Episode Details

Mike is finally back from Hawaii, Pelón is getting recognized in public, and Tony Parker is apparently channeling Gregg Popovich now. The guys react to Parker's fiery halftime speech in his coaching debut with ASVEL, including a very Pop-like demand for defense, before turning their attention back to the Cowboys and the fallout from the loss in Brazil.

The Cowboys are only 1-2, but Mike and Rudy have major questions about Brian Schottenheimer after his late-game decisions against Baltimore. They break down the reasons Dallas fans should be worried, but also make the case that the season is nowhere close to over with injured players eventually returning, a manageable stretch ahead and an NFC East that doesn't look unbeatable.

Topics Covered:

• Mike returns from Hawaii and battles jet lag
• ITB hats are still available ahead of Saturday's Slackers pop-up
• Pelón's Spurs Media Day photography gets some love
• Pelón gets spotted in public by an ITB listener
• Tony Parker's fiery coaching debut
• Tony channels Gregg Popovich while demanding better defense
• Patty Mills playing for Parker's ASVEL team
• The VMAs become a Gen X nostalgia party
• Mike and Rudy talk Madonna, Snoop and growing up with MTV
• Why the music you grew up with never really leaves you
• PIWTP takes on a pair of reporters caught on a hot mic discussing NBA players
• Rudy wins the weekly ITB football picks
• Case Keenum steps in and delivers for Chicago
• Mike Tomlin calls the Cowboys' coaching “intellectually challenged”
• Jerry Jones questions Dallas' late-game decisions
• Brian Schottenheimer takes the heat for the loss in Brazil
• Dak Prescott's play vs. the criticism he continues to receive
• Dallas' defensive problems under Schottenheimer
• Reasons for Cowboys pessimism
• Jake Ferguson's ball-security problems
• Questions about Von Miller's role
• Reasons for Cowboys optimism
• The NFC East remains within reach
• Injured Cowboys could provide reinforcements
• Dallas has financial flexibility if it wants to make a move
• LT Electric Slide tackles wrestling, candy bars and alternate careers
• ITB barbecue raffle benefiting the Miracle League of San Antonio

Key Moments:

• “Tony Popovich” is born after Tony Parker goes off at halftime over his team's defense, then celebrates his first coaching victory afterward.
• Rudy argues the VMAs needed Gen X stars to carry the show, launching a full conversation about Madonna, old-school music and why people keep returning to the soundtrack of their youth.
• Case Keenum gets his flowers after stepping in at quarterback for Chicago, while Rudy celebrates his second victory of the season in the ITB weekly picks.
• Mike and Rudy unload on Brian Schottenheimer's late-game management, especially the kickoff decision, offensive approach and defensive preparation on Baltimore's final possession.
• The guys defend Dak Prescott, pointing to his production while arguing that Dallas has repeatedly put him in situations where the offense needs huge point totals to survive.
• The pessimism is real, but so is the hope. Dallas is 1-2, the division remains attainable, several defensive players could return, and the guys see opportunities in the upcoming schedule.
• Mike makes his current stance on Schottenheimer clear: the coach has the rest of the season to change the conversation.

Final Thoughts:

The Cowboys have problems, and after Brazil, Schottenheimer is off