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

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!