Hangin' With The 'Boys: Are They Surprised?

Fans and media alike are surprised that the Cowboys defense so far in this young season hasn't really been any better than last year. Are the players surprised as well? And could Joey Porter travel with the opponent's top receiver? Not in this current system. Plus, containing running quarterbacks, Jesse's stat and our predictions.

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley and Shannon Gross break down the upcoming Dallas Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday night game, discuss Bijan Robinson's elite talent, the Cowboys' offensive strengths with Prescott and Lamb, Tyler Smith's injury status, and concerns about the Cowboys' defense and special teams through the first four weeks of the season.

CeeDee Lamb was incredible, but why did the Texans seem to focus on George Pickens? Are we seeing improvement along the defensive front? How did Joey Porter do in his first game with the team? Plus, are quarterbacks often just throwing to spots? Let's celebrate a resilient and much-needed win!

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley, Shannon Gross analyze the Cowboys' run game, the secondary situation with Joey Porter Jr., key matchups and the offensive line, and wrap up with weekly predictions.

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley, Shannon Gross react to the Cowboys trading for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh. The crew discusses how Porter fits into the Cowboys' zone defense as a boundary corner, the team's secondary improvements, contract implications for Porter, and CJ Stroud's struggles with the Houston Texans ahead of an upcoming matchup.

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley, Shannon Gross, and Josh Rodriguez break down the upcoming Texans matchup, analyzing Houston's disciplined defense, discussing offensive strategies for Dak Prescott, and addressing the Cowboys' defensive injuries and play heading into week four.

The Cowboys are having trouble getting pressure on the quarterback. Should they blitz more? Maybe. Do they have the personnel to do it? Maybe not. Plus, there was plenty of frustration after the disappointing loss. Are we starting to see cracks in the wall? And does this team still trust its kicker?

They fooled us again, thinking victory was at hand, only to suffer heartbreak. And unfortunately, the question has to be asked whether coaching was the key reason for that painful loss. Especially when telling an 11-year veteran quarterback, one of the best in the league, what to do. Inconsistency (yet some improvement) continues. Let's break it down.

Are the Cowboys wearing out Quinnen Williams? Do they need more from backups like Jonathan Bullard and LT Overton? Regardless, it's time for the defensive line to show what it can do against the Ravens. Also, is the field really going to be a factor? Both teams have to deal with it, after all. Plus, Jesse's stat of the week and our predictions.

The Cowboys have been using a lot of defensive packages with only six players in the box. Is that going to work against Derrick Henry and the Ravens? And then what about Lamar Jackson? What's the bigger concern, his arm or his legs? And can you use a spy against him? Needless to say, the Cowboys are facing their biggest test yet.

For the third week in a row, the Cowboys offense will be facing a similar 3-4 hybrid defense. The problem is, the Ravens have more talent and veteran experience. So how does Dak Prescott and company attack one of the top units in the league? Can they get the run game going? Will it take short passes? Let's break it down.

We're talking about the big men up front and the run game today, both how to stop it on defense and how to get things going on offense. So is Quinnen Williams living up to expectations? Mind you, it's a high bar. What about on the other side of the ball? How much are the Cowboys missing Tyler Smith? Plus, is ownership really ready to spend some money?

It looked ugly at times, but was the defensive line better than we might have thought? Even with their struggles to contain the quarterback? And how about the two rookies? Are they the best players on the defense right now? Plus, a big shout-out to Dak Prescott. He's playing at a whole new level this year. It's Victory Monday!

So was George Pickens really tipping plays? Not so fast. But do players give telltale signs? Nate and Jesse know. Also, is rookie Jaishawn Barham ready for the green dot? Permanently? And will Dak Prescott and his GOTI group break out this week? Plus, Jesse's stat of the week and our predictions.

Frustration can no doubt occur during games, and we've got two guys in Nate and Jesse who can talk about what it's like on the sideline between coach and player when things aren't always going great. Plus, hot routes against the blitz and stopping Jayden Daniels and Washington's offense … which might just rely on one key player.

The Cowboys couldn't penetrate the Giants' defensive front last week. What do they need to do against Washington to get Javonte Williams going? Also, why were we so surprised by the defensive communication struggles? Did they hype it up too much? Did our eyes deceive us? And do we need to be concerned about special teams?

With all the changes to the defense during the offseason – new defensive coordinator, new scheme, new players – why did Week 1 look so much like last year? And should we be more concerned about the communication struggles or the lack of physicality? Can they learn and improve in both areas?

What the heck did we witness in the season opener against the Giants? Expectations were more or less shattered when the Cowboys came out flat, looked unprepared and got bullied throughout the night, all of which led to a disappointing loss. Were there any bright spots in the game? Let's break it down.

Ryan Flournoy and Brevyn Spann-Ford got extensions, a nice surprise for two depth guys who have worked hard. But does that affect the George Pickens situation at all? (Hint: Nah.) But what about Pickens? Coach Schottenheimer said they would be moving him around more. Will they really? (Hint: Nah.) Plus, our predictions for the game and upcoming season.

Since most of the starters never touched the field during the preseason, do we really know how good the Cowboys or Giants will be? Won't Christian Parker's defense need a few games to gel? Will they be ready for the physicality that New York is expected to bring? Plus, it's time to make a few predictions.

There's been a lot of talk about the improved culture around the Cowboys, but with John Harbaugh now coaching the Giants, will they perhaps have a different, more physical culture as well? Plus, New York has one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. Will the Cowboys try to balance things out with the ground game? We better hope so.

Oh, boy. No Tyler Smith? What happens now on the offensive line? What does T.J. Bass bring? Will this alter the team's play calling? And if they knew this was an issue, why didn't they do the surgery sooner? Plus, just days before the first game, are there really still questions about who is starting at cornerback?

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley, and Shannon Gross discuss the release of Joe Milton and what it signals about Brian Schottenheimer's philosophy of bringing in professional, consistent adults. They debate the value of the preseason-to-regular-season break for players, discuss Camden Brown's role as a sixth wide receiver, and break down Christian Parker's defensive secondary strategy including the use of six safeties and Caleb Downs' expected impact in the run game.

It's time to react to the recent moves the Cowboys made. Were there any surprises? Jaydon Blue? Sam Williams? Keeping both Joe Milton and Sam Howell? Plus, what's up with Dallas trading for an offensive lineman to compete for the starting right tackle job? And is this now a more no-nonsense team overall? Sure seems that way. Let's cut to it!

We dig into some of the great insight Will McClay shared in a recent interview with The Athletic, including the focus of this year's team and the impact of Caleb Downs. Plus, faced with some stiffer competition, Joe Milton has seemingly stepped up. And it's story time with Jesse and Nate as they recall their first preseasons and trying to make the team as undrafted rookie free agents.