The Musers: Cowboys Weekly Edition (at Broncos)

Podcast: The Musers The Podcast, Cumulus Podcast Network
Hosts: George Dunham (“Georgie”) & Bob Sturm
Date: October 23, 2025
Episode Theme:
A sharp, insightful, and entertaining breakdown of the Cowboys’ bounceback win over the Commanders, deep dive on defensive philosophy, praise for the offense and QB Dak Prescott’s historic form, and looking ahead to a tough road game at the Denver Broncos—all sprinkled with trademark Musers banter, nostalgia, and wit.

Episode Overview

George and Bob deliver their signature blend of football analysis and absurdity in a packed episode. After a dominant 44-22 win over Washington, the guys break down what changed on defense, how Brian Schottenheimer has influenced the team, why Dak Prescott is reaching new heights, who shined and who’s in trouble, and why the trip to Denver is loaded with historical significance and danger. The episode features deep film study, memorable Musers moments, and spirited takes on everything from stadium atmospheres to why NFL teams shouldn’t mess with classic uniforms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys’ Defensive Turnaround vs. Commanders

• Vibes & Atmosphere:
  The hosts note a rare feeling of true home-field advantage at AT&T Stadium.

  • “That stadium felt like a legitimate home field advantage…everyone was losing their mind in that game.” — Bob (02:30)
  • Both hosts dislike the stadium’s ‘luxury spaceship’ design and credit the energy to the fans, not the building.

• Defensive Scheme Changes:

  • Dramatic shift from mostly zone to over 40% man coverage—up from a typical 15%.
    • “They took a big jump up over 40% with man-to-man coverage. And Duron Bland is so good at it.” — George (04:36)
  • Emphasis on unpredictability: The Cowboys alternated man/zone coverages by down, confusing Washington’s offense.
    • “Being multiple is what I think leads to success…using the entire playbook and that versatility as a weapon.” — Bob (05:16)
  • Key play: (09:21) Duron Bland stops a third down conversion by not being ‘picked’ in zone coverage.
    • “That’s the beauty of it—they’re trying to pick a guy who isn’t actually chasing.” — Bob (09:21)

• Impact of Increased Aggression:

  • More blitzes, more defensive ‘splash plays’ (sacks, takeaways, tackles for loss).
  • Injury to Washington’s QB Jayden Daniels came from unpredictable pressure.
    • “There wasn’t a second where Jaden thought Shemar James was about to blitz…” — Bob (15:15)
  • Next play: Osa Odighizuwa’s pressure causes a pick-six for Bland.

2. Personnel Shifts & Trayvon Diggs’ Future

• Trayvon Diggs:

  • Missed game due to off-field/concussion issues.
  • Speculation that Cowboys are ready to move on, owing to buy-in issues and team frustration.
    • “I've talked to a few sources who say they've about had it with him and that it’s going to be one long goodbye this year.” — George (19:04)
  • Bob makes the case that big-money corners rarely deliver on their second contracts league-wide and that Diggs’ personal issues with management have spiraled.

• Other Standouts:

  • Praise for Jadeveon Clowney, Kenneth Murray, and Donovan Asaraku—all had their best games for Dallas on Sunday (26:14).
  • “I guess where I net out…is I think it comes back to the splash play concept…defensive plays that win downs.” — Bob (26:44)

3. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ Historic Offense

• Dak’s Elite Form & Decision-Making:

  • Quick passing game highlighted to protect the line and maximize productivity.
    • “He doesn’t take sacks. We are looking at a guy who in the last month has taken three sacks, three in a month in the National Football League.” — Bob (33:36)
  • Praise for Dak’s expert-level, mistake-free play (referencing the ‘10,000 hour’ rule).

• Signature Play – The “Mailbox” to CeeDee Lamb:

  • Detailed analysis of a 70+ yard TD where Lamb signals Dak with his ‘mailbox arm.’
    • “CD is telling him within three strides, oh, my gosh, we’ve got the coverage that is about to be a touchdown.” — Bob (36:22)
    • “That’s expertise. That’s what it looks like.” — Bob (37:22)
  • A sign of the rapport between QB and WR.

• Historic Ball Security & Takeaways:

  • Four straight games: at least 1 takeaway, 0 turnovers—unprecedented in Cowboys history.
    • “Dallas has recorded at least one takeaway with zero giveaways in each of its last four games. The longest such streak in franchise history. Are you kidding me?” — George (38:13)
  • Dak is now 6th in NFL history to have four straight games with 3+ TDs, 0 INTs.

4. Trade Deadline Philosophy & Defensive Help

• Should Cowboys “Go All In”?
  • Philosophical debate: Is the offense good enough to justify a big move (e.g., Maxx Crosby) for a defensive playmaker, using assets from the Micah Parsons trade?
    • “If this offense is this good, maybe you go out and you make a deal like that…” — George (46:09)
  • Bob’s take: Only for true difference-makers who are under long-term control, otherwise hold assets for offseason or cheaper moves.
    • Lists options like Jalen Phillips, Jermaine Johnson, Trey Hendrickson but notes limitations.

Cowboys-Broncos Preview

5. Dallas at Denver: Historical Challenge & Matchup Keys

• Historical Struggles in Denver:

  • Cowboys haven’t won in Denver since 1992.
  • Recap of wild losses (e.g., 2017, 2009), with George recalling the 1992 win that spurred their ‘90s dynasty (53:52).

• Broncos’ Wild Win/Stadium Impact:

  • Recap of Denver’s absurd 33-point 4th quarter vs. Giants.
  • Bob: “I recommend to anybody who has access to it…you owe it to yourself as a sports fan to watch every moment of that fourth quarter.” (51:07)
  • Both hosts expect a major test for the Cowboys offense vs. a feisty Denver D, spotlighting DL Zach Allen as “the best player in the league nobody talks about” (57:59).
    • “They build a confusing sense of timing…you feel sped up and you feel panicky.” — Bob (58:02)

• Uniform Nostalgia:

  • Broncos wearing iconic orange 1980s throwbacks.
  • The Musers’ classic rant: NFL teams should never have ditched 1980s uniforms.
    • “Those teams that went away from their classic 80s…they’re just all losses in my mind. And maybe the chief among them is the Denver Broncos.” — Bob (63:56)

6. Hot Fry Georgie Player of the Week

• Winner:
  • Duron Bland (Defense)
    • “For the first time this year, Bob, I’m going to give it to somebody on the defensive side of the ball. The man we talked about earlier, I thought Duron Bland was just such a difference maker. The pick six was huge, but the way he covered, the way he tackled, I think it was a part of a very improved effort by the Cowboys defense on Sunday.” — George (65:30)
    • “The pick six cemented it, but he was great all day long…” — Bob (66:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Maybe it’s not the stadium’s fault. Maybe there’s something more at work here, because everybody was losing their mind in that game.” — Bob (02:30)
• “Defensively…the easiest way to play defense is to have killers on your defense.” — Bob, referencing ‘Steel Curtain’/70s Cowboys as ideal (05:16)
• “The Cowboys on first down Sunday were 50/50 on first down, and they were 50/50 on second down. And then on third down, where you generally play more man, they actually played more zone.” — Bob (07:48)
• “I think man helps, but I think more than anything, just being more unpredictable…is the answer for the Cowboys.” — Bob (11:55)
• “They (the Cowboys) haven’t won there (Denver) since 1992.” — George (53:52)
• “Let me just say this…if you had to pick one Butch Johnson celebration, is this the California quake with Texas trimming on it?” — Bob (60:31)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Discussion of Home Field & Defensive Atmosphere: 02:00–04:00
• Shift to Man Coverage and Defensive Philosophy: 04:30–13:26
• Breakout Performers on Defense: 26:14–28:34
• Dak Prescott & Offense Deep Dive: 31:56–41:38
• Historic Turnover-Free Streak: 38:13, 40:50
• Trade Deadline/Team-Building Philosophy: 45:17–48:59
• Broncos Preview & Historical Cowboys Struggles: 50:34–58:02
• Uniform Nostalgia Rant: 59:01–65:13
• Hot Fry Georgie Player of the Week: 65:30–66:31

Final Thoughts

• The Musers deliver an engaging, layered, and laughter-filled yet analytically rich episode.
• Cowboys fans get hope, concern, and context—for what’s changed on defense, why this offense could carry them deep into the postseason, and why old wounds in Denver run deep.
• A must-listen for Cowboys diehards, football Xs and Os nerds, and anyone who misses the NFL of the 1980s.