Hangin' with the Boys

George Pickens is joining the team, but CeeDee Lamb is still the No. 1 guy. Should Coach Schotty sit down and make that clear to Pickens right from the jump? You bet! Plus, just what does he bring to the team? Was the price too high for what could be a one-year rental? And could this affect the culture the team is trying to build? Regardless, this trade has got people (and us) excited.

Recapping our thoughts on the Draft and the Dallas Cowboys first round pick Tyler Booker as well as why arrogance is needed as a professional athlete.

The time has finally come. The draft is here! So who should the Cowboys grab at No. 12? A receiver? Lineman? Cornerback? Running back? Speaking of, unless Ashton Jeanty is available, should they wait until Day 3 to get a running back? Should they trade down? No matter who they pick in the first round, as our man Nate says, they need a showstopper.

What do the Cowboys need in the upcoming draft? A player (or players) who can inject some hope into the team and season – a Michael Irvin, as Nate says. Plus, is head coach Brian Schottenheimer's offseason plan off to a good start? And it's time to say goodbye and honor another Cowboys great, Tyron Smith.

Nate Newton, Jesse Holley and Shannon Gross bring you the latest Cowboys news and updates.

Been a lot of talk about Micah Parsons' leadership and his recent back and forth with DeMarcus Lawrence on social media. Should a Lion lose sleep worrying about the opinions of sheep? Plus, let's take a look at the draft. What position should the Cowboys be looking to fill in the first round? Does the heart say receiver while the head says offensive tackle? And what about a certain running back?

It's been a busy couple of days for the Cowboys as free agency gets going. So are we good with the strategy here? Signing depth guys with hopes they can make an impact? What about letting guys go like DeMarcus Lawrence, Jourdan Lewis and Rico Dowdle? Was that the right decision? Plus, the Cowboys have lost a few of their leaders. Will that be an issue in the locker room? Let's dig into the latest!

Zack Martin may be riding off into the Hall of Fame sunset, but there is still a team to be built. Now that Osa Odighizuwa is signed and the Cowboys have freed up some salary cap space, what do they do? Focus on re-signing their own guys? Or do they need to make a big free-agent splash? Or two? Plus, the Raiders extended Maxx Crosby's deal early. Why don't we see more of that?

So with Zack Martin riding off into the sunset, what do the Cowboys do now on the offensive line? Cooper Beebe was an All-American guard in college. Should he be moved back? Or is the bigger worry what's happening on the outside at tackle? Listen to what 6-time Pro Bowler Nate Newton has to say about it. Plus, are they really going to draft a QB? And let's also check out the recent NFLPA ratings.

Is the new coaching staff coming in with a fresh approach? Or is it the same old narrative. And what exactly is a "players' coach"? As Jesse explains, it's not what you might think. Plus, is the draft-and-develop philosophy working? And there's going to be a big jump in the salary cap, but for a team that tends to stay away from big splashes in free agency, will we see much of a difference?

We just saw Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. In today's NFL, do you need a mobile quarterback to be successful? We also witnessed a dominating Eagles defensive line. Is time for the Cowboys to really focus on that side of the ball? And are mistakes of the past keeping them from being active in free agency now?

Why is everybody hating on the Chiefs? Do we just get tired of greatness? The Cowboys of the 1990s found that to be true. Our man Nate Newton was there for all three title runs and shares some stories, particularly about his memories of Super Bowl XXX. Plus, have the Cowboys experienced anything like the Luka trade? And our predictions for the big game.

Time to talk about a new coaching hire. Was there really much risk with this decision? Because it all seems pretty comfortable. Is Brian Schottenheimer that right guy to lead the Cowboys into the future? Despite all his experience, being a head coach is a whole different ball game. One thing is for certain, though, we've got hope for what lies ahead.

Are the Cowboys simply trying to find a coach who makes them comfortable? Should they be looking for someone who can shake things up a little? A coach who has total control? Should they be seeking the players' input? And just how do the players feel about all this? Are they paying attention to the process? The coaching search marches on …

With Shannon off to Mexico, the rest of us will have to break down the Cowboys' current hunt for a new head coach. Could it Deion Sanders, who would bring an even bigger spotlight? How about Robert Saleh? Could he shake up the culture? Or will it be a familiar face in Kellen Moore? He knows his Xs and Os, but can he step up and rally the troops? Lot of different angles to consider as a new era approaches.

Is this the last game for Mike McCarthy and the coaching staff? If the Cowboys do want him back, are they prepared to give him a raise? Of course, this could also be the last game for several players. For those who will become free agents, who could be the priorities to re-sign? And how about a little story time with Nate and Jesse, who share what it was like after they played their last NFL game.

Why did Ezekiel Elliott request his release? Was leaving the team before the end of the season the right thing to do? And what about his future? Is he Ring of Honor worthy? Plus, should they start Trey Lance in this final game? What can they learn that they haven't already? And given Dak Prescott's injury, should the Cowboys start preparing for the future now?

The Cowboys don't really have anything to play for in this last game … or do they? As a team, they're trying to build a winning culture, and as players, they want to prove to coaches both here and possibly other teams that they're an asset. And who knows, for some this could be their last time stepping on an NFL field. Think that doesn't matter?

Nate, Shannon, and Jesse discuss the latest Dallas Cowboys news & more.

Nate Newton, Shannon, and Kyle Youmans discuss the latest Dallas Cowboys news & more.

Who is the weak link of Philadelphia's offense? Well, it just might be the quarterback … if he plays. So if he does, how can the Cowboys limit Jalen Hurts' effectiveness when he's surrounded by a top offensive line and so many weapons? Defensively, the Eagles' strength is also on the line of scrimmage. Can Dallas figure out how to slow down to of the games' best defensive tackles, Jalen Carter and Milton Williams?

Rookie Marist Liufau was one of the players wearing the green dot last Sunday. What exactly does that mean? Is there more to it than just calling out plays? And what are some of the games being played between the offense and defense, the checks and rechecks, especially along the line of scrimmage. Plus, talking trash, fighting tough, playing hard … also known as life in the NFL. Merry Christmas!

Despite being eliminated from the playoffs earlier in the day, the Cowboys played inspired football in Sunday night's win. Did they just have nothing to lose? Were they playing for pride? For McCarthy? For stats? Plus, CeeDee Lamb continues to shine, Brandon Aubrey is setting records and the defense just keeps getting better and better. Let's celebrate a holiday version of Victory Monday!

Shannon, Nate, and Jesse discuss early birthdays, sub sandwiches, potential headaches and giving a run down for this weekend.

The Cowboys have been beating up on some bad teams, but what do you do when the opponent's talent is equal or better? Well, we're going to find out this week against Tampa Bay, especially in the run game. Can Rico Dowdle keep his string of 100-yard efforts going? Plus, could the reason why they aren't playing Trey Lance be because they can better evaluate other young players with Cooper Rush at quarterback?

Guys obviously aren't quitting on the season, but maybe they're playing for their own future contracts. Is it selfish? Then again, football is all about one-on-one battles. Also, should the Cowboys look to construct their roster differently next year to ensure more depth? And this team has had a number of undrafted free agents see action this year. Is that good? Yes. Is it bad? Well …

Cowboys got a nice win over the Panthers with CeeDee Lamb setting records, the defense dominating at times and Rico Dowdle continuing to chew up yards. Has the running game perked up because of the offensive line? If it's time for young players to get more of a look, should Tyler Guyton be playing? And is Osa Odighizuwa one of the best defensive tackles in the game now? Plus, Nate shares stories (and plans?) about him and Deion Sanders.

We're just hanging out, eating wings and having a little flavor fun on this Friday. But will the Cowboys be ready for the Panthers come Sunday? Will having a short week hurt them any? How does it make a difference? Plus, Nate and Jesse share stories of playing with and watching some of the best there ever was… including stepping on the court with Michael Jordan.

Shannon, Nate, and Jesse discuss injuries, CeeDee Lamb stats, and previewing Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers.

He was just trying to make a play … and it cost them. Our own special teams ace, Jesse, does a great job of deconstructing what happened on the blocked punt and the ensuing recovery by the Bengals. Plus, when it came down to "Who's going to make the play?" Cincinnati turned to Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Why didn't the Cowboys turn to Rico Dowdle?

We always hear talk about starting the best five players on the offensive line, but is that realistic? Or do different sides of the line require different skills? Hey, let's ask our resident ex-lineman about it. Plus, if Trevon Diggs can't go, would it be better to move Jourdan Lewis outside or keep him at slot corner? Could be a wild one come Monday night. Time to get ready!

Is the best quarterback in the NFL coming to town on Monday night? Our man Nate is a believer. So how can the Cowboys stop Joe Burrow? And what about those two receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? How do the Cowboy also stop them? Jesse breaks it down for us. Plus, Zack Martin is gone (for good?) and Mazi is improving (and here's where).

Dak Prescott had some words of support for his head coach, but should players have input on personnel moves and such? What our two ex-players have to say might surprise you. Also, what if CeeDee Lamb is unable to go on Monday night. Does one player step up or do they spread the wealth? If so, to who? And has Luke Schoonmaker turned a corner … now?

… Then Zack Martin plays. But what about Brock Hoffman? Sorry, young fella, the future Hall of Famer is in the lineup. Also, does one year's success or failure carry over into the next year? Will winning now benefit the 2025 season? And how much does having this mini-bye week help? Tremendously, says our guys who are, you know, ex-players. Here what they have to say!

Are the Cowboys beating lesser opponents? Maybe, but who cares? Playing winning football is contagious, and they're building confidence. Also, how impactful has Micah Parsons been since his return? Huge. Not only is he getting it done, but he's making those around him better. And do the Cowboys need to get KaVontae Turpin more involved on offense? Or has he found his role?

Nate and Jesse give us some great behind-the-scenes stories about trash-talking and who among their teammates were some of the best. Want more stories? Do players sometimes give away what's coming? You bet they do. Plus, let's break down the Giants a little. If defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is so good, why is their run defense so bad? And watch out for Malik Nabers. Let's eat!

Given the Cowboy are set to face the Giants in AT&T Stadium on Thursday, are there more distractions when they're playing at home? You bet there is. But how can they avoid them? Can they avoid them? Plus, if the Cowboys can go on a run to finish the season, could Mike McCarthy be back? "It's not crazy," said the owner. And what might be next for this ever-shuffling offensive line?

Although double-digit underdogs going into the game at Washington, the Cowboys played hard and came away with a crazy win. Who were some of the young guys who stood out? Will this get them even more opportunities? Guys like Josh Butler and T.J. Bass just might deserve them. Plus, is it just us or are these games starting to get more physical? It's a Victory Monday!

Is it a big deal when the Cowboys and Commanders get together? You can bet it is in Washington. Plus, as one who used to have that job himself, Jesse breaks down fake punts and who makes the call, while Nate (you know, the six-time Pro Bowl guard) explains what he looks for in offensive linemen. It's a little bit of everything on this Football Friday.

As fans are we okay if the Cowboys lose now? Are the expectations that it's time to play for next year? How do players feel? Does building a winning culture start now? If you don't practice hard, do you stick out? Or is it accepted? Plus, can DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis make a big impact when they return? Yes, they can, but it might not be in the way you think.

With the season not going as planned, are these injured players in a hurry to get back or would they rather just wait? It's all about their mentality. Do they get to play football? Or do they have to? For those who love the game, they enjoy playing even when losing. Plus, how does the Cowboys offense match up against Washington's defense? It may be time to seriously run the ball.

With desperation setting in, how do the players now approach each game? From Nate's experience, it's about making it personal. Each player must find his motivation. And that goes for coaches too. But was there anything from the game the Cowboys can take into next week? Plus, is it time to see Trey Lance play? And maybe it's time to let the great Zack Martin rest and get healthy.

It's Friday, so time for some fun. Jesse shares a great interaction he had with DeMarvion Overshown and explains the art of "breaking down." We also say farewell to our man Kaden, who's headed off for bigger and better things, and we've got some Rico Dowdle talk and a key stat of the game. Plus, our predictions for both the Cowboys and the big boxing match.

The Texans' offensive line is a little soft in the middle, but can the Cowboys attack them there? Can Mike Zimmer get creative? Can they slow down Joe Mixon? Plus, Nico Collins is expected back. Could Dallas catch a break while he ramps up? And since two of the NFL's top receivers will be facing off in Collins and CeeDee Lamb, let's break down some of the best in the business at the position.

The Cowboys offense better be ready because the Texans defense is coming. They play hard and they flat-out hustle. So how does Dallas help Cooper Rush attack downfield? He's not as bad as he showed last week, but is he as good as he showed two years ago? Let's hope so. And is it time to give Asim Richards more action on the line?

Where have all the turnovers gone? Is it a different defensive scheme? Do they have the right players for that scheme? Or does it simply begin and end with getting pressure up front? Also, if there was one thing that we could change on the field what would it be? (Hint: health). Plus, fans are getting emotional, and they have a right to. After all, sometimes you pick the team; sometimes the team picks you.

Despite what the final score says, the Cowboys were in that game against the Eagles in the first half. So what happened? Plus, is it time to sit the great Zack Martin and let him get healthy? And how about a few positives from the game? Micah Parsons, DeMarvion Overshwon … there has to be a few, right?

The Cowboys have one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league in Cooper Rush, but he hasn't played much the last couple of years. Does that give him an advantage against the Eagles defense? Plus, are there rivalries in the NFL anymore? There are for fans, but do today's players feel the same way? Here's betting they do when Philly comes to town!

Do the Cowboys have the manpower to stop offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the Eagles? Is there any alignment that could help? Micah Parsons could be back, but will he be at full strength? And just how does Dallas slow down maybe the best running back in the NFL, Saquon Barkley? It's a big rivalry game on Sunday!

With Cooper Rush now behind center, will the Cowboys get more basic with their game plan? Or do they need to get more creative, given the circumstances? Plus, does Dallas desperately need a second tight end to step up? And how will the team handle CeeDee Lamb and his sore shoulder? Better to prepare for the worst, than hope for the best.

So why did they make the trade for Jonathan Mingo? This is a deal for the future, but can he help right now? Let's hope so. Plus, while Cooper Rush is now the starter at quarterback, should they try to work Trey Lance into the offensive mix some too? And how much better would the offensive line be if Zack Martin was healthy and again playing at an All-Pro level? We'd vote for that!

This season is only getting worse. Poor play on the field is now compounded by injuries to key players. So how bad can it get? And what should they do with the trade deadline looming? Is it time to sell? Do they have anything to sell? Plus, what do they do with Ezekiel Elliott? If they want to start changing the attitude of this team, there's only one thing they can do.

Is this Falcons game going to decide the Cowboys' direction? Win against a good team and there's hope? Lose big and things go downhill? Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy both hinted that players aren't studying enough, aren't communicating enough and are still having to work on the basics. Is that surprising in Week 9? Let's step it up here on this Friday!

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will take what you give him, and if you give him a lot of time, he can take a lot. So can the Cowboys get any kind of pass rush on him? How do they stop tight end Kyle Pitts? And then there's Atlanta's ground game. Oh, boy. Plus, is there any reason for Micah Parsons to rush back? And why not a little candy corn debate on this Halloween?

Will the Cowboys' offensive line maybe catch a break this week? Atlanta's defense could be diced up by a quick, cutback runner. The problem is, does Dallas have such a guy? And by not leaning on one running back, is that throwing off the whole offense? Speaking of, Dak Prescott isn't running the ball anymore. How much is that hurting the team? Maybe more than we think.

So are the team's struggles an issue with the coaches? Or is it the players? Are the coaches making the necessary adjustments? Or are the players doing what they're supposed to? And is all this related to why they've been so bad in the third quarter? Plus, with the trade deadline next week, should they be buying? Or maybe it's time to sell?

Lot to review after the Cowboys' loss to the 49ers. Was the first half just a mirage? Why did they bother activating Dalvin Cook? Could they have done anything differently to stop George Kittle? How about stopping the run? And yes, what the reporter questioned in his post was probably wrong, but is that an excuse for Trevon Diggs' actions? Nope. The frustration mounts.

The word is the Cowboys have been practicing better this week. That's great but, uh, what took so long? And can they now carry these great practices into the game? After all, the 49ers are pretty banged up and maybe worn out. Are they ripe for the picking? Plus, word is Dalvin Cook is ready, so who sits? Would they rather be right or win games? Showdown Sunday is coming!

How does a football player get picked for jury duty during the season? Is this yet another "distraction"? Plus, we've talked about how the Cowboys need to do something different on offense coming out of the bye week. Does the defense need to make adjustments as well? And Nate gets fired up about the pass rush (or lack thereof) while Jesse shares his theory about Dalvin Cook.

Lot of buzz about the tours that go on around the team's practice facility. Ah, such is the life of the Cowboys. But is it really a problem for the players? Only if they let it be. As far as this coming Sunday, what is Dallas going to do on the offensive line? Will Tyler Guyton be back out there? And what should they expect from Fred Warner and the 49ers defense? One thing is for sure – the Cowboys can't be predictable.