The Musers The Podcast: Cowboys Weekly Edition (vs Commanders)

Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: George Dunham & Bob Sturm
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This Cowboys Weekly Edition dives deep into the Dallas Cowboys’ troubling road loss to the Carolina Panthers (30-27) and previews the upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders. George and Bob break down the game with trademark sharp analysis, cowboying up as they dissect roster failures (particularly up front), recurring defensive woes, and lingering optimism for the offense led by Dak Prescott. Their wit, banter, and historical context keep the discussion engaging, insightful, and frequently self-deprecating.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys vs. Panthers: Examining the Loss

• Final Score: Carolina 30, Cowboys 27
• Theme: “The Cowboys got pushed around” — the score was closer than the game.
• Defensive Failure: Another “horrific day” for the defense; offense was productive except for “the last six plays and the first three plays.”
• NFL Parity: “This is not college football… You better bring it every Sunday or you’re going to get your butt beat.” – Bob (01:15)

The Game Is Won Up Front (02:31)

• O-Line & D-Line Issues: Cowboys backup offensive linemen showed cracks; defensive line lacks quality picks and development.
• Front Office Critique:
  • “The Cowboys have put themselves on NCAA probation with their drafting habits of defensive players.” – George (03:11)
  • “They’ve invested a lot, they just don’t hit on these investments.” – Bob (03:29)
  • Lack of contributors from the 2022-2025 drafts (nine DL picks, “not sure we’ve got a guy amongst them”).

Development vs. Drafting (07:06)

• Coaching Point: “...the developed part. I don’t think you and I know how to do that. That’s what the coaching and development part is all about.” – Bob (07:37)

2. Defensive Meltdown: Layered Problems

Poor Drafting

• Broken “draft and develop” pipeline — nearly all recent defensive picks failing.
• “They have almost no dudes up front, despite investing a lot in trying to get dudes.” – Bob (10:26)

Defensive Coordination & Coaching

• Matt Eberflus Under Fire:
  • “All of it’s not his fault, but he’s responsible for it.” – George (22:13)
• Defensive Confusion and Lapses:
  • “You drop back in zone and it looks like they’re all playing it for the first time.” – George (22:17)
• Multiple Defensive Coordinators:
  • “If we keep saying this guy doesn’t have a single clue, at some point we’re digging in the wrong place…” – Bob likening it to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (24:26)
• Specific Run Defense Breakdown:
  • “Rico Dowdo can’t believe all he’s looking at is grass.” – Bob, breaking down the 3rd snap of the Panthers’ opening drive (27:38, see also 11:59 Q1 game time)

Linebacker Play

• Linebackers “brutal”; “processing is so slow” (34:41).
• Overreliance on struggling defenders, e.g., Kenneth Murray.

“What’s the Use?” Vibe

• Fixable? Hosts express increasing skepticism but emphasize the need for accountability and culture.

3. The Historic “Bad Day” For the Defense

• Rico Dowdle’s monster game: 239 yards from scrimmage, 4th most ever against Cowboys (15:21).
  • “His longest run was 15 yards… He did it by nibbles.” – Bob (18:52)
• “If you put the average American back there…maybe you could’ve gone over 100 [yards] just because the alleys to run through…” – George (19:06)

Cowboys’ Historic Defensive Failures

• 20 games in team history with a 200+ yard opponent — Cowboys are 2-18 in those. (17:45)
• Notable Opposing Performances: Jim Brown, Calvin Johnson, Deuce Staley, Troy Stratford, Alfred Morris.

Success Rate Stats

• Panthers: 25/38 on successful runs; Cowboys: 2/19 (21:02).
• “If one team gets 25 successful runs and the other team gets two…it might actually be a miracle you have a chance to win.” – Bob (21:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Defensive Draft Woes:
  “The Cowboys have put themselves on NCAA probation with their drafting habits of defensive players.” – George (03:11)

• On Failing to Develop Talent:
  “The developed part, I don’t think you and I know how to do that…That’s what the coaching and development part is all about.” – Bob (07:37)

• On the Matt Eberflus Dilemma:
  “All the trimmings of a coordinator that doesn’t know what he’s doing... But I know that’s not true. He’s got a horrible set of cards in front of him.” – Bob (23:27)

• Run Defense Lowlights:
  “Your defensive end should never get bullied by a tight end. That should never, ever, ever happen.” – Bob (26:58)

• On “Culture” in the Locker Room:
  “You don’t find out about your culture when you’re all playing paintball in August… This is culture.” – Bob (46:01)

Offense Shines Amid the Wreckage

Dak Prescott’s Underappreciated Performance

• Dak’s Game vs. Carolina:

  • 261 yards, three touchdowns – “good as any quarterback in the league this year” (39:27).
  • Playing with patchwork offensive line, missing key weapons.
  • “Dak is playing fantastic football right now.” – Bob (40:45)
  • Making quick reads, few sacks despite weak O-line.

• Missed Opportunities:

  • Breakdown of the red zone drive: “The offense has to be almost perfect… when they don’t score on six out of eight, it stands out.” (44:45)
  • Pre/post-snap decision making dissected on multiple key downs (36:44, 38:47).

• Pickens’ Emergent Star Power:

  • Repeatedly torched smaller defenders from the slot.
  • “Haven’t seen a wide receiver physically toy with his opponents in a Cowboys uniform since Terrell Owens.” – Bob (42:40)

• “Hot Fried Georgie” Player of the Game:

  • George selects Dak; Bob nods to George Pickens for highlight-reel moments (57:41–58:18).
  • “Just George Pickett’s just randomly jumping…” (58:40 – on Pickens’ wild YAC antics).

Preview: Cowboys vs. Commanders (Sunday)

Setting the Stage

• Divisional Stakes and Parity:
  • Both teams in “stay alive” mode; Cowboys feel heat at 2-3-1, Commanders would go to 4-3 for first time in over 20 years with win (48:32).
  • “Not a single team in the NFC is just going to walk into your building and obliterate you… This is a get-right opportunity for the Cowboys, but Washington feels the same way.” – Bob (51:53)

Washington’s Profile

• Offensive Strengths/Weaknesses:
  • Good running team with Jaden Daniels at QB, but generally inefficient passing and banged up (missing Terry McLaurin).
• Old, Expensive Roster Around Cheap Young QB:
  • “This is their bonus window… they can go get Bobby Wagner and Von Miller and sort of have a 2020 All Star team in 2025.” – Bob (56:51)
• Crosby Merritt, 7th Rd RB:
  • “Day 3 running backs pop all the time… but especially paired with a running quarterback.” – Bob (53:15)

Matchup Outlook

• Both teams struggle defensively, especially Washington (8.2 yards per opponent pass attempt).
• “If you love a shootout, this one might be 38-35.” – Bob (57:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment/Topic | |--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:50–04:28 | Panthers loss breakdown; “anonymous” teams & NFL parity | | 03:07–11:01 | Cowboys’ defensive line draft history and failures | | 11:01–16:37 | Defensive meltdowns, eye discipline, historic bad games | | 19:06–21:02 | Success rate stats, run failures, cause-and-effect on LBs | | 22:03–24:26 | Matt Eberflus as scapegoat; system vs. coordinator issues | | 27:38–28:28 | Play-by-play defensive breakdown; hopelessness setting in | | 32:15–33:20 | Cowboys band nostalgia, Wayback Machine, old-school gripes | | 34:01–35:07 | 4th-and-4 coverage gaffe; overvaluing Kenneth Murray | | 36:23–44:45 | Dak’s performance, offensive highlights, missed chances | | 46:01–47:17 | Cultural challenges and locker room dynamics | | 48:32–53:15 | Commanders matchup, roster profile, rookie RBs | | 57:05–58:10 | Player of the Game selections, light banter |

Additional Memorable Moments

• “Fourth down… you paid Duron Bland $92 million. Let him press on fourth and four!” – Bob (33:58)
• “There are guys who don’t run fast 40s who play faster… That’s the computer between your ears.” – Bob (34:56)
• “My sister got an A one year… my parents always expected it from then on out. That’s where we are with Dak.” – Bob (44:45)

Tone & Final Thoughts

Classic Musers: deeply knowledgeable, self-aware, banter-filled, occasionally nostalgic and always realistic—giving Cowboys fans both a reality check and a little hope.

“It’s a mystery box as the Cowboys turn and another matchup with Washington on Sunday. We’ll be back next week to talk about it.” – George (60:26)

For a Cowboys fan—this episode delivers the hard truths with wit, perspective, and a little wistful longing for a functional defensive line.