Hangin' with the Boys: Coverage Downs

Caleb Downs leads the team in tackles this season, but he's also struggling in the passing game. How can they help him in coverage? Simple, get to the quarterback. Speaking of, do the Cowboys need to worry about Philly's backup QB? What if Saquon Barkley returns? Plus, Jerry Jones has said he'd still be willing to make a trade. Is that a good idea?

We've been hearing about how much the Cowboys need to run more. Will they now overcompensate against a stout Eagles front? Although is the Philadelphia defense as good as we seem to think? Their stats would suggest otherwise. Plus, with all the yards gained, why aren't there more explosive plays on offense?

Both the Buccaneers and Packers blitzed like they knew how the Cowboys would react. So what is the Dallas offense going to do differently to change things up? And how can they overcome what seems to be confusion in trying to defend against the blitz? Plus, would running the ball more actually help? Maybe not in some situations.

The Cowboys had 10 days to prepare for this game against the Packers, so why did it look like they weren't ready? Why do they look so out of sync on both sides of the ball? Maybe more importantly, can they figure out how to dig themselves out of this hole, and as Nate says, "Just do your job"? Let's break down another disappointing loss.

Should we be concerned when coordinator Klayton Adams says the offense is still trying to find its identity? If the passing game is their big punch, should the Cowboys just lean into it? Plus, why do we keep seeing the same mistakes on defense, like containment? Plus, playing at Lambeau, Jesse's stat and our predictions.

Sounds like Malachi Lawrence is going to be getting more snaps. Is that the right move? You bet it is. But what other changes could we see? Will Caleb Downs return to his nickel spot? Let's hope so. And why has such a big deal been made about hiring Mike Pettine, or where Christian Parker will be located during the game? Well, that's life with the Dallas Cowboys.

We're getting into the Cowboys offense vs. the Packers defense today, as well as should Dallas be using more motion in its game plan. Plus, is the team's roster too top-heavy? Are they developing young talent? And it's story time with Nate and Jesse as they talk pregame meals, training room etiquette and more.

We were sold on the idea that Christian Parker had all the answers, and that the Cowboys defense was immediately going to be better. But shouldn't we have expected there would be a learning curve for a new coordinator with new players? Now, here comes Mike Pettine. What happened? What's ahead? Let's get into it.

The Cowboys may have some defensive guys returning from injury soon, but will it really matter if the team's top players aren't consistently making an impact? Plus, at this point, what tweaks should the Cowboys consider making? Is it time to take a hard look at tight end? How about defensive end? When does accountability come into play?

What the heck happened against the Buccaneers? The Cowboys just couldn't get things figured out on either side of the ball. Is the defense ever going to be able to stop the run? Why did the offense struggle so much against the blitz? Was the team once again unprepared? Time to commiserate over another painful performance.

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.