Talkin' Cowboys: Degree of Difficulty

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez provide updates on the Cowboys' defensive coordinator search before handing out letter grades to Brian Schottenheimer and the Dallas offense. Position by position, the crew evaluates the degree of difficulty each unit faced and how the offense performed across the 2025 season.

Talkin' Cowboys moves to once a week as the offseason begins with breaking news: the Cowboys have fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, making it four DCs in four years. The crew debates whether a splash hire or long-term stability is the answer, looks around the league for context, and runs through a yes/no game on every defensive starter.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez break down the Cowboys' decision to waive All-Pro CB Trevon Diggs, unpacking the timeline, fallout from a turbulent 2025 season, and what's next including potential landing spots for a playoff run. Plus, Isaiah's QB Vision previews the season finale vs. the Giants, and Josh delivers another Get Ya Popcorn Ready.

The full crew is back for the final Talkin' Tuesday of the 2025–26 regular season, taking your calls to debate whether the Cowboys' defensive issues are about personnel or scheme. With free agency looming, the crew discusses how big a slice of the salary cap "pie" should be served to fixing the defense.

Kyle Youmans, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez, and Tommy Yarrish break down the Cowboys' 30–23 Christmas Day win over the Commanders, where the offense jumped out early before stalling and the defense struggled once again. With one game left and nothing to gain, the crew makes the case for sitting Dak Prescott and avoiding any more unnecessary hits.

It's a Christmas-themed Say It With Your Chest Tuesday as Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez debate whether Dak Prescott should even be playing in a game with little at stake and why the risk might outweigh the reward. Plus, Isaiah breaks down the Commanders in QB Vision and Josh delivers a holiday-flavored Get Ya Popcorn Ready full of cheer and chaos.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez break down the Cowboys' 34–17 loss to the Chargers, a tough result in a game where playoff elimination had already been sealed. With the team once again out-physical'd and the defense looking unchanged despite Matt Eberflus moving to the booth, the crew asks what comes next.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez share final thoughts and predictions for Cowboys–Chargers as the margins for error shrink with just three games left. The crew also discusses DaRon Bland's foot injury and the possibility of IR, while Josh delivers a Get Ya Popcorn Ready built around "Derwin-ian Theory" — survival of the fittest as the Cowboys' 2025 season hangs in the balance.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez preview the Cowboys' defense against the Chargers' offense, focusing on whether Dallas can effectively pressure Justin Herbert or risk another get-right game. In Patrik's Lab Koat segment, the crew breaks down why giving Herbert time with a dangerous trio of weapons could spell trouble.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez take a deep dive into the Trevon Diggs situation, examining why he hasn't been activated and the drama surrounding it. The crew also previews Cowboys offense vs. Chargers defense, with Isaiah's QB Vision breaking down where Dallas can find answers.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez react to a disheartening loss to the Vikings, a defeat that drops the Cowboys' playoff chances to just one percent. The crew breaks down what went wrong and why several position groups from linebacker to offensive line to the secondary have been the most disappointing this season.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez share final thoughts on Cowboys–Vikings, including confirmation that CeeDee Lamb has passed protocol and is set to play Sunday night. Plus, Josh delivers Get Ya Popcorn Ready with cinematic predictions for a primetime showdown.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez preview how the Cowboys' defense matches up with Kevin O'Connell's Vikings, a talented skill group featuring Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones but led by QB J.J. McCarthy, who's had an uneven first season. In Patrik's Lab Koat segment, the crew explains why the key this week isn't rushing "Nine", but making him think his way down the field.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez preview the Cowboys' offense against a blitz-heavy Vikings defense. In Isaiah's QB Vision, the crew breaks down how Minnesota's big defensive front and high blitz rate could stress the passing game or open things up for Dallas to "pick" it apart.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez break down the latest Cowboys news, including Jerry Jones' comments on Logan Wilson taking more snaps and more. On a Talkin' Tuesday, the crew takes your calls to discuss defensive priorities, Kenneth Murray, and whether playoff hopes remain alive after the Eagles' Monday night loss.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez zoom out for a big-picture draft discussion, debating which positions they'd target with two first-round picks. Another offensive lineman, a rare swing at safety, or even more weapons for Dak Prescott?? The crew also breaks down the latest injury updates on CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Guyton, and Trevon Diggs.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez react to the Cowboys' heartbreaking 44–30 loss to the Lions, where special teams mistakes, O-line struggles, and defensive misfires dragged Dallas back to reality. The season isn't over, but the path is narrow. The crew breaks down what it would take to recover and fight through the final four games.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez give their final thoughts and predictions for Cowboys–Lions on Thursday night in Detroit. With Isaiah's QB Vision, Josh's Get Ya Popcorn Ready, and a the latest news and notes, the crew breaks down how Dallas can avoid losing their minds in Detroit Rock City.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez react to the Cowboys' 31–28 Thanksgiving win over the Chiefs and why playoff seeding across the NFC won't matter if Dallas doesn't keep taking care of the opponent in front of them. The crew hands out Smelly Stickers to standout performers, with praise for Malik Davis, CeeDee Lamb's bounce-back showing, and more.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez give their final thoughts and predictions for Cowboys–Chiefs on Thanksgiving, including how Dallas can handle Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Kansas City's offensive weapons. Patrik brings a Lab Koat breakdown, Josh serves up a holiday Get Ya Popcorn Ready, and the crew debate if "40 Burgers" are on the menu.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez preview the Cowboys' offense vs. the Chiefs' defense ahead of Thanksgiving Day, with Isaiah's QB Vision breaking down where Dallas might be able to feast. The crew also takes listener calls on a Talkin' Tuesday to debate whether the run game is the key to victory or if Dak should try to stay on his hot streak.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez break down the Cowboys' 21-point comeback win over the Eagles, where Dak Prescott set the franchise passing record and the defense pitched a 2nd half shutout. George Pickens looked not of this earth, and while no one's handing out trophies in Week 12, this one felt like a statement.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez deliver their final thoughts heading into Cowboys–Eagle and if Dallas can close a deal with George Pickens as he speaks on his future. Plus, Josh brings a blockbuster Get Ya Popcorn Ready segment with cinematic predictions for the NFL's greatest rivalry.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez break down how Quinnen William's presence changes the Cowboys' defensive plan against Philadelphia's conservative offense. The crew discusses why making Jalen Hurts play from behind is critical and how Dallas will test the AJ Brown–DeVonta Smith tandem in a heavyweight rematch.

Kyle Youmans, Patrik Walker, Isaiah Stanback, and Josh Rodriguez turn their focus to the Eagles as they preview how the Cowboys' offense matches up against one of the league's most structurally sound defenses. The unit has been rolling, but the crew breaks down which Cowboys weapon could be the key to keeping that rhythm against their fiercest rival.