Hangin' with the 'Boys: We're Watching

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?