Hangin' With The 'Boys: Chasing Takeaways?

There's been some criticism that Cowboys defenders are trying to punch the ball out instead of making tackles. Is that true? We've also heard a lot of talk about the defense playing man-to-man coverage, but is this the right week to do that against a mobile quarterback and an up-tempo offense? Plus, Nate has a sure-fire way to beat an offense … but does Dallas have the players?

It's looking like star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb could return on Sunday against Washington, but what's that mean for George Pickens? He's been a beast in his own right in Lamb's absence. What changes? The Cowboys also need to try to establish the ground game. Can they do so against one of the best run defenses in the league? Better rush to the edge, my friend.

We've been hearing that the pass rush has the potential to be strong, and that there aren't one or two major problems but a lot of little ones that can be fixed. Is that true? Or is that just hope? And what exactly are some of those little problems? Coverage schemes? Gap integrity? Discipline? Accountability? Let's get in-depth and break it down.

The Cowboys ran into a lot of big bodies along the Panthers' defensive line and couldn't get anything going in their running game. Meanwhile, Carolina's rushing attack simply dominated the Dallas defense. What the heck happened? We can blame Matt Eberflus all we want, but sooner or later the players need to show some discipline, right? Are there any solutions to these ongoing problems?

So how about those Eagles last night? Then again, do we need to start worrying about the Giants? But let's focus on the Cowboys. Are they growing as a group? Are they gaining confidence? Could that be the difference between a good season and bad? Plus, Nate shares stories of Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer and we make our predictions.

Panthers (and ex-Cowboys) running back Rico Dowdle has hinted that the Dallas defense should be ready for him. But is he ready for Dallas? Could that defense be in some trouble if both starting safeties are out? Or does this give others an opportunity? Speaking of, is Jonathan Mingo going to get a chance soon? If so, who comes out? And what about James Houston? Does he need more snaps? Maybe … not.

Dak Prescott's game has gotten so cerebral that there's likely nothing the Carolina defense can do to surprise him. So does that mean if the Cowboys don't have success, the errors will be self-inflicted? And how does Prescott compare to Tony Romo after matching him in career starts? Plus, should the Cowboys spend draft capital to trade for defensive help?

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has been outstanding as a play-caller, but how has he been doing as a head coach? Plus, are some of those tough teams late in the schedule as tough as we thought? And will playing lesser opponents like the Jets now pay off then, especially with the young players? Let's hope. Regardless, why do we discredit those wins? It's Nate's fault.

The Cowboys got a dose of the medicine they needed with their victory over the Jets. So are they where we thought they'd be after five games? Are we any closer to knowing what type of team this is? One thing is for certain – Coach Schottenheimer and his staff are cooking right now. And Dak Prescott is better than he's ever been. But what about that offensive line? Who saw that coming?

The Cowboys have four games under their belt now, so should we expect better play? Can they still improve the defense? Also, is George Pickens limited by the routes he runs? Why is it harder for some guys to go in motion and expand their route tree? Jesse breaks it down for us. And is Jaydon Blue ready for his NFL debut? Let's hope so. Plus, a key stat, players to watch and our predictions!

The Cowboys are not only facing another mobile quarterback this week in Justin Fields, they may be facing the best one. So is it better to keep containment than actually go for the sack? We've also heard a lot about communication in the secondary, but is communication between the defensive line and linebackers even more important this week? And about those injuries ...

Could these next two games on the schedule be the turning point of the season? Does that bring any added pressure? Plus, is Jake Ferguson essentially part of the run game now? Is that bad? On the other side of the ball, last year the Dallas defense was one of the worst at stopping the run. Now they're one of the worst at stopping the pass. Which is better? And is help really on the way?

Should the NFL even have ties? Can the overtime format be changed? Plus, Jack Sanborn has come under some criticism, but does his knowledge of Matt Eberflus' system help the team? Also, is this secondary built to play this defense? And how about the defensive line? Can pressure be manufactured? One hall of fame head coach doesn't think so.

Should the Cowboys have gone for it on fourth-and-goal in overtime? If they wanted to really build a culture, maybe they should have. Because does a tie really mean anything? Should you let your best player go win it? Plus, missed tackles were a killer for the defense. You got to get off the field. Let's talk about that crazy overtime tie!

Can the Cowboys manufacture more pressure in this Sunday night showdown with Green Bay? Does that mean blitzing more? Or maybe having Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland roaming in the secondary will help. Also, what about Kenny Clark? Is he being overlooked in all this? Might he have something to prove? Plus, players to watch, Jesse's key stat and our predictions.

We heard a lot of talk during the offseason about culture, but does it really work if you're not winning games? Is there a risk now that the message will get lost? And the coaches have said they're simplifying things. Does that put pressure on the players? And how does that sit with them? The grace period may be running out.

Hold onto your hats because this Green Bay defense plays fast, and they'll throw a multitude of coverages at you on the back end. And then there's that defensive line. The Packers' front is led by a certain player we're all acquainted with, but he's not the only one to worry about. So how do the Cowboys attack this defense? Could it be handing it off to No. 33? Let's get low and slow.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said changes could be coming to both the teams's scheme and personnel. But what changes? Are there better options available? Plus, with a new coordinator, new scheme and no preseason action for the starters, shouldn't we have known the defense was going to struggle out of the gate? Also, is George Pickens ready to step up and be a movable piece in the offense?

Everything went wrong for the Cowboys in their loss to the Bears, especially on the defensive side of the ball. And the problems all start with the defensive line. Can they fix it? Will Jadeveon Clowney be the answer? Not that the offense gets a pass on this either. Would it have made a difference if CeeDee Lamb hadn't been injured? Should he have been in the backfield to begin with? Let's commiserate together.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said fixing the defense is easy; they just need better communication. But what does that mean? Is it in the huddle? Before the ball is snapped? During the play? And talking might be easy, but is understanding? And will there be any communication problems with Brock Hoffman now at center. Plus, Nate talks trash-talking, Jesse's key stat and our predictions!

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams certainly has the arm talent, but can the Cowboys force him into some of the bad habits that have hampered him? And can they contain him in the pocket? Plus, Chicago likes to throw short, which is tougher to defend with a zone defense. Can Dallas adjust? And is Trevon Diggs being set up to fail? Not intentionally, but …

The crew discuss Aubrey's NFC special teams weekly award and the latest Dallas Cowboys news and notes.

So Matt Eberflus' defense is supposed to be easier for players to handle. But does that mean it's also easier for opposing offenses to attack? Sure seems so. And was this scheme designed to have a stud pass-rusher, which is why the Cowboys are now bringing in Jadeveon Clowney? Plus, the chess match that goes on between players during games to gain an advantage. Hear it from those who know!

The best NFC teams can endure an injury. Well, can the Cowboys endure the loss of DaRon Bland? We're about to find out. But let's have a little fun on this Friday by reviewing the Dallas Morning News' Top 100 all-time Cowboys (including our man Nate at No. 42), and we'll rank the 88s. Plus, Jesse's key stat (hint: watch the slot) and our predictions.

The Giants offensive line is, well, not good. So can the Cowboys defensive line take advantage? And just importantly, they struggled to contain Jalen Hurts last week. Can they stop Russell Wilson from breaking loose? And Nate's philosophy is that if he has an A player and four B+ players on offense, he can make the rest work. Do the Cowboys have that? How about on defense?