Hangin' with the 'Boys: The Best Defense Is …

You know the old saying, "The best defense is a good offense." That may mean more now than ever before. So what are Mike Zimmer's troops going to do to get to the passer? Will teammates rally around and collectively pick up the slack? Can someone like DeMarvion Overshown step into a larger pass-rushing role? Or is it truly all going to all fall back on Dak Prescott to win games?

So is it time to make a change along the offensive line? Because he's struggling, does Tyler Guyton need a chance to take a step back and develop his technique? Or do you hope the rest of the line improves, so they can give the young rookie more help? Also, why don't the Cowboys use more motion in their offense? Is it all about teaching an old dog new tricks? It's time to let the fans sound off.

Now that the Cowboys have more clarity on injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, here are some of the possibilities to replace the two starting defensive ends. A little on the Commanders, the Steelers, the Chiefs and the need to establish a run game, with Nate's assessment of the offensive line play.

On the road against a division rival? Thursday night prime time? Sure, the Giants aren't that good, but the Cowboys took care of business and that's all that matters. There's plenty to talk about, both good (Mazi Smith) and worrisome (injuries) on this Victory Friday!

Would changing the defense to a 3-4 scheme instead of a 4-3 help free up Micah Parsons? Maybe. There's just one big problem. Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball, why are Cowboys receivers struggling to create separation? Turns out, there's one big problem there as well. Plus, can CeeDee Lamb really change, our predictions and more.

It's hard to believe that Dalvin Cook isn't ready. He's been here nearly a month. So why not see what he's got? Then again, will he really make a difference? With the way the offensive line is struggles right now, does it matter who is carrying the ball? Plus, there's been so much talk about guys doing their jobs, could we see an overcorrection on Thursday? Let's hope not.

No holds barred breaking down the disappointing loss to Baltimore, once again starting with the inability to stop the run and slow start on offense. And with Nate filling in for Everson, he was not happy with CeeDee Lamb's performance and attitude.

Jesse, Shannon, and Nate share their final thoughts before the Cowboys take on the Ravens this Sunday at AT&T Stadium and make their predictions.

Been a lot of talk about guys not doing their jobs last week. So why couldn't they recognize that during the game? Nate and Jesse provide some perspective. Plus, is it better to all-out rush Lamar Jackson or spread the umbrella and try to contain him? And who scares you more in the run game, the speed and shiftiness of Jackson or the size and strength of Derek Henry?

The Ravens defensive line is stout. There won't be much pushing them around. So do the Cowboys not even worry about running the ball? Along those lines, center Cooper Beebe has been great in pass protection but has struggled some in run blocking? What does he need to do? Plus, someone has to step up and help CeeDee Lamb in the passing game? Who's it going to be?

Was there a problem with the Cowboys' effort in that game against the Saints? Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer took the blame but said, "They beat us off the snap quite a few times." Isn't that effort? More importantly, can it be corrected? And, uh-oh, is Zack Martin starting to look mortal? Good thing we've got a six-time Pro Bowl lineman who has been through this himself and can give us some insight!

When you break it down, that game was lost at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Sure, the Saints had a scheme and motion that kept the Cowboys guessing, but they were also just more physical, continuing an ongoing theme. From questionable play-calling to questionable effort, this was ugly. So can they now put this debacle behind them and forget about it? Or should they?

So should tight end Jake Ferguson play this weekend? Why rush him back this early in the season? Plus, Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was on Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's staff in Minnesota. Will that give one or the other an advantage when they face off on Sunday? And could defensive end Chase Young be an even bigger challenge for Tyler Guyton? It's a freaky Friday!

After one game, were there any big differences between Mike Zimmer's defense and Dann Quinn's? How about the way Micah Parsons is used? Is it okay to empower him to do what he does best? You better believe it. Plus, how worried should we be about this Saints offense? With the formations and schemes they run, they might just be better than we think. Don't miss the breakdown from Nate and Jesse.

Sure, the Saints played a bad Carolina team in Week 1, but that doesn't mean the Cowboys can take them lightly, right? Was winning on the road at Cleveland in Week 1 a big game for Dak Prescott? What happened in that second half? And will things get easier for the rookie linemen? Or tougher because now there's film?

Now that Dak Prescott has his money, what should the return on investment be for this to be considered a successful deal? Does he have to win a Super Bowl? Reach the NFC Championship Game? And speaking of contracts, is Mike McCarthy changing his approach any now that he's in his last year? Plus, how much will it affect the offense if Jake Ferguson misses time?

What a way to open the season. There are plenty of accolades to go around after that impressive win in Cleveland. How did the offensive line look with the two rookies? How about Mike Zimmer's defense, including the likes of DeMarvion Overshown, Eric Kendricks and Jourdan Lewis? And think Dak Prescott had a good day? It's Victory Monday!

It's time for our yearly trek through the schedule to see what games we think the Cowboys are going to win or lose. Are we looking at another 12-win season? A division title? Are they Super Bowl contenders or still building toward something? Plus, a few calls and more. Let's play some real football!

Micah Parsons may want to be a stealthy assassin moving around in the defensive scheme, but he's going to be the first player offenses look for on the field. So how can the Cowboys keep him from wearing down? And how long is it going to take for the defense overall to gel in Mike Zimmer's new scheme? Plus, can Deshaun Watson still be a game-changer?

Shannon, Jesse, and Nate discuss the latest Dallas Cowboys news and notes and preview Cowboys vs. Browns.

So is this running back by committee thing going to work? Will it be hard for the backs to get in a rhythm? Some say yes, others say no. Plus, of the starting rookies, which one do you have the most concerns about – Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe or Caelen Carson? And the latest on the Cowboys negotiations with Dak Prescott. Is the team smart to want a shorter-term deal?

Lot going to discuss on this hump day. Were there any surprises in the final cuts? Dalvin Cook is being added to the practice squad. Can he contribute? What should we be concerned about as we head into the season? The team's health? A new defense? McCarthy in his final year? A tougher schedule? Plus, a rant from Nate about young linemen and, um … feet talk?

Look who got signed right before we went on the air. Now under contract, will CeeDee Lamb be ready come Week 1? How long will it take for him and the offense to get in sync? And what's our concern level with DaRon Bland's injury? Can the Cowboys ride out his absence? Plus, early cuts, Deuce on the loose and more!

With one preseason game left, who are some of the players who really need to show out? And then what happens? How many might the Cowboys keep at wide receiver? Linebacker? Running back? Plus, what do all these additions on the defensive line mean? A lot of questions are about to be answered.

In the case of CeeDee Lamb, it's time to purchase now, please. His presence alone will not only help the other receivers and tight ends, but the running game will improve as well. But once he does sign, how long will it take for him to ramp up? Plus, is Trey Lance improving? And what does Tyler Guyton need to work on?