Cowboys Break: Too Many WRs?

presented by Geico. Got my crew in studio with me here from the s WBC Mortgage Studios. Nick back with us. Happy to have him bat you Ambrasier Studio. We got Dave remote to maybe at some point day we'll decide to join us. We'll see how that goes. We'll have Bucky joining us in just a little bit. He'll give us our breakdown of the I'm sorry the play in San Francisco, San Francisco's defense versus the Cowboys offense. Before we do that, though, I know we do need to

catch up though on some injury updates to day. Why don't you catch us up on the entire secondary Like what's happening with them as far as injuries are concerned. We might have some dbs playing in this game. Maybe we'll see Mike. Mike McCarthy loves to say like he's like, today's the big day. Today's the day we'll find out and then like tomorrow, we'll be like, all right, yesterday it was the big day. So how do they look? And he'll be like, oh, we'll make those determinations over

the weekend. Just classic football coach stuff. But he did. I mean, he said he was very impressed by the work that Donovan Wilson and Anthony Brown were able to do. Specifically, Cheeto practice yesterday as well. So I mean, I like the odds that two of those guys, if not all three of them play on Sunday, which I mean, you can roll your eyes if you want to. I know the team is four and nine, but we really haven't seen this team play with a full complement of starters

in the secondary all year. You know, Cheeto missed a lot of time, AB has been in and out of the lineup. Oh, I'm an idiot. Trevier Diggs also practiced and look good. I'm sorry. Yeah, these guys have not all been available at the same time throughout the season. So it's kind of exciting to think that they might all be able to play together for at least, you know, a couple of games here. So I'm hopeful that they

can all get on the field on Sunday. I ask you that question, Nick, if let's assume all four of them are back, how much of a difference do you think that makes for this defense? Oh, we just mentioned like it. It really doesn't matter a ton because you don't think that they're all that great. I don't know, well, well both, I mean, because you know, they went into this thinking the wee can get a lot of pass rush, our defensive backs are going to be solid at best.

These four guys Diggs and Cheeto and Jordan Lewis and Anthony Brown. So no one was thinking that these four were gonna be like Hall of Famers anyway, or Pro Bowlers even at that. So then when they are all gonna go down, I mean, they Dave said they've not played one game together. Those four haven't not once. And then I still don't know if they'll play this one, you know, because I think they'll look at it and go, well, if we're getting him back, we don't have to rush

this guy or vice versa. So but yeah, I think it makes a difference because they were hoping to be average and they never they didn't get that. So what do you think him? I think. You know what's funny is lately I've been getting a lot of fans on Twitter getting mad at me, some that are happy and some that are mad just because apparently I'm not a diehard Cowboys fan and I'm over here talking about what

I actually see with my eyes. But good news is for those fans, I mean, this is something good because if the Cowboys do somehow find themselves into the playoffs, then you're gonna have some of these guys is in the secondary to be available by then. So if you're looking for something positive and a lot of hope, that that's something good. But if it's me personally, I just don't. I'm with that doesn't really matter at this point. I'm just wanting to see some of these younger guys being

able to play and take advantage of that time. Guys like Cheeto, I mean, unfortunately for him, his time is running out. You know, these free agent guys are are really really needing to put something out there on film. Their time is running out, So I hope that that guys like him are able to get back on the field and put up some stuff that could, hopefully in two games, help them to put something good out there to find the team or even if the Cowboys are

wanting to send them back, who knows. You know, it's interesting in a season of mainly disappointments, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, you got two guys right there that have been a part of the bright spots at least the few bright spots that you've seen in

Donovan Wilson and treyvond Dick. So I'm excited to see them back on the field because I want to see if they can keep developing and if maybe, just maybe you may have found two members of an ongoing secondary that maybe a better in the future, because again, some of the best plays that have happened this year for this defense have come from those two players, and they're young, and so you haven't even be able to say that in quite a while when you talk about the secondary

for the Cowboys, So that I think is very positive. Dave talked to us about Zeke Elliott. What's the deal on him. I heard he still did not I don't think he practiced here or he's limited. Yeah, he was limited,

and McCarthy said he's gonna continue to be limited. Just talking to I mean it just again, Mike McCarthy hates giving out any type of details one way or the other, but just talking to Zeke's it kind of sounds like the same thing as last week, which is to say they're gonna limit him and he's you know, I would guess he's gonna be questionable tomorrow when the final report comes out. But I get the feeling that he's gonna

play just from talking to him. You know, Zeke was the one yesterday he was like, he was like, I'm a competitor. I don't I don't care about any of that other stuff. I want to go. I want to get on the field and try to win every game that I'm involved in. So yeah, I mean, they're gonna be very It sounds like they'd be very cautious with his workloaded practice, but I think he'll play. Okay, Nick,

I'll ask you this question. We asked those these guys the question yesterday, but i'd love to get your opinion on and Tyler Biotis returned last week, he only played six snaps. They were all on special teams. Do you think that at some point you could expect that he's going to be moving back into the starting role as the center or and going beyond that question, do you think he should be the guy that they should insert into the starting lineup in place of Joe Luney? I

do I think that they should. I mean, you know, I think you play the best players right now. You know, with any kind of chance you have to maybe win and get to the playoffs. But if but if it's if it's close, if it's a tiebreaker, and I don't really know if there's a difference between Joe Looney and Tyler Biadas right now, I think Joe's better, but just because I would think that being in the league for

that long would make you better. But I think you got to see what you have and be honest as well, because you know you're gonna get to a point next year where you have to decide is he the guy we're going to lean on here? And I think he needs to get some of these games. So if it's close like this one, then I would probably go towards the younger guy. All right, we're gonna take a quick early break. When we come back, we're going to be

joined by Bucky Brooks of NFL Network. He's going to talk us through the San Francisco defense versus the Cowboys offense. We got lots of questions that will roll his way. We'll do that when we come right back. This is Dallas Cowboys dot Com Radio. There's nothing as unique as our eyes, which is why SLOR pioneers ways to make lenses as unique as you. Very Lux for super sharp vision, Essential Blue for protection, and Chrisol for freedom from glare.

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yards way out back. So if you have one acre or a thousand, John Deer has the equipment that's just right for you. Visit a John Dear dealer today and run with us. We are the official tractor provider of your Dallas Cowboys. Here it's nineteen oh eight. Don't you think we should get electricity and stop using candles to see at night? It's just electricity lights up the room fast. It's more reliable than candles blowing out, and people seem to love it nationwide. Well, candles, dare, did you just

run into the wall? I have a new candle. Please. Historically, switching to new technology is a no brainer. Today it's at and t five G fast, reliable, secure, and nationwide. Switch to AT and T five G. It's not complicated. Five GET requires compatible plant may not be in your area. See at dot com Slash five G for you for details. Back to the break find out why this year's Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders making the team is the most competitive yet.

Don't miss new episodes of season fifteen every Tuesday night at nine pm Central on c MT. There we go, That's all I'm talking about. All right, check it out in fifteen fifteen seasons a lot. That's a long time. One really really good programs out there that didn't go fifteen. That's what I'm saying. Fifteen years a long time. All Right, we're gonna jump in. We got Bucky Brooks of NFL Network joining us now presented by Chevron with techron Bucky.

We start, well, we start every time. Let's talk about those strengths and weaknesses of the San Francisco defense. Look, this team is talented and even though they're without like they're big guns, Nick Bosa, de Ford, a number of other injuries have prevented some of their top guys from playing, they're talented and they play hard. And so when I think about Eric Armstead and Fred Warner and the intelligence of Richard Sherman and the re emergence of Justin Barette. Like,

this is a very very talented team. And what they do is I mean, they play counter to the way that the Cowboys play. They're pretty simple and how they attack it. They believe that their guys are better than your guys, and they believe over time that they're able to create pressure on you by being in the right spot down after down after down and det you a crack on theer the premise of having to play discipline football.

I may be exaggerating a little bit based on this past game because they actually ended up scoring two touchdowns, but is this a game where the Cowboys can actually score more than one touchdown? I mean, it's talking. I mean it's a really good scheme. Robert Sala has done a really good job of changing and adjusting on the fly. He used to be a guy who wanted to sit and cover three and maybe a little man free, but now they've evolved. They use a little quarters coverage, which

is what Dallas plays. They really do a good job but basically throwing a blanket around your passing game and forcing you to nickeling down the ball down the field, and they just believe the odds are in their favor that you will mess it up. And if they're able to generate any pressure at the line of scrimmage, but then the ball comes out high and tips and overthrows lead to interceptions, and so they just do a really good job for the Cowboys. It's about finding a way

to protect upfront and selectively taking your shots. Richard Sherman and Veraett both are not the players that he once were in their primes. They're good, but they still can be susceptible to getting guy. So can you selectively find your opportunities to push the ball down the field while also operating in a fishing passing game and finding a way to run the ball enough with Zeke to control

the temple of the game. Bucky, one of your points this week on your five points a five bucks article is you think Tony Pollard is ready for the prime time. He said he's ready to take over. So you're looking at forty Niners defense. How tough is it when you have a guy like Pollard and Zeke, when you really have two true backs that you have the game plan for I mean, what kind of challenges is that for defense? You know, depending on how they're deployed, you can create

a bunch of different challenges. The one thing that we haven't seen, and they did it a little bit, maybe a few weeks ago, putting Tony Pollo and Zeke on the field at the same time. The personnel alignment that I'm waiting to see would be twenty personnel, two backs, Tony Pollo, Zeke Elliott, three wide receivers Ceedee Lamb Gallop and Amari Cooper and being able to challenge the defense in a different number of ways. If they continue to do what they've been doing, then I think it's enough.

Give him Polits enough snaps where he can impact the game without taking away from what Zeke needs to do. So, if Zeke is going to get twenty touches, Paula needs to get somewhere six to eight, eight to ten where he can impact the game. But it has to be a priority and it has to be scripted into the

car sheet. I know that Fred Warner is a very good player, but can you give me a little bit more detail, maybe just provide me with a snapshot of what he does for them and why he's so valuable, Well, he does everything that you want to see Jayleen Smith do. He's instinctive, he reacts, he can fly sideline the sideline, he can make plays, he's tough. He has a natural leadership ability to him that comes out in his play, and I think when you look at him, he has

emerged as one of the top linebackers. And as he goes that defense goals, he controls the middle and they just do a good job of just keeping it very simple for those guys, so they play without clutter and so you can see their talent on the splat. Hey, Bucky, you look at the numbers for this defense, it bears

out exactly what you're saying. They're very good. I think they're fifth overall defense, fifth and overall defense, but currently right now they're fifth and pass defense, they're eighth and rush defense, both in top ten. That being considered based on what Dallas does well, and you can decide for yourself what you think Dallas does well. How are they are Is Dallas more likely to be successful running the ball or passing the ball against a good defense that

does both pretty well. I think it's a mix. I think this is a game, and I am the biggest proponent of a You have to run the ball, but I think what you have to do with any Dalton you have to throw unfavorable down so first and ten quick rhythm passes. We've seen Dalton shows catch a ton of passes over the middle of the field eight to ten yards. You have to put your offensive position where you can stay ahead of the chain, so second and short, third and short situation. You want to stay out of

those long yarder situations. So it may be a situation where you throw early so you can eventually run late. But a lot of it depends on Anti Dall's ability to take care of the ball. But yeah, at this point of the season and with everything how this year has gone for the Cowboys, what would you say to a Cowboys fan to look for as far as excitement, What's something that Cowboys fans should be excited about in

this game, whether it's on offense or in defense. Well, the excitement in this game, I would say it comes from the winner go home nature of the game. If the Cowboys are going to do it, you should see them play with more energy than we've seen them. As you get closer to the postseason, the urgency and the

speed of the game picks up. So in my mind, if I'm a Cowboys fan and I'm looking for this game, if the Cowboys will have any chance of winning, the physicality should mirror what we saw in the Pittsburgh game. It should be the most physical game that we've seen. Because the urgency is if we don't win, the players out of questions. So I think that has to be

a part of it. I think you need to see the coach is really working together to make sure that all of the game plans complement one another, and that they're doing everything in this game just to win the game. So it's about winning the game, not compiling staffs and whatever is necessary you're willing to do. And so I would expect you would see not a level of desperation, but a level of urgency from everybody that's involved in this game. Buck, you just said that Cheltz has caught

the ball over the middle a lot. Did they Did the Cowboys lose anything this year without Jarwin? I mean fifty one catches, five hundred yards, three touchdowns. Is that what you thought Jarwin would be or do you think that they lost something because they didn't have two of those guys. No, I mean, I think he gave them

a production that you would think. I think when you evaluate the tight end position in relation to the wide receivers, the pecking orders should still be the three wide receivers before you get two whoever's playing tight end, And so I think for Sheltz to have fifty one receptions, I think that is a very very solid job. I think the interesting thing going for it will be how do they elect to use both tight ends twenty twenty one and beyond dou they utilize more twelve personnel, two tight

end sets and maybe one of the wide receivers. I would say maybe Michael Gallant finds is his way on the silent like what is what does the plan of action? Do? They have more versatility going for it. But I think Dalton Sheels has certainly been a nice surprise for the Cowboys. Bucky. I'm just I'm gonna step out on a limb and guess that Robert solid is gonna feel head coaching opening this offseason. That seems like a decent bet. And it's funny, you know you mentioned that he kind of favors a

cover three scheme. So like, he completely reminds me of Chris Richard. Then, like he's like this fiery players coach guy seems like he you know, if he prefers that scheme, it's an even bigger similarity. You know, if he's the head coach of a team, I mean, what can I expect from that? I you know, it seems like a good bet the Cowboys will have to deal with him

at some point. What would you imagine his ideal blue print for a defense and maybe a whole team would be if he gets one of those jobs, Well, I think the big thing and much like Chris had to evolve down in Dallas, I think Robert this year has shown more adaptability and flexibility. I think before it was easy to say, oh, man, this guy he has everything

that is disposed to. Look at all those first rounders on the D line, Nick Boles and anybody, anybody can close their eyes and generate a pass for us and

play coverage behind it. This year he has shown the ability to be adaptable because they didn't have those guys and people were eating up their scheme early in the year to cover three, and so they went to a more of a split safety defense and so I think as a head coach there right there says he has enough adaptability and flexibility to be able to change as necessary. The big thing when you get a defensive coordinated to be the head coach who is going to be the

offensive play caller? And Canny have an offensive play caller that has what I say sticking power, meaning he can last for two or three years without being plucked by an owner who views him as the next head coach in candidate, that would be the thing. I think The key is who does he higher as an offensive coordinator because the defense will fall on his shoulders? What is

his vision for how they play offense? But I do think they'll they'll be fast, they'll be relentless, and I think there will be a little simple nature to what they do to a lot of players to play fast. We're joined by Bucky Brooks of NFL Network presented by Chevron with techron one more question for you, Bucky, Buffalo. A couple weeks ago, we're able to put up three hundred and sixty eight pass yards against the San Francisco defense.

What did they do that led to their success? And does Dallas have any of those components that they could then try to mirror some of those things to have a similar success. I mean Brian day Ball was in his bag that he attacked them and retacked them relentlessly. He did some things that he could attack their scheme.

They went three by one and really caught them in some of their single high coverages, and they put the pressure on the safety in the middle of the field to make choices, and Josh Allen with his arm was able to really throw it over the top. And I'll say, I mean Stefon Diggs is outstanding, but the wide receivers in Dallas, I would say, are still better. I think the big thing comes down to the trigger man and can you protect. They were able to script some things.

They really exploited the coverage and as I say, like with Verrett and Sherman, they're good, but they're still both susceptible to getting guys. So if the past president Rush doesn't get home, you can get those guys. It's just a matter of can you protect long enough to do double moves and long routes that you can spend Richard, Sherman and Verrett around where you can expose some of the diminishing athleticism that they have. All right, so tell

us what's gonna happen, Who's gonna win this game? And what's your final on this one? Man, This is a tough one because anytime anytime you can run the ball, this is tough. And so cal Shanahan is going to run the ball and he's going to attack them, and all the things that the Cowboys are put on tape in recent weeks Baltimore and watch, they will see those things at them. I don't have a lot of confidence that they're going to be able to solve those issues.

So I think it comes down to turnovers, and so the Cowboys have to create two or more turnovers. Nick mullas has been very generous. It is the holiday season, so maybe he'll give some away, but they have to find a way to make it Nick Mullin's game. They have to take the running game away, and that's a huge challenge for Mike Nolan his defense. All Right, Buck,

we appreciate you joining us. Man. We'll have you back next week and it'll be Christmas week, so we'll talk a little bit about those Philadelphia Eagles that'll be coming coming around to been that that week. So let's go and take our final break. When we come back from this break, we'll talk a little bit more about this Dallas Cowboys offense when we come right back. This is Dallas Cowboys dot com Radio. We're back in a tasty treat that's sweeping airwaves and taste buds. It's new Doctor

pepper and cream Soda. Let's take a listen, Doctor cream Soda. Is he a new combone that's music to my ears? Okay, doctor music to my ears and mouths New Doctor pepper and Cream Soda A delicious There's nothing as unique as our eyes, which is why Selor pioneers ways to make lenses as unique as you. Varilux were super sharp Vision, Essential Blue for protection and Krisol for freedom from glare.

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the tradition going. Bank of America is proud to be the official bank of the Dallas Cowboys and to support the quest of living life the Cowboys Way. Copyright twenty twenty Bank of America Corporation. Dear, it's nineteen oh eight. Don't you think we should get electricity and stop using candles to see at night? It's just electricity lights up the room fast. It's more reliable than candles blowing out, and people seem to love it nationwide. Well, candle, dar,

did you just run into the wall? I have a new candle please. Historically, switching to new technology is a no brainer. Today it's AT and T five G, fast, reliable, secure, and nationwide. Switch to AT and T five G. It's not complicated. Five G requires compatible plan may not be in your area. See att dot com slash five G for you for details. Back to the break. If you can't go to AT and T Stadium this weekend, you can definitely bring the food to you if you're craving

the stadium's famous Cowboys cheese, state nachos, Cowboy rita. When you're watching the game at home, you can place your order online for pickup at at and T Stadium every week this season. Check out the menu at at and T stadium dot com slash at home good stuff. All right, we're gonna get this final segment rolling. We're alive from the SWBC Mortgage studios at the Star, and I want to have a couple of questions for you guys about the Cowboys offense. Let's see where we go with these.

Let's start first with the offensive line. We talked a little bit about them earlier this week, but I thought it was worth bringing this back up. They allowed two sacks this past game against the Cincinnati team that really wasn't very good on defense. They also allowed one hundred also only ran for one hundred and one yards. Were you disappointed, because I got the impression after watching them for a couple of games that this offensive line was

seemingly getting better. Were you at all disappointed by their effort against Cincinnati or about their production against Cincinnati or do you think it's still just kind of rides with what you thought about this offensive line. Let's start first with you, Nick. I think that the offensive line is I've said this the other day. I think they're an

athletic group they're younger. I think when the whole fields in front of them, they're gonna be pretty decent, especially against the average you know, to blow average defense like that. But where they struggle, it's just stay. They're not very strong and when you get down in the red zone and you see that, then you think, oh, the offensive line didn't play as well. So but that's my only really issue is with them is that I think that they're just not very good at pushing some people back.

They didn't change anything about what you thought of them what they did in this last game. Like if you're were you a guy that was thinking their arrow was pointing up a little bit and it leveled off or were you just thinking they were playing okay before that? Well, this is this is in my if I had to, you know, if I could pick the offensive line for next year, I mean, this would be my backups. Yeah, I think right. So you think some of these guys

have earned a place on this team. Maybe obviously not starters, but they've earned a place on this team based upon how they've played. I mean, I think I think this is your second team offensive line next year, or maybe I mean, I don't know what's gonna happ with Connor Williams.

That one's kind of tricky. But other than that, I mean, these guys could be backups, so you're gonna feel better about Oh well, if if Terry steals your fourth tackle, you're probably gonna feel better about it than obviously if he starts. All right, Amber, The only problem with that is that you really really don't know and cannot predict what, like all call in situation is going to be Terren

Smith Sack Martin. I mean, I think we went into this year thinking that we were pretty good at the old line and pretty set and comfortable with the backups and the depth at the position just in the old line in general, and then look what happened. So that's my problem with that whole thinking is there's no certainty with these guys, and as much as they're great and everything, the starter I'm talking about, you cannot predict if they're

going to be healthy or not. And when it comes down to that and when you're looking to win games, when you're looking to get a touchdown, passing the red zone, helping the running game, Ezekiel Elliott, we see how much that has affected Ezekiel Elliot, which is a big, big element in this offense. So I think that that, yeah, they're still gonna need help there as far as some backup guys that can actually go in there with some power. I do think that these guys they've I mean, they've

been thrown out there and it's not their fault. It's just kind of what happened, and they're gonna grow. But it takes time to grow and get that strength. We've seen that with Connor Williams. Connor Williams is still kind of battle in there, so you just never know how how long it's gonna take for one of these linements to progress into what you're looking for. So as of right now, to answer your question, I do think that

they're just what I expected at this point. You know, it's one of those games that you know, I'm not expecting them to do much. But at the same time, I didn't come out of the game thinking, man, this old line that was the problem, That's why the Cowboys play it this way or that way. So at this point it's just kind of what I expect personally, all right, Dave, I was confused at the way you frame the question. To be honest, I mean I thought they played great,

like and again, I mean again like for what they are. Yeah, like Nick said, like, there's not a guy other than Connor Williams. There's not a guy on this line that you would prefer to be starting for you next year. So I keep that in the back of my mind and everything that they do. They let Andy, you know, like they kept him upright for the most part. He was able to spread the ball around the offense scored twenty three points. No, like, they're not explosive or awesome,

but they're not. I mean, how could you expect him to be. They're all backups. I mean other than like Joe Looney is the one I'm not sure of because you know, he needs a new contract and you know, maybe maybe he gets it, maybe he doesn't. I don't know. Um, but I tend to expect all of these guys to be in camp next year, and I mean that's a good sign, and I want them to be, Like they've all earned an opportunity to make the fifty three next year.

I think even even Terrence Steele, because yeah, I'm totally fine with him being my fourth offensive tackle. Not I don't want him to start, But you need a you know you need. So all these guys I hope are in camp next year, and I hope that Tyrn Smith and Lyle Collins are healthy. And that's you know, those are topics for the offseason. But I feel good about where they are for who they are. All right, let's move on. Let's talk about Zeke Elliott. And I was

actually I saw this on the website. There was a mail back question I thought was pretty interesting. They were talking about some of the reasons why Zeke's production may have gone down. And so what I did was, I have four things here that I've listed as reasons why Zeke's production might have gone down, and I want each of you guys to rank them from the thing that you think is the biggest reason all the way down to the thing that's the least reason. Here are the things.

You've got the offensive line injuries, You've got opponents focusing on stopping the run with Dak being out, so basically Dak being out. Third, you've got they've been playing from behind quite a bit this year. And then fourth, simply that Zeke's declined as a runner. Let's start first with you, Amber oh Man. I have a short term memory. I should have written those down. I think I think that would be my number one because I've seen the power

that Zeke has. I think he has the if regardless of Dak not being there, which is a huge element in the offense as well. But I still think that Zeke has that power. We just haven't been able to see it because maybe the old line hasn't been able to help him. So that would be my number one, and then you have the opponents focusing on stopping it, with Dak being number two would be that one for okay, and then playing from behind and then Zeke not just

being as good. Um, I think Zeke not being as good would be number three for me, and then playing from behind would be number four. I think that him losing the ball so many times, I mean, that's on him. You cannot blame that on any one else but him. That's his hands and his own doing basically, but also maybe the way that Kellen Moore has been utilizing him, maybe not giving him enough opportunities. But maybe that's just an effect of him losing the ball so many times

and then maybe losing somewhat some confidence in him. But that would be my ranking, all right. Dave Oh I mean, he doesn't have his quarterback, and I think that's that's the big part of it. And I mean, I know the offensive line has been banged up, but I think anybody who follows the Cowboys closely is probably aware that, you know, the narrative of this Great Wall of Dallas has been more myth than reality over the last you know,

two or three years. You know, they haven't been this elite unit that just bulldozes everybody since probably twenty sixteen. So yeah, it would help to have those guys, but this is this is a quarterback league, and if you like, if the defense isn't afraid of your quarterback, they're going to key on the next best weapon, which is Zeke. I have his stats right in front of me. With

Dak Prescott. I know the team wasn't good, or you know, they were eight and eight mediocre, but with Dak Prescott in the lineup last year, Zeke ran for thirteen hundred yards and twelve touchdowns. He averaged four and a half yards per carry, and he had what he had like seven or eight hundred yard games. He's got one this year, and you know, some of that is a byproduct of they were out of games early when Dak was still

in the lineup. But I'm confident that wouldn't have held up, like those turnover problems wouldn't have held up throughout the whole season. They would have had a chance to lean on some teams the way that they did against Cincinnati in Minnesota. And I just think, I think it's hard when you don't have a quarterback that scares defenses. So I chalk most of it up to not having Dak. Okay, so that's your first one. Where do you rank the other three? Oh, well, no Dak, no offensive line, Zeke's

and Zeke's decline in that order. And I answered it was me that answered that question on the mail bad. They're all three val They're all three valid questions. And I mean, I don't think Zeke is as explosive or dynamic as he was earlier in his career. He's got a lot of tread on his tires. But and I've said this more times than I can count on this show, Like when he's got Dak and a healthier offensive line, I think he'll be just fine. Like, I'm not worried

about him in the long run. He's just fighting through a crappy season, and it's actually amazing that when you look at that that you say he's relying on Zeke, I mean on Dak being here, because that the narrative has always been since he got here that Dak is

reliant on Zeke. And I think what we're starting to see now is maybe the flip of that, where maybe having Dak is just as important, if not more important to Zeke being able to do well, as opposed to the flip Nick Well, oh good, sorry, go ahead, because I have a point to that, Okay, I was just gonna ask in that point. I mean back then where defenses asked scared of Dak earlier years probably not weren't

this year. I mean, like, if you think about it, even this year, they they still were keying on on Zeke. I mean that's why look at all the yards that they racked up against Cleveland against Seattle. I mean they still wouldn't let I mean, the focus was always on Zeke even this year, and that's why. Well, but Dak was able to take advantage of it way more well.

But I don't know if I agree with that, because there were a lot of those games with those yards and though all that mass production came when they were way behind, in which case defensive were playing back like they weren't necessarily at that point in the game, going up and trying to stop the running games they were finella at the end. Yeah, maybe, I mean, I don't know. I mean maybe that's the answer. My point is, I just don't know that it was. I don't know that team. Now.

I do think teams probably went into games saying there's probably not been a team the Cowboys if played over the last four years. It didn't go in the game, and first priority was we got to stop the run. But by the way, that's most NFL games, right, But I do think that there there were a lot of games when they were keying on the pass the time that Dak got going, and Dak was still going, you

know often. I mean, the quarterback would be number one for me, just because any team that plays four quarterbacks in a season is probably going to have a bad year. And so that's because we saw the offensive line was good in fourteen, terrible and fifteen because they had any quarterback, and then back to good again in sixteen when they had a better quarterback. So I would say a quarterback

offensive line, playing from behind. Those things kind of all trickled together, and then seeks decline would be the last one for me. And that's interesting because none of you guys add Zeke decline any higher than third. And I think there are questions that people are bringing up right now. So do you guys think those questions are invalid when you start talking about do you think Zeke is still

the same runner that he was three years ago? I don't think he's the same runner that he was, But I think the difference between where he was three years ago and now is not as great as the difference of Zack Martin and Connor McGovern and Terrence Steele and you know, and Lyle Collins. I think that drop off is way more, way greater than his own drop off. Dave, what do you think? I just want to I mean back to the other point, Like, it's not wild to

think that that's changed. Like Dak Prescott is a much better quarterback in twenty twenty than he was in twenty seventeen, Like he has developed as a player, So it's not like this crazy shift. It's like, oh, the most important player on your team has gotten a lot better over the last three years. I mean it makes sense, and yeah, I mean Zeke has Zeke has declined. That's what running backs do. It's like driving a It's like driving a

car off the lot. Like the minute you take it off the lot, it loses value and it doesn't gain it back ever, like every carry declines your value by a little bit. I don't think it's severe. I still think he's a talented running back. But the proof is in the pudding. He's he can't. You know, he ain't Barry Sanders. He can't do it without some help. He just I mean he can't or else he would be, in my opinion, and I don't. I mean, I don't

want that to sound too harsh. And that's what I keep saying is for the price, for the price they're paying for him, you would like to see that dynamic ability that makes him dangerous without a better supporting cast, but there's no evidence to suggest that that's true. I mean, I agree with what he said. I think that what we're seeing this year is just realizing that Zeke maybe is a guy that needs the help around him. And

you talked about Deck. Yes, obviously that's going to be completely different weapon than the other quarterbacks that they've had, and obviously the old line we've seen that and I but regardless of that, I still think that Zeke has it in him and I think he will be better next year, but he needs those other guys around him,

and that's maybe what we're really realize in this year. Yeah, I think if you go back and remember where the Cowboys were when they made the decision to draft him as high as they did, he was supposed to be the cherry on top of a great offensive line like they I don't think if they didn't have that offensive line at that time, I don't think they select Zeke Elliott with that pick. I think they probably go Jalen

Rams quarterback, right right. I just think that. I just think that there was a whole different set of circumstances that And by the way, those circumstances aren't here this year, right, And you don't have that offensive line, you don't have that quarterback, and so to expect that Zeke is going to perform in the same way as what you were as a same way despite the circumstances being completely flipped, I think it's a little bit unfair to Zeke in

some respects All right, We're gonna take a couple of questions here, maybe one or two questions we can get too from fans. And but what you got, well, I have a draft question. Or as far as trades, do you guys think I mean, we've talked about the three wide receivers and how great they are and all the talent there. Do you guys see a possibility where the Cowboys decide to trade either Michael Gallup or Amari Cooper

for something. I was a lot more. I was a lot more opposed to it when the Cowboys still had something to play for this year. You know, I hated the idea in October, you know, when you're thinking this team might have a chance to accomplish something. I still don't like it because I would rather have three really good receivers than not. But you know, Michael Gallup is now into it. I mean, he's basically entering a contract year. He's got three years left this season. It would depend

get for him. But if if somebody wanted him in the off season and they would give me a high draft pick, I would consider it. I don't, I really I don't. I would have I'd be reluctant to move Amari Cooper and like he's got his haters, like people want to hate on him. He's gonna set career highs for catches and yards this year. And as Nick mentioned, when you start four quarterbacks, that usually means you're not having a good year and your offense is not going

to be good. With the exception of the Bend Nucci experiment, he's still producing at a pretty good click even without his preferred quarterback. He's a and like he's dynamic enough, like he can have a two hundred yard day where he scores two touchdowns, but he's also been a reliable possession guy where your quarterback can look to him for six seven, eight catches and eighty yards on a reliable basis. I think he's pretty underrated at this point. I would

be reluctant to get rid of him. But if somebody offered me, like a second or a third round pick for Michael Gallop, I might do it. Yeah, if I got more, if I got better value than what I drafted him in, I would think about it. The thing about Gallup is that he most When you have three really good receivers, that can be a problem because we know how, we know what kind of players good receivers are,

and but having three together could be an issue. Just listening to him the other day, it didn't sound like that's going to be a problem with him. And I'll say this, that might be the reason why he's never really great. And I hate saying it that way, but the reason, you know what, I mean, like he probably won't rock the boat that he's not getting the ball all the time, because he even said that, like, you know, it is what it is. Some games you do some

game if you don't. But that right there might be the one little thing holding him back that makes him not like an elite, elite player because he doesn't have that drive. I don't know. I don't want to say that. It just doesn't seem like he's too worried about it. And that's okay. I mean, it's okay that they want to be three guys together, you know, and that that could be pretty dangerous. So I'm gonna play at Devil's advocate because I was actually having this. I was actually

thinking about this yesterday. Have you seen in the NFL a team do really well, a team get deep in the playoffs, a team go to Super Bowl. Maybe a team win it that had this much talent at wide receiver, because with every really talented guy you got at one position, that's one less talented guy you may have at another position. Right, And it made me start thinking, is this team becoming

the Atlanta Falcons where they've got really great receivers? They got a pretty good trigger man, but their defense not very good. And as time goes on, it just starts wearing on other things because you're putting so much into that. Do you think that this is the wrong strategy? Maybe

not seeing anything about the players themselves. I know we all want those three players to be here, but strategically, is it the right move to have that much talent at wide receiver versus taking at least one of those pieces and turning them into another player on another at another position where you could really use them. That's that's fair.

That's fair because when they had them with Dak in the first five games, they were trying to outscore teams and they weren't right, you know, so you can you can make the argument. I mean, and and you know maybe that they could use a better cornerback or safety or whatever. So yeah, I mean, that's fair. Dave, what do you think. I mean, I hate to compare dak to one of the best two or three quarterbacks to ever play the sport, but twenty thirteen Broncos were pretty nice.

They had three wide receivers that were awesome and an awesome tight end. I mean, I think in a game with as small as sample size as football for that matter, m the Chiefs that just won the Super Bowl have a mean. Patrick Mahomes is incredible, but the guys catching the ball in Kansas City do not get remotely enough credit for how good they are. You know, Tyreek Hill, Kelsey, you know, even Sammy Watkins to a degree. The Cowboys wanted to pay Sammy Watkins a lot of money not

that long ago. So I in a sport with this small of a sample size, I don't know that it's fair or right to just assume that there's only one way to do it. I absolutely think you could win a Super Bowl with the best receiver corps in the game putting up big numbers. I mean, you got to do something about your defense, you have to, But I mean you can do that with the draft. The Cowboys could you know, opt to spend some money to do that, Like that's That troubles me way more than how many

resources they commit to wide receiver. Is I just I don't know in today's NFL if you can build a contender without spending money in free agency, Like, but your Cats is probably gonna go down this year though, right, I if not completely understand that. I mean I totally get that, but I mean, okay, like let's just let's just play this out and you trade Michael or a

second pick that's like somewhere in the sixties. Now, let's think about the defenders that you can probably get in that range, and you know, maybe you hit and they blossom into a great player, But the odds that they're going to become this incredible defender in the first year or two of their contract, that's not very realistic. I mean, think about what you got from Treyvon Diggs this season, Like that's probably what you're getting for whatever you get

from Michael Gallup. So I mean you're not getting You're not getting Ed Reid at pick fifty one to come in and fix all your problems in the secondary. So it's the classic case of what you know Jerry loves to say, you know you you got it. The Jello in your hand and it's squeezing out one in while you're trying to fix the other. I mean, like I said, I'm not opposed to it, but I don't know that it's going to be this cure. All yeah, and it might. There is no fast answer here. I think it's the point,

like you you're you got what you got. By the way, Cowboys do have ton of talent like that, if they had everybody healthy, you would think they would be a team that would be at least a playoff caliber team, if not more. Right, But I don't think there's a quick fix to this defense. I think it's going to require some parts, and I just don't know if they

have enough. With the resources they have right now in the draft and knowing that they're gonna lose a lot of guys free agency, and knowing that the cap may go down, like all those things combine, I just don't know that there's a good fix right now other than getting more picks to be able to bring in more players. Well. See my argument to that would be, they absolutely need to draft defense. They need to address the defense. They

but but that's the long game, you know. That's kind of like that's like a major house renovation and in the meantime, like it's it's still true it didn't work this year because of injuries, but like their offense is going to be their best bet to win games in the short term. Yeah, Fixing the defense is like a two or three year project, and the offense can help you get there while you're working on it. That's the

way I view it. Although a good draft and some good picks and maybe a good free agent or two can get your defense the middle of the road. You get a middle of the road defense with a high powered offense. Now, maybe you're working with something right, Yeah, exactly. All right, we appreciate you guys. Join us. We'll be

back tomorrow. We're gonna wrap this thing up. Get you guys ready for this final, final game, or not final game, but get you guys finally ready for the game on Sunday or the Cowboys will take on the San Francisco forty nine ers. Till then for Nick even, Dave Helmet, Ambergarci. Yeah, I am Derek Eilton. This has been The Break live on Dallas Cowboys dot Com Radio. This has been a production of Dallas Cowboys dot Com and the Dallas Cowboys Football Club