17:33
• Playoff Math & Fan Calls: 24:26–33:20
• Dak, O-Line, and Game Environment: 35:35–37:14
• Turnovers/Defensive Philosophy: 43:32–45:29
• Ryan Flournoy Praise: 50:29–51:52

Conclusion

This episode artfully captures the anxious yet hopeful energy within Cowboys fandom as the postseason looms. With a balance of technical insight, playful banter, and inclusive fan engagement, the crew delves deep on the team’s most pressing questions: linebacker usage and development, defensive takeaways, playoff permutations, and Dak’s ability under pressure—ultimately recommending fans “take it a game at a time.”

The tone is passionate, occasionally irreverent, and always rooted in the everyday realities of Cowboys Nation. Don’t miss the episode if you want to understand both the tactical and emotional state of the team as the playoff picture tightens.