Hangin' With The 'Boys: Gotta Come Downhill

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.

Competition across the board has been raised for the Cowboys. Why is that? Have they just brought in the right kind of players? Plus, they've got some tough decisions to make soon. Will they keep both Camden Brown and Jonathan Mingo? What about at running back? Safety? And what could the future look like for Joe Milton?

Nate calls in from training camp and gives us a scouting report on how the offensive line is doing, in particular Cooper Beebe and Terence Steele. Also, should we be worried about the lack of discipline some players are showing? And just what kind of teammate is Von Miller? How will he be able to lead and mentor his new Cowboys teammates?

The Cowboys shake things up with the signing of Von Miller, so what kind of impact is he going to have, both on the field and off? Plus, there's another scrimmage tomorrow, this time with the Saints. Will the offense continue to try different things, or will it remain pretty vanilla? And how about that preseason game on Saturday night?

By all accounts, the Cowboys had a good showing in their scrimmage against the Rams. So first, how do those scrimmages work? And second, no matter how good the work is, does it compare to what the starters could experience in a preseason game? Plus, the first depth chart is out, and the Cowboys continue to make that money.

The last couple of years, the Rams have more or less bullied the Cowboys during their scrimmage. What happened this year? Was the attitude different? Nate calls in with a firsthand look. Plus, Jesse is back from camp. Who stood out to him? And who didn't? Football is back and so are we!

Jesse Holley and Nate Newton discuss rookie Jaishawn Barham's groin injury, the tight end group's progress, Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford, the defensive line's dominance in 11 on 11 periods and preview the upcoming joint practice scrimmage against the LA Rams featuring Miles Garrett and Matthew Stafford.

Jesse Holley and Nate Newton break down the fifth practice in Oxnard as they discuss the left tackle competition between Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas following Coach Schottenheimer's announcement, analyze the defensive back group featuring Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., and DaRon Bland, and preview the upcoming joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams.

Nate Newton and Jesse Holley break down the first padded practice of Dallas Cowboys training camp, Shavon Revel Jr.'s improved confidence and fluidity after playing through injury last year, the transition to new coach Christian Parker, defensive communication improvements under the new staff, Tyler Guy's position battle at left tackle with special guests - Shavon Revel Sr., father of Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., and offensive lineman Tyler Smith.

Nate Newton and Jesse Holly host the Training Camp Edition of Hangin' with the 'Boys live from Oxnard, California, covering day two of Dallas Cowboys training camp. The duo discusses the increased physicality and intensity on both sides of the ball, highlights standout players including Caleb Downs, DeMarvion Overshown, and the cornerback competition between Shavon Revel and Cobie Durant, and shares observations on coach Christian Parker's leadership style and the overall energy of Camp 2026.

Ever wonder what happens on those kickoff returns, the layers involved? Well, Jesse and Nate break down the different aspects of setting guys up, manning up with opponents and even trying to tackle the guy with the ball. There's more to it than you think. Plus, what's ahead this summer and running into real money. Join us!

Are OTAs overrated? They just might be for some of the veterans. As Nate tells us, training camp is when it counts, and when we'll need to see George Pickens. Plus, the Cowboys have the same head coach, so why do things seem so much different this year? And what is this defense, and when will we know?

We've got some thoughts (and one concern) after viewing today's OTA practice. Plus, there were a couple of big contracts handed out recently to wide receivers. What does that mean for George Pickens? And how about a Myles Garrett scrimmage?

Under Jimmy Johnson, Nate didn't have a choice about going to summer practices, but what are OTAs like now? Plus, after talking to the rookies, Jesse came away impressed. And is the Cowboys' secondary good to go?

Jesse Holly, Nate Newton, Shannon Gross, break down the Dallas Cowboys' brutal road-heavy schedule, two stints of three games in 11 days, the late December 13th bye week, player safety concerns, the tight-knit culture of the offensive line, and what the Cowboys need to do to compete in the NFC East division.

You ready for the schedule release? Do the players get all that excited about it? Plus, could lower offensive numbers be a good thing for the Cowboys? Yes, if the defense is better. And for Nate, there were no friends on the football field.

How much impact can Caleb Downs have as a safety? Well, it's up to Christian Parker to figure out how to use him. Plus, after all the offseason moves, is this still just an average team? And Nate and Jesse take a deep dive into what it takes to be a team leader.