Hangin' with the Boys: Defensive Expectations

Training camp is now underway, and so are we! Time to catch up and take a look at what we'll be watching in the coming weeks. Is Mazi Smith ready to take a step forward? How will the Cowboys handle the quarterback situation with Trey Lance? Can Mike Zimmer bring a new level of toughness to the defense? Plenty of questions to be answered, and we're just getting started.

Jesse, Shannon, and Nate discuss the passing of Cowboys legend Larry Allen, comments from Micah Parsons at mandatory minicamp, and CeeDee Lamb handling business.

Jesse, Shannon, and Nate discuss if Micah Parsons is improving on his leadership qualities, the WR market, and get into some Mavericks talk.

With the beginning of OTAs, should rookies like Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe be working with the first-team unit immediately instead of with the second-stringers? Or do the veterans deserve some respect and an opportunity to show what they can do? Plus, with teams allowed to have 10 OTA practices, why are the Cowboys only holding six? And within all that, what are they going to do with Trey Lance?

The schedule is out, so it's time to break down the good, the bad and the ugly of the Cowboys' road ahead. Sure, the back half looks advantageous, but man, how about that first half? Plus, Mike Zimmer had some things to say about Mazi Smith and how a change is coming, Mike McCarthy gave us a preview of Ezekiel Elliott and the running back attack and, well, are they ever going to get a deal done with Dak Prescott?

Sometimes it's just a matter of a player getting with the right team and the right system. Nate shares stories of what it was like for him coming into the league and how players like Hall of Famers Charles Haley and Randy White helped him. Which is what today's rookies will now need as they get their first taste of the NFL this weekend. Plus, is there any chance the Cowboys will move on from Dak?

The Cowboys had a good draft, but how productive will they really be as rookies? Especially when guys like Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe may be learning new positions. Is this a slow rebuild where their real impact will come in 2025? Plus, what should we expect from Ezekiel Elliott in his return? Is there any juice in that running back room? And looks who's finally back … it's our man, Nate!

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!