Hangin With the Boys: Ahead of the Pack?

The Cowboys are headed to the playoffs to face Green Bay. What needs to happen to make sure they don't look past the No. 7 seed.

They don't call it a War Room for nothing. People have their own agendas and the players they want to draft. Who a coach may want isn't always who a scout covets. Also, are the Cowboys for sure going offensive lineman in the first round? Should they trade down? Would they again take a chance in the second round on a player coming off injury? And, of course, our predictions. Let's kick off Draft Day!

Should CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons be at these Phase I workouts instead of getting ready on their own? Our man Jesse explains why that's not a problem. Also, fans are frustrated with the lack of movement on the big contracts, but is this just business as usual in the NFL? What's the hold up? There's also a new running back on board, and does the success of the other local teams have any effect on the Cowboys?

There were reports out there that some within the Cowboys were getting exasperated with Micah Parsons. But how does that work with "sources"? Jesse gives an inside look at what it may be like for players and the media. Plus, does it really matter? Hey, if you can play, if you're winning, people will tolerate a lot. But if not? Well, what was once considered passion soon becomes a distraction.

We're joined by the great Charles Haley! The five-time Super Bowl winner and Hall of Famer is on hand to talk about his upcoming TackleTomorrow.com poker tournament, but he also shares stories about his career, his first time meeting Jerry Jones and a run-in with Jimmy Johnson. Plus, he tells us how he made those around him better and gives us some of his thoughts on today's team. You don't want to miss it!

It's a light crew today… Jesse and Shannon discuss the new NFL kickoff rule, the Cowboys' salary cap complications, and provide some insight on college pro days.

For guys who give their lives to this game, the truth is football doesn't always love them back. Our guys Jesse and Nate have been through the transition (and continued physical pain), just as Leighton Vander Esch now must. Plus, it's the end of an era with Tyron leaving, but was it indeed time to move on? What happens now along the offensive line? And are they ever going to get this deal done with Dak? What if they don't?

The Hangin' crew discuss the Cowboys' free agency moves so far, if fans can expect an immediate impact from new LB Eric Kendricks, and how the offensive line may look going into training camp.

Plenty to discuss on this fine Thursday morning, beginning with the type of defensive players the Cowboys may be looking to draft. Will they be bigger? Is that better? And on the offensive side of the ball, what should Dallas do with Tyron Smith and Tony Pollard? Keep them or time to say goodbye? Plus, more talk of distractions, free agent priorities and some unexpected boxing news.

The NFLPA put out their annual report cards for each team, so let's break down how the Cowboys fared and discuss a few surprises.  But do free agents really pay much attention to them? And it's franchise-tag time. Will the Cowboys be using theirs this time around? Not likely. Will anyone use one on a running back? Not likely. Plus, are we watching the scouting combine?

A lot of folks have had a lot to say here lately, so we might as well too. Danny White stood up for Dak Prescott but suggested those around him need to get better. Is that true? How about Jimmy Johnson? He stated he's now consulting some with Jerry Jones about the team. Is that a good thing? And what about Micah Parsons? Is what he saying going to sit well in the locker room? Hmm …

It's time to talk Super Bowl, starting with the quarterbacks. But there is also one key trait both the Chiefs and 49ers had that the Cowboys don't – a guy in the middle of the defensive line who could make play after play. Speaking of defense, Dallas signed a new defensive coordinator. Will Mike Zimmer's tough-nosed style be a good fit with the Cowboys? Plus, comments from Lamb, Emmitt, Micah and more.

Rex Ryan has seemingly entered the mix in the Cowboys' search for a new defensive coordinator. Would a previous head coach be a good fit for Mike McCarthy? Or does that just bring added pressure in what is the final year of his coaching contract? Plus, are there players out there who like what football brings them, but don't like football itself? You bet there are. Oh, and there's a big game coming up.

The question may not be will the Cowboys go all in this year, but can they? There's still the little matter of Dak Prescott's contract with CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons on deck as well. Plus, has Dan Quinn been holding the Cowboys hostage? Have they been in limbo while he decides what to do? Plus, Kellen Moore to Philly, thoughts on the championship games and … baldness talk?

Are today's Cowboys haunted by the success of the 1990s Cowboys? Does being constantly reminded of past greatness make future greatness difficult? Or is there an automatic sense of entitlement once you've become a Cowboy? Are the best players ready to sacrifice the most? Plus, Mike McCarthy is back as head coach. What are the pros and cons? And is family chatter a sign of bigger issues? As Nate says, "Let's get honest."

When the playoffs come around, a team's weaknesses are magnified. That sure was proven in the Cowboys' loss to the Packers. So what happens now? Should they look at getting a new head coach? How about a new quarterback? Is that even possible? Doe a culture change need to happen (again)? Is there anything that can be done to end this extended run of postseason failures? Time to talk about questions that may not have any good answers.

It seems like the Cowboys have a clear advantage in this upcoming showdown against the Packers, which admittedly makes us a little nervous. So are there any flaws in Dallas' game? After all, playoffs are when the flaws get exposed. Also, is the fact Green Bay is so young help them or hurt them? As Nate says, nobody understands playoff football until you're in playoff football. Plus, keys to the game, predictions and a Happy Birthday to our man Chris!

Packers running back Aaron Jones has feasted on the Cowboys, but will it be different this time around? Especially without the same offensive line and quarterback? Of course, Jordan Love shouldn't be overlooked, but which is more worrisome, Green Bay's ground game or their aerial attack? Plus, fighting misdirection, putting in new plays, coaching changes around the NFL and, well, some confusing geography.

Here come the playoffs and questions again about whether can Dak Prescott win the big games. (The short answer is yes.) Given the season he's had, is this the Dak we've been waiting for? Is he finally meeting expectations? On the other hand, should we be more worried about the Packers defense? They're good enough to make plays but won't dominate. So how should the Cowboys offense attack them? Put on the pressure. Go get them!

Time to look back at our preseason predictions and look forward to what's ahead as well. Will the Cowboys get to the NFC Championship Game? Beyond that? Also, teams have come calling again for Dan Quinn. Does that create any kind of distraction or is this old hat for the players by now? And what about Will McClay? Could the Cowboys' VP of Player Personnel be headed elsewhere? Plus, a couple of celebrity call-ins.

Not much to discuss about the game as the Cowboys should take care of business. Instead, let's hear some tales from the locker room with Nate and Jesse. The pregame routines, the pecking order in the trainer's room, the players who were always nice, the few you just didn't want to mess with and … shower head ownership? Plus, the value of finding a coach who will support you. It's some memorable off-the-field talk on this Friday.

The Commanders are ready to pack it up and go home, so if the Cowboys don't beat them by 20 will they have played a bad brand of football? Do they need to make a statement to erase any doubts heading into the playoffs? Speaking of, there's a mess at the bottom of the NFC as far as team's fighting for position. Who is the biggest worry for the Cowboys among that group? And congrats to the Pro Bowlers, although one player for sure was snubbed.

The Cowboys have two of the best guards in the NFL, so why do they seem to have so much trouble running up the middle? Are they light at center? Are they missing a big, bruising running back? Does Hunter need to be given another chance? Let's ask a former Pro Bowl guard what he thinks about all this. Either way, as we get closer and closer to the playoffs, is more falling onto the shoulders of Dak Prescott?

Nate tells us stories about his night celebrating Jimmy Johnson and being surrounded by teammates, Ring of Honor members, broadcasters and more. But want to know the first thing Jimmy said to him? Plus, are we feeling good about beating Detroit? Or are there still question marks that have us worried? Hey, a win is a win. Also, a couple of familiar faces are getting tryouts. Can they really help this late in the season?

Nate Newton tells stories from his days with Jimmy Johnson and the crew takes a few fan calls and make their picks for Cowboys vs Lions.