Hangin' With The 'Boys

Ever wonder what happens on those kickoff returns, the layers involved? Well, Jesse and Nate break down the different aspects of setting guys up, manning up with opponents and even trying to tackle the guy with the ball. There’s more to it than you think. Plus, what’s ahead this summer and running into real money. Join us! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are OTAs overrated? They just might be for some of the veterans. As Nate tells us, training camp is when it counts, and when we’ll need to see George Pickens. Plus, the Cowboys have the same head coach, so why do things seem so much different this year? And what is this defense, and when will we know? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got some thoughts (and one concern) after viewing today’s OTA practice. Plus, there were a couple of big contracts handed out recently to wide receivers. What does that mean for George Pickens? And how about a Myles Garrett scrimmage? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Jimmy Johnson, Nate didn’t have a choice about going to summer practices, but what are OTAs like now? Plus, after talking to the rookies, Jesse came away impressed. And is the Cowboys' secondary good to go? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesse Holly, Nate Newton, Shannon Gross, break down the Dallas Cowboys' brutal road-heavy schedule, two stints of three games in 11 days, the late December 13th bye week, player safety concerns, the tight-knit culture of the offensive line, and what the Cowboys need to do to compete in the NFC East division. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You ready for the schedule release? Do the players get all that excited about it? Plus, could lower offensive numbers be a good thing for the Cowboys? Yes, if the defense is better. And for Nate, there were no friends on the football field. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much impact can Caleb Downs have as a safety? Well, it’s up to Christian Parker to figure out how to use him. Plus, after all the offseason moves, is this still just an average team? And Nate and Jesse take a deep dive into what it takes to be a team leader. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it good the Cowboys drafted players that defensive coordinator Christian Parker wanted? Also, we know Caleb Downs is a day-one starter, but is Malachi Lawrence? He’s a first-round pick, after all. And has anything really changed regarding George Pickens? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was the news about the Cowboys deciding to let George Pickens play on the franchise tag just a negotiating ploy? Could we now possibly see them draft a receiver in the first round? And does the Giants’ recent trade affect Dallas’ draft? Let’s pick ’em! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the Cowboys take into consideration whether a player fits the defensive system? Should the coaches be able to develop that player no matter what? Or is it on the player himself to figure it out? Plus, could Dallas really trade up? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the Cowboys trade up in the draft? Should they trade back and add a Day 2 pick? Then again, have you seen their recent second-round selections? We have (hint: it ain’t pretty). Plus, what happens if the team plays hardball with Pickens? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew discusses the George Pickens franchise tag situation, Pickens’ agent’s stance on long-term deals, the impact of a potential holdout on the Cowboys offense and locker room and various offseason topics including a fan-favorite voicemail from Nate Newton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Jaxson Smith-Njigba deal affect negotiations with George Pickens? And how serious was the team’s interest in Maxx Crosby? Plus, Nate spends some time with Prime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why haven’t the Cowboys addressed linebacker yet? Should we be worried. Would bringing in a veteran like Bobby Wagner be wise instead of handing the reins over to a rookie? Plus, would Dallas dare draft an offensive player in the first round? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was it a surprise Osa Odighizuwa got traded? What was the reasoning? Does that and the Cowboys’ other moves change their draft strategy? And after this first wave of free agency is the defense better? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Owner Jerry Jones has talked about spending more money in free agency and that he’d “borrow some of my future.” But with some contracts having already been restructured is reworking even more the right thing to do? Plus, would the Cowboys prefer George Pickens stay in Dallas, or get two potential first-round picks if he signs elsewhere? Sounds like maybe a win/win for the team ... See omnystudio.c...

Our man Nate shares his story of being recently pardoned by the president and, for the first time, reveals a special phone call he had with one of his angels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New defensive coordinator Christian Parker was introduced to the media and count us impressed. Knowledgeable, personable, confident, he looks like the right man for the job. So what’s next? Can he get the players he needs, especially a nickel back? Can he make changes quickly? Will people be patient? One thing is for certain, though … Parker is off to a good start. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

The Cowboys can fix their defense … if they want to. That is, if the team is willing to spend in free agency. The hiring of Christian Parker showed a change in thinking. Will that trend continue in free agency? Or could lengthy negotiations with George Pickens again wreck the whole offseason plan? Because if the Cowboys don’t indeed do things different, things could get worse. See omnystudio.com/l...

Has the value of winning been diminished? In other words, is what counts for success today different than what it once was? Like maybe social media followers instead of victories? And is the road to success in the NFL reverting back to winning with a strong defense? Plus, Jesse calls in from Radio Row at the Super Bowl, and Nate shares a couple of his own Super Bowl memories. See omnystudio.com/li...

Let’s check in on Brian Schottenheimer and Christian Parker constructing the defensive staff, spending money on Javonte Williams and George Pickens, DeMarcus Lawrence’s rebirth in Seattle and how teams are now building around a good quarterback, a creative offensive coordinator and a dominant defense. Plus, Nate tells stories of Jimmy Johnson arriving in 1989 and what their Super Bowl schedules we...

The Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator as Christian Parker is leaving the rival Eagles to come to Dallas. Having coached under Vic Fangio, what might we expect from Parker? Is development of players first-and-foremost? He’s a young up-and-comer, but will his lack of experience be an issue? And will this change the Cowboys’ approach to free agency and the draft? See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Will the Giants’ new head coach make things even tougher for the Cowboys? Likely so, which is just another reason why the team needs to find the right defensive coordinator. But will that be a savvy veteran or a young gun? Whoever it is, Jesse says there’s one thing he’s got to get right. Plus, what are the biggest differences between the current playoff teams and the Cowboys? See omnystudio.com/l...

It’s not a big surprise that Matt Eberflus got fired, but what comes next? Is there a sense of urgency to find someone new? And does it matter who they get if the Cowboys don’t acquire better players? Should we expect them to? After all, we’ve been told the Parsons deal is going to bring big dividends. Plus, how did Brian Schottenheimer’s his first season go as head coach? See omnystudio.com/liste...

The fact Trevon Diggs was released wasn’t a big surprise, although when he got let go was a shock. But the acts of defiance got to be too much with the trip to Washington D.C. the last straw. Simply put, Diggs seemingly no longer wanted to be a Cowboy. We dive deeper into yesterday’s big news, plus look ahead to Sunday’s game. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.