Talkin’ Cowboys: The Quinnen Williams Effect

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys
Date: November 20, 2025
Hosts: Patrick “No C” Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez, Kyle Yeomans, Chris Beam

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the transformative impact of new Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, breaking down his debut performance, how it changes the defensive front, and how Dallas matches up against the Philadelphia Eagles. The crew also covers Cowboys injury updates (especially Dak Prescott), the defensive preview for the Eagles game, and Nick Sirianni’s struggling Philly offense. Expect sharp football analysis, stat breakdowns, playful banter, and some notably irreverent moments.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cowboys News & Notes (07:01–13:03)

• Practice Recap:

  • The Cowboys are coming off a walkthrough due to the short week before their game vs. the Eagles.
  • No Cowboys missed practice; most key players were limited but involved, including Dak Prescott (hip, minor issue).
  • Assessment: "No one on the active roster for the Cowboys missed practice for any reason... The bad news is not bad, it's just something to keep an eye on." – Chris Beam (08:02)

• Dak Prescott’s Hip Issue:

  • Described as "minor," with assurance he’ll play. Schottenheimer’s hedged language around “issue” vs. “injury” sparks some skepticism.
  • “I hate the term that Shotti actually used, which was hip issue...issue seems a little more severe than just like, oh, he was just banged up” – Patrick Walker (09:38)
  • “But of course, on a short week, they're going to be extra cautious with [Dak].” – Chris Beam (08:44)

• Fun Quote:

  • “Like the recording artist Shakira said, hips don’t lie.” – Josh Rodriguez (09:16)

2. Cowboys Defensive Preview vs. Eagles Offense (13:03–21:22)

• Philly’s Struggling Passing Game:

  • Eagles average the second fewest passing yards per game since 2024 (186 yds). Still, their win-loss record is league-best over that span, showing resilience through defense and run game.
  • “Just because they can’t throw the ball doesn’t mean they can’t win games.” – Kyle Yeomans (13:55)

• Eagles’ Offensive Threats:

  • RB: Saquon Barkley cited as the scariest weapon (“scares me the most out of everybody...he’s just electric”—Isaiah, 15:51).

  • Receivers: Panel expresses more concern over DeVonta Smith than A.J. Brown, with Isaiah arguing Smith brings big-play ability while Brown can be flustered by physical coverage.

  • “He [A.J. Brown] puts off this Persona like he’s just big bad wolf. He’s not…You can go in there and disrupt him at the line of scrimmage.” – Isaiah Stanback (16:12, 16:36)

  • “DeVonta Smith...might only have three catches, but...” – Isaiah Stanback (17:18)

• Kaylin Carson’s Impact:

  • CB Kaylin Carson has impressed since returning to the lineup; stellar coverage vs. the Raiders highlighted (18:43–20:48).
  • “He allowed only one catch for 18 yards in man; in zone, only 3 catches for 37 yards—no touchdowns, no chunk plays.” – Patrick Walker (19:17)
  • Excitement mounts for Carson’s test against Philly’s receivers.

3. Matchup Breakdown: Dallas Defensive Line vs. Eagles’ O-Line (25:09–36:20)

• Eagles’ O-Line Weakness:

  • Eagles’ interior O-line has regressed, particularly with injuries; Lane Johnson (RT) banged up. The Cowboys’ interior DL is poised to exploit this.
  • “Their three interior offensive linemen...that’s where they’re weak” – Isaiah Stanback (27:15)
  • “We just happen to have arguably the best tandem and interior defensive line in the league, next to Philly.” – Isaiah Stanback (31:15)

• Defensive Strategy Advice:

  • Isaiah proposes pressing A.J. Brown, doubling DeVonta Smith, and physicality with Dallas Goddard to force Jalen Hurts into uncomfortable situations.
  • “Please allow your interior defensive lineman to go ham. Press up on A.J. Brown...Double DeVonta Smith, make it hard for Goddard to get off the line.” – Isaiah Stanback to Matt Eberflus (32:09)

• Jalen Hurts’ Profile:

  • Hurts is among the NFL’s most efficient (deep ball, under pressure, vs. man coverage), described as a patient “game manager” who avoids turnovers.
  • “If what you want is Jalen Hurts playing from behind...You don’t want him to control the game, because that’s what he does best.” – Josh Rodriguez (28:48)
  • “Jalen Hurts has 156 consecutive passes under pressure without an interception.” – Patrick Walker (29:29)

4. The Quinnen Williams Effect: Lab Coat Segment (41:31–48:44)

• Quinnen’s Debut Performance (with Next Gen Stats):

  • Elite Get Off: Quinnen Williams clocked a 1.08s average snap get-off, faster than Maxx Crosby (1.10s)—exceptional for a 300+ lb DT.
  • Double Teams: Drew 14 double-teams; had a “plus 8% QB pressure over expectation—the highest of any Cowboys player vs. Raiders.” – Patrick Walker (43:13)
  • “Your get off is your get off. As far as the success rates and the pressure over expectation...you can’t color [it] by the opponent—he’s been so great over the course of his young career against so many good teams.” – Patrick Walker (44:14)

• Scheme Note:

  • Williams played primarily as a 3-technique as a Jet, now debuting at the 1-tech for Dallas—making his dominance even more impressive (44:33–45:36).

• Unit Impact:

  • DL mates Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa were also highly effective, benefitting from Quinnen’s double-teams.
  • “James Houston, Dante Fowler, Donovan Is Rocco...all the DEs saw 1v1s or even fewer double teams—pressure from everywhere.” (46:23–47:11)

• Panel Jokes About ‘Needing’ Another Edge Rusher:

  • “We definitely had to trade for an edge rusher, right?” – Josh Rodriguez (47:52, sarcastically)

5. Lighter Moments & Banter

• Multiple Callbacks to “Get Off,” Double Teams (43:49+):
  • The crew weaves in jokes about Quinnen Williams’ athleticism and terminology, with playful groans about their own immaturity.
  • “Spent a few hours studying a guy’s get-off.” – Chris Beam (48:34)
  • “Get off vs. double teams...Best performance he’s ever had.” – recurring, closes out segment (48:44–48:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Like the recording artist Shakira said, hips don’t lie.” – Josh Rodriguez (09:16)
• “Just because they can't throw the ball doesn't mean they can't win games.” – Kyle Yeomans (13:55)
• “Their three interior offensive linemen...that’s where they’re weak.” – Isaiah Stanback (27:15)
• “Quinnen Williams was getting off the ball quicker than Maxx Crosby. That is absolutely insane for a guy that's 50 pounds heavier.” – Patrick Walker (42:37)
• “Press up on A.J. Brown, double Devonta Smith, make it hard for Goddard to get off the line.” – Isaiah Stanback to Matt Eberflus (32:09)
• “I want every damn thing you said to come true.” – Chris Beam, on Isaiah’s defensive plan (34:10)
• (Joking about double teams and ‘get off’): “Spent a few hours studying a guy’s get off…get off against two guys…” – Chris Beam & panel (48:34–48:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Dak Prescott News & Cowboys Updates: 07:01–13:03
• Eagles Offense Preview & Receivers Discussion: 13:03–21:22
• Kaylin Carson’s Promising Play: 18:43–20:48
• Eagles Offensive Line Weakness & Cowboys’ DT Strength: 27:15–31:31
• Defensive Blueprint for Stopping Philly: 31:59–33:40
• Lab Coat: The Quinnen Williams Effect (deep stats, DL scheme): 41:31–48:44

Tone and Style

The panel is lively, irreverent, and affable, mixing deep football analysis and data with insider jokes, banter, and Southern accents. The tone is conversational and punchy, balancing technical football talk with plenty of laughs.

What Listeners Should Take Away

• Quinnen Williams’ debut has transformed the Cowboys’ defensive front, creating more one-on-ones for others and is expected to be even more impactful against the Eagles’ weakened interior O-line.
• Key matchups to watch: Kaylin Carson vs. DeVonta Smith, interior DL vs. Philly’s guards and center, and how Dallas schemes against Eagles’ tight end Dallas Goddard.
• The crew is only mildly worried about Dak’s hip and not at all about the Cowboys’ ability to match up physically, provided the game plan stays smart and aggressive.

For the full Cowboys defensive preview, detailed film/stat analysis, and signature Talkin’ Cowboys camaraderie, this episode is a must-listen before Dallas–Philly.