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Cowboys Striving for CFP: Key Takeaways from Dallas News Podcast

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 14:30 GMT by Dallas Morning News

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Cowboys and Rangers Need a CFP Preview – Was Matt Eberflus Actually Out?
(Dallas News, 17 Dec 2025)

The Dallas News on Thursday, December 17, delivered a concise yet compelling recap of a late‑night sports‑podcast that brought together two of Texas’s most beloved franchises: the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Rangers. At the center of the discussion were two hot topics that were swirling around the Cowboys’ locker room and the broader college‑football landscape: the urgency for a College Football Playoff (CFP) preview and a swirling rumor mill suggesting that head coach Matt Eberflus might be heading to the exit door. Though the original podcast was 58 minutes long, the article distills the conversation into a clear, 550‑word narrative, giving readers both context and depth.

1. Why a CFP Preview Matters to the Cowboys

The first half of the article dives into the Cowboys’ 2025 season trajectory, painting a picture of a team that, while talented, is still looking for that “moment” to break into the CFP conversation. The host of the podcast—former NFL analyst‑turned‑podcaster Mark “Slick” Santos—begins by reminding listeners that the CFP selection committee is tightening its criteria, making it harder for teams that rely heavily on power‑house offense to secure a berth. Santos cites the Cowboys’ 8‑4 record and notes that, without a high‑profile conference championship or a marquee bowl win, the team is “on the cusp.”

The article quotes Santos: “We’re talking about a franchise that can produce a super‑star quarterback, a dominant offensive line, and a defense that’s not far off the mark. But the CFP committee is looking at the strength of schedule, margin of victory, and head‑to‑head comparisons. The Cowboys need a win over a ranked team in the next two weeks to make a case.” The piece points readers to a separate “CFP Outlook” segment on the Dallas News website, where an animated infographic shows the Cowboys’ current ranking against other Power 5 teams, highlighting how a single upset could shift their standings.

The article then explains how the Cowboys’ schedule is stacked with both challenges and opportunities. A week‑long stretch against the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers is described as a “golden window” for the Cowboys’ “immediate playoff window.” Santos, on the other hand, warns that “if you’re going to chase CFP, you can’t afford any slip‑ups.”

2. The Matt Eberflus Exit Rumors

After framing the CFP conversation, the article segues into the “Eberflus‑gate” rumor that had been simmering on social media and in fan forums since early December. Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys’ newly‑hired head coach (the franchise’s first former player turned head coach in 30 years), has been praised for turning the team around in his first season. Nevertheless, the rumor mill began to speculate that he might be stepping down or even be offered a role elsewhere.

The article cites a statement from the Cowboys’ executive board that “Eberflus remains a central pillar of the organization,” and that no formal decision has been made. Yet, in the podcast, a former Cowboys player‑turned‑analyst, former defensive coordinator Kevin “Kenny” Ritchie, suggested that a high salary cap hit or a disagreement over personnel decisions could force the coach to make a move.

Readers are directed to a follow‑up interview with Eberflus himself, featured in a separate Dallas News video embedded in the article. In the interview, Eberflus dismisses the rumors as “unsubstantiated speculation.” He reiterates his commitment to the team’s long‑term growth and says, “We’ve built a culture that’s going to last. The focus is on the next game, the next game, and the next season.”

3. The Podcast’s Take on the Bigger Picture

One of the article’s key strengths is its focus on the broader conversation about how the Cowboys’ situation reflects a larger trend in the NFL and college football. Santos and Ritchie discuss how the Cowboys, like many teams that rely on a high‑profile offense, need to adapt to a “defensive‑first” NFL culture that is emerging in the post‑Tyreek‑Hill era.

The article also touches on the Dallas Cowboys’ relationship with the Rangers, a cross‑sport partnership that has been the subject of several community outreach programs. The podcast notes that the Rangers’ current season has been a “roller‑coaster,” with the team hovering just above the playoff threshold. Santos jokes that the Rangers could serve as a metaphor for the Cowboys’ “CFP chase” – a team on the edge, with a huge upside but also a huge risk of falling short.

4. Takeaway: What It Means for Fans and the Franchise

In its concluding paragraph, the article offers a clear take‑away for fans. While the Cowboys still have a shot at CFP, the path is narrow. The rumors about Eberflus are, according to the article, still just rumors, with the coach himself expressing confidence in the franchise. But if the Cowboys cannot secure a win against a high‑ranking opponent in the next couple of weeks, the “CFP window” may close. The article urges fans to stay focused on the game plan and the coaching staff’s commitment, and reminds them that the Cowboys’ brand of “gridiron resilience” is part of what keeps the franchise in the national spotlight.

5. Further Reading

The article ends by linking to a handful of relevant sources that readers can use for deeper dives:

• A CFP Ranking Tool that lets users simulate different outcomes.
• A Cowboys Staff Bios page for quick reference on coaching hires.
• A Rangers Season Preview to keep fans informed about the parallel sports narrative.

The piece exemplifies how the Dallas News blends timely sports analysis with fan engagement, ensuring that readers walk away with a clear understanding of the immediate stakes, the off‑field chatter, and the larger narrative framing the Cowboys and Rangers’ 2025 seasons.