Hangin' With The 'Boys: Out of the Rotation

·49 min·4 clips

Was Osa Odighizuwa the Cowboys' second-best defender, and did cutting him create more holes than it filled?

The episode opens with casual banter among hosts Nate, Kurt, Jesse, and Chris before transitioning to football analysis. They immediately address the Cowboys' trade of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the Rams, with Nate questioning if Odighizuwa was the team's second-best defender and whether his release actually weakens the defense. Jesse argues that Odighizuwa was overpaid and didn't fit new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's scheme, which requires bigger tackles like those Parker used with the Eagles. The hosts discuss how Parker's system is a 3-4 defense with 4-3 spacing, emphasizing versatility and intelligence, particularly in the secondary. They analyze new signings safety Jalen Thompson from Arizona and safety P.J. Locke from Denver, noting their familiarity with Parker's complex 'match' coverage that shifts post-snap. The conversation shifts to the pass rush, with concern about the lack of proven edge rushers beyond Rashawn Gary and Ezeraku Odighizuwa's recovery from hip surgery. Nate emphasizes that hip flexibility is crucial for elite pass rushers, a trait the Cowboys currently lack. They briefly touch on backup quarterback Sam Howell as an upgrade. The draft is mentioned, with interior lineman Kelvion Falk from Auburn cited as a potential target to replace Odighizuwa. The episode ends with a debate on whether any wide receiver, including franchise-tagged George Pickens, is worth two first-round picks in a trade, concluding that only Jamar Chase might merit that cost.

As heard by us

A loose Cowboys panel turns secondary versatility into a practical question of fit, roles, and roster value.

Hangin' With The 'Boys frames a Cowboys secondary discussion around what versatility should actually solve. Jesse works through Ryan Smith, Jalen Thompson, and P.J.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get Cowboys secondary talk centered on versatility: free safety looks, box snaps, and slot responsibilities.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Dallas Cowboys Podcasts