Talkin’ Cowboys: The Herbert Report (December 18, 2025)
Episode Overview
On this episode of “Talkin’ Cowboys,” Kyle Yeomans and the full crew gather at The Star in Frisco to break down the upcoming matchup between the Dallas Cowboys defense and Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers offense. The panel delivers news and injury updates, highlights key talking points about the state of the Cowboys, and examines where both teams are struggling — especially in the trenches. Expect a lively, insightful discussion about pass rush woes, offensive and defensive line play, and how physicality and scheme might decide this pivotal late-season NFL clash.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Injury Updates & Roster News
[05:27-07:55]
- Three Cowboys return to practice: Peyton Turner, Phil Mafa, and Josh Butler (returning from a knee injury that kept him out since last November).
- Kyle Yeomans raises the question: Are these late-season returns just about testing depth, or do coaches still want to win?
- Isaiah Stanback: Cites Brian Schottenheimer’s stance that “he wants to win,” saying Dak Prescott will keep starting even if the Cowboys are mathematically eliminated.
- On Josh Butler: “It’s massive for him to be able to get back on the field.” – Isaiah Stanback [07:34]
Trayvon Diggs Situation
[08:56-12:55]
- Trayvon Diggs remains on IR due to a complicated relationship with Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus — not just injury recovery.
- Jane Slater's report: Rumors about the nature of Diggs' injury are exaggerated, and coaches have been pushing him to play within the scheme instead of freelancing.
- Kyle Yeomans: “When you don’t make a play and you leave yourself vulnerable, that’s when the big plays happen and your teammates are out of position.” [10:44]
- Isaiah Stanback: “Trayvon Diggs’s biggest issue in getting on the field is the relationship with Matt Eberfluss, period.” [11:33]
Current Injury Concerns
[12:53-14:37]
- CD Lamb missed practice (illness).
- Hunter Luepke & Williams remain in concussion protocol.
- Daron Bland is back on injury report with a foot issue (“Your heart drops.” – Isaiah Stanback [13:47]).
Cowboys Defense vs. Chargers Offense: Who’s Really Got the Edge?
[20:12-30:57]
- Kyle Yeomans: Both teams have struggled to protect their franchise quarterbacks. The Chargers have allowed more pressure, hits, and sacks on Herbert than any other NFL team.
- Patrick “No C” Walker: Cowboys are only 20th in sacks. “You want to see the pressure, but they aren’t finishing plays.” [21:08]
- On the Chargers Offense:
- Physical runners: Kamani Vidal (4.2 ypc), Omariyon Hampton (4.6 ypc).
- WR threats: Keenan Allen (best between 10–19 yards), Quinton Johnston (prototype, “does everything for them”), Lad McConkey (best route runner, “explosive”).
- Potential issue: If Daron Bland misses the game, the Cowboys could struggle against Allen in the slot.
- Isaiah Stanback & Chris Beam agree: Chargers’ pass protection is bad, but Dallas’ pass rush may not be good enough to take advantage.
- Chris Beam: “This is the largest offense the Dallas Cowboys are going to face and have faced all year long. This is Space Jam Monstars getting off the bus.” [25:35]
- Notes fullback and extra lineman Trevor Penning (6’7, 325 lbs) and the Chargers’ penchant for power football.
- Isaiah Stanback: “It doesn’t matter if the Chargers' O-line is poor in pass protection — this could be a get-right game for them because the Cowboys aren’t getting to the quarterback.” [24:07]
- Chris Beam questions Justin Herbert's pocket presence and blitz recognition: “He hasn’t had to be as accurate as other quarterbacks… His pocket presence is not great. His vision is not great. His ability to diagnose the blitz is not great.” [32:11]
The Chargers’ Offensive Identity & What Dallas Must Watch For
[25:35-29:28]
- Harbaugh’s influence: Chargers offense is physically imposing with huge linemen, tight ends, and a “smashmouth” style.
- Trevor Penning often used as a motion man or extra blocker — “downhill, nasty work” (Chris Beam [27:37]).
- Chargers’ route concepts: Not sophisticated — “Everything is 15 yards plus, throwing jump balls to big receivers” (Chris Beam [28:46]).
- X-factor: Lad McConkey – “He’ll give you that work; their best route runner.” (Kyle Yeomans [29:08])
Defensive Tactical Keys and X-factors
[40:21-46:26] (Lab Coat Segment)
- Patrick Walker’s Lab Coat Segment:
Key Stat: “The Chargers have allowed pressure on Justin Herbert 44% of the time, the 2nd highest rate in the NFL. In the last 2 games, Herbert has been pressured on 57.3% of dropbacks, with only 10 completions on 24 attempts, 1 TD, and 2 INTs under pressure.” [41:47]- BUT: “The Cowboys have generated pressure at only 34% this season—just not enough.” [42:31]
- Debate: Can the Cowboys take advantage of the Chargers' weak pass pro, or will LA’s line mask its issues against Dallas’ underperforming front?
- “One of those things is going to win out… Can the Cowboys flip the switch…?” (Isaiah Stanback [43:05])
- Cowboys Pass Rush: Panel discusses who needs to step up — Kenny Clark, Jadeveon Clowney, and Ezraku cited, but Ezraku is labeled as more of an edge-setter/run defender currently.
- Isaiah’s Theory: “Ezraku’s ceiling is higher as a pass rusher, not just setting an edge like DeMarcus Lawrence. He should be unleashed more.” [46:26]
- Kyle Yeomans: “He’s almost playing like a DeMarcus Lawrence role… for the most part, he’s setting the edge” [44:59]
- Panel agrees: The Cowboys need to get their pass rush going to avoid getting bulldozed or picked apart by Herbert’s arm and physical weapons.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “There are words and there are actions that are speaking louder than those words currently.” – Isaiah Stanback on Schottenheimer’s insistence on playing to win, even with the season on the line. [06:49]
- “Playing your franchise quarterback when you have nothing to gain… that’s a conversation we need to have.” – Kyle Yeomans on the risk of playing Dak if eliminated. [07:14]
- “Bread and butter.” – Patrick Walker on Trayvon Diggs’ playmaking gamble style. [10:43]
- “Trayvon Diggs’s biggest issue in getting on the field is the relationship with Matt Eberfluss, period.” – Isaiah Stanback [11:33]
- “When you see Daron Bland on an injury report and it’s related to his foot, your heart drops.” – Isaiah Stanback [13:47]
- “This is Space Jam Monstars getting off the bus.” – Chris Beam on the Chargers’ offensive size [25:42]
- “They have a 6’4, 300-lb fullback, and a 6’7, 325-lb lineman who motions… the smallest guy you’ll see returning in motion is 6’4, 300.” – Chris Beam [27:30]
- “It doesn’t matter that their line is trash at pass pro, because the Cowboys can’t get to the quarterback.” – Isaiah Stanback [24:07]
- “Justin Herbert’s pocket presence is not great. His vision is not great. His ability to diagnose the blitz is not great.” – Chris Beam [32:11]
- “The Cowboys’ pass rush is inviting you, traffic-coning, saying: ‘Hey, if you want to go chase the guy, go chase the guy.’ Problem is the Cowboys haven’t been able to chase anyone.” – Isaiah Stanback [42:41]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 05:27 – Roster injury updates & player returns
- 08:56 – Trayvon Diggs’ IR status & coach relationship
- 12:53 – Daron Bland, CD Lamb and new injury worries
- 20:12 – Previewing Cowboys Defense vs. Chargers Offense
- 21:08 – Chargers' O-line struggles, but is Dallas' pass rush a threat?
- 25:35 – Physical size of Chargers offense; "Monstars getting off the bus"
- 27:06 – Discussing Trevor Penning’s role and offensive line schemes
- 32:11 – Justin Herbert's strengths, weaknesses, and pressure problems
- 40:21 – “Lab Coat” segment: Pressure rates and pass rush analysis
- 44:19 – Who must step up for the Cowboys’ defense?
- 46:26 – Ezraku’s role and future potential as pass rusher
Overall Tone and Style
- Friendly, bantering, and knowledgeable. The hosts are loose and humorous but dig deep on X’s and O’s.
- Candid on struggles: They openly discuss Dallas’ shortcomings and debate the real pulse of the team.
- Authentic: Quotable moments and off-topic asides (e.g., shoe stores, crayon envy) keep the episode fun and relatable.
Summary For Non-Listeners
This episode of "Talkin' Cowboys" is a must-listen for anyone wanting an honest, inside-out preview of the Cowboys' matchup with the Chargers. The crew dives into roster and injury news (especially around Trayvon Diggs and the secondary), then gives a detailed scouting report of a Chargers’ offense that blends huge size, old-school physicality, and a struggling-but-dangerous Justin Herbert. The big debate: Will the Cowboys' middling pass rush finally break through against the league’s worst pass-protecting line, or will Herbert and the Chargers’ bruisers flatten them? Expect lots of laughs, real talk, and some tough love for Dallas’ defensive shortcomings — plus a few classic memorable quotes that define the show’s style.