Hangin' With The 'Boys: Is The NFL Too Soft?

Nate's "preseason" is done and now there's a showdown coming on Sunday. How important is it to the Cowboys' confidence to win this matchup? Especially knowing they'll likely have to meet again in the playoffs. And is Dallas tougher and more physical now? Will having Trey Lance help the game plan any? Plus, Tyler Smith looks locked in at left guard … which is definitely a good thing!

When the Cowboys outsmarted one of the NFL's great masterminds with a fake extra-point attempt, the outcome seemed assured. Especially the way the defense was playing. But why was Micah Parsons still out there with the game in hand? Is it up to the coaches to lessen his wear and tear? And looking ahead, are the 49ers going to be a test or a challenge?

Nate is fired up on this Friday afternoon, and he's got a message for the Cowboys defense: Set the edge! Also, Jesse has some words of advice for the red-zone offense: Spread them out wide and hit them up the middle. Plus a few of your calls and our predictions. There's a lot to get through before we head into the weekend. Let's go!

Are Mac Jones and Dak Prescott comparable in talent? After just three games, some seem to think so, but there will be no giving up on our quarterback on this show. Also, why the problems with stopping the run? Is the defensive line not sticking with their assignments, leaving the linebackers and safeties hung out to dry? One guy can go off script, but when several do … uh-oh.

Don't look now, but that Patriots defense is no joke. Do the Cowboys have an answer for their guys wearing single digits? And more red-zone talk. Is it a personnel issue? A play-calling issue? Or is it just a patchwork offensive line issue? Speaking of, would you rather see Tyler Smith on the inside at guard or outside at tackle if Tyron Smith is hurt? Plus, a special guest joins us!

Was the loss in Arizona just a one game blip? Or was it a continuing trend going back to last season and beyond? And what's going on with the red-zone production? Is it play design? Do they just need to power run the ball into the end zone? Plus, where is rookie Mazi Smith? We know he has the physical strength. Is technique and play recognition holding him back?

There were three main problems that led to the Cowboys' unsettling loss in Arizona: red-zone offense, run defense and penalties. So were these just a one-game speed bump or are they larger issues that could derail a promising season? Also, despite missing three starters, the offensive line held up for the most part. But what happened to the defensive line? Oh, boy … here we go.

With the loss of Trevon Diggs, will the Dallas defense have enough depth to keep this train rolling? Step right up, DaRon Bland! Let's go, Jourdan Lewis! On the other hand, maybe the real worry is along the offensive line, where Tyler Biadasz and Zack Martin remain uncertain for Sunday's game. Are we about to find out if this team is a true contender? It's in the Cards!

Is there any chance this is a trap game? Nah, the Cowboys just have too much talent. But is there a risk of guys getting bored? Nah, just got to take care of business. Only thing beating this team in Arizona is the Cowboys themselves. With that said, can some players take more chances knowing their teammates have got their back?

Our man Patrik jumps on the show for a spirited debate about a certain NFC East rival and its quarterback. Plus, Jesse breaks down what the Cardinals try to do in coverage and why it won't work against the Cowboys receivers. Speaking of, is Mike McCarthy's new system a good fit for Michael Gallup? Regardless, the Dallas offense should be ready to roll come Sunday.

If we're so worried about protecting starters in the preseason, why not take some of these guys out earlier when the game is a blowout? Also, what's it going to take for Dak Prescott not to be criticized? Plus, there's a healthy respect and camaraderie between today's players, so is a little trash talking all well and good? And could there be a show challenge lurking?

Micah Parsons again looks unstoppable out there as he and the defense take down the Jets. So no need to worry about the red zone then? With the defense in control, that allowed the offense to simply work the clock and play it safe. Speaking of, Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott sure look like they're in sync, don't they? Let's discuss it all on this Victory Monday!

It's amazing the punishment these players go through – 70 snaps of just trying to wear each other out. And you know it's going to be that and more this Sunday. Also, do coaches today talk to players differently than they did in the past? Plus, Jourdan Lewis' role when he comes back, stopping the run, predictions and your calls. Time to jet into the weekend!

If the Cowboys want to have a sack party against the Jets, they've got to earn it first by stopping the run. Don't stop the run and it's going to be a long, grinding day. Is that what coordinator Dan Quinn is telling his troops? What might the coaches on the other side be saying to Zach Wilson? Make no mistake, there's a big wave bearing down on the New York quarterback.

The Jets defense is no joke with perhaps only one player the difference between them and the Dallas defense. So how will the Cowboys offense have to attack those like the Williams brothers? Plus, did we just get a taste against the Giants of what Mike McCarthy's offense can really do? No trap zone here in Week 2.

Is there a big difference with Mike McCarthy calling plays now and his ability to better stay in the flow of the game? You bet there is. Plus, is there still anything to worry about after the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers. You bet there is. And a caller asks, is there a way for Micah Parsons and the Dallas defense to be stopped? You bet … well, maybe not!

How hyped should we be about that dominating victory? Are the Cowboys headed to the Super Bowl? Or since it was just one game, do we need to tap the brakes? Plus, Micah Parsons' impact on the defense, KaVontae Turpin's impact on the offense and Mike McCarthy mixing and matching while getting everyone involved. It's Victory Monday!

It's time to make our predictions about both the upcoming season and this Sunday's game. Just how good is Dallas going to be? Also, will we see the Cowboys use more two-back sets in an effort to work the clock? Plus, Dak's tattoo, injuries to both sides and your calls. Hey, it's finally game time!

Is it a lost opportunity if Micah Parsons isn't going after the quarterback? Is stopping running back Saquon Barkley the key to stopping the Giants? Is tight end Darren Waller a new weapon the Cowboys need to worry about? It's time for the Dallas defense to "Seize Everything" and show us they're as good on the field as they are on paper!

One thing that Jesse notes about this Dallas offense? It's looking awfully similar to Mike McCarthy's offenses in Green Bay when he used more of a committee approach … which isn't a bad thing. But how do the Cowboys use their offense to combat a Giants defense that has strength up front and likes to blitz? It's time to play and play fast!

So if the Cowboys just make it to the NFC Championship Game this year, would the season be considered a success? Or given the talent they have, is it Super Bowl or bust? (Really, how can you make this team any better?) Plus, offensive line worries, Deion talk and McCarthy play-calling. It's finally Game Week!

Roughly 80 percent of the Cowboys' current roster was drafted or originally signed by the team. What's that say about the organization and how does it help the team? Plus, Dak Prescott has a big year ahead. Was last season the exception or the new rule? There's only one way to find out. Plus, selling hope and how can Trey Lance contribute? It's the last weekend before real NFL football!

Yesterday was of course cut-down day. Were there any surprises? How are the Cowboys now at linebacker? Plus, while some are gone, others are back, in particular Jourdan Lewis. What can we expect from him this year? And how about those receivers – less pressure on Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks' speed and, oh my, CeeDee Lamb is looking good.

Well, when it comes this Trey Lance trade, the Boys have plenty of things to say about it and a few questions to ask. Like, what's the long game here? Plus, final roster cuts are due tomorrow. Who might be on the outside looking in? Is the team trying to wheel and deal some trades? Speaking of, Nate and Jesse share their memories of going through final cuts and the pressure that comes with it.

Sam Williams ran into a little more off-the-field trouble again. Is this now a trend? Could he lose some trust with the team? Also, who will be fighting for their roster lives in this final preseason game? And should they make sure Brandon Aubrey gets a lengthy field goal try or two during it? Plus, Jalen Tolbert is now the No. 4 wide receiver, but could he move further up the depth chart?