FWST: Phil Costa watching tapes of Nick Mangold

[CCBoy]

Costa watching tape of Mangold, a former Bill Callahan player, to get ready for bigger responsibilties at center



Cowboys center Phil Costa said he is watching a lot of tape of New York Jets center Nick Mangold.

That is the model for Costa as he works under new Cowboys offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who helped develop Mangold into a Pro Bowl player.

“I’ve watched tons of tape of Mangold,” Costa said Wednesday at Cowboys Golf Club, where he was set to play in the Cowboys’ annual sponsor appreciation golf tournament. “It’s fun to watch him. He does all the calls that we are using now. Watching him on the field and how he applies them and his technique. He’s a great player, so it’s fun to watch him on tape.”

Costa started every game at center for the Cowboys last year, but he is expected to have competition for the spot this year. Free agent signee Mackenzie Bernadeau and second-year guards Bill Nagy and Kevin Kowalski have played center.

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/cowboys/2012/05/costa-watching-tape-of-mangold-a-former-bill-callahan-player-to-get-ready-for-bigger-responsibilties.html#storylink=cpy

[rkell87]

that is fine and dandy but nick is a beast at his position, perfect technique is going to go much farther for costa than trying to emulate mangold

[MichaelWinicki]

that is fine and dandy but nick is a beast at his position, perfect technique is going to go much farther for costa than trying to emulate mangold

How much you wanna bet that Callahan is stressing the technique thing?

With so many folks not liking this kid... I'm pulling for him. :)

[CCBoy]

IRVING, Texas - Since Laurent Robinson departed in free agency, one of the hottest topics surrounding the Cowboys this offseason has been the impending competition for the role of No. 3 wide receiver.

In the grand scheme of things, though, the importance of the offense's fourth pass-catcher is probably overvalued a bit. On offense, the only top-of-the-depth-chart role that truly appears up for grabs is the least glamorous job of all: center.

Last year, the Cowboys gave veteran Andre Gurode the boot in training camp, opting instead to go with the younger, cheaper Phil Costa. A former undrafted free agent, he ended up starting every game in the middle of the line, and his struggles have been fairly well documented. The consensus, however, is that Costa did improve as the year went along, as a full season of experience is helpful for any young player.

"Definitely," Costa said. "From week to week and from the beginning of the season to the end of the season, just what you can feel and knowing the defense, seeing the position of the Mike linebacker, what kind of blitz they're coming with, it does change it, for sure."

Still, if Costa isn't able to take another step forward in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and training camp later this summer, the position may be changing hands again....


http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=38A67FC6-F70A-728B-76B79A2AB6765C57

[rkell87]

How much you wanna bet that Callahan is stressing the technique thing?

With so many folks not liking this kid... I'm pulling for him. :)

i actually don't dislike him, i believe there are guys like him all over the league, but he can be upgraded. I just don't know that watching mangold, who is head and shoulders above costa in terms of talent and ability, is going to help him.

[CCBoy]

Here's the cut to the chase on the second posted article:

....Among the players who Costa may have to fight off are 2011 rookies Bill Nagy and Kevin Kowalski, who both earned playing time last year, Nagy at guard, and Kowalski as the utility interior lineman. David Arkin, last year's fourth-round pick, will likely stay at guard, as will Ronald Leary of Memphis, the Cowboys' most prized signing in undrafted free agency this spring.

The Cowboys will try to field the best possible starting five on the offensive line, though, and the position flexibility of veteran signee Mackenzy Bernadeau could become a consideration if there is a logjam at guard.

"He's played center," said Bill Callahan, the Cowboys' new offensive line coach who came over from the Jets this offseason. "That's one of the things we asked him and one of the things we knew about him. He played some center in the preseason with Carolina, so he's been exposed to that spot, he's got that position flex, so that's a real plus. Yeah, he has that in him. I haven't seen it as of late, but he did serve as a backup center for them in kind of emergency situations."....

[CCBoy]

i actually don't dislike him, i believe there are guys like him all over the league, but he can be upgraded. I just don't know that watching mangold, who is head and shoulders above costa in terms of talent and ability, is going to help him.

This is the off season, when training and film are a huge part of the process to adjust and introduce system changes. There is quite a bit of change occuring up and down the entire offensive line this off season. This highlights intense preparations...but is part of a growing learning process. At center, and with Kyle Kosier gone, this is highly important for Phil Costa in picking up what Callahan is adding to the Dallas system. Actually, a smart move by Costa at this point.

...and here's the rest of the story concerning your posting above:

While his job isn't guaranteed, the Cowboys do believe Costa has the tools and the makeup to continue to get better. He appears to have already added muscle already this offseason, bulking up a frame that was listed as 6-3, 311 pounds last year, and is trying to improve himself in other ways as well.

One way has been to observe Nick Mangold, the Jets' All-Pro, to pick up on the nuances of playing center for Callahan.

"I've watched tons of tape on Mangold," Costa said. "It's fun to watch him out there, and just, all the calls that we're using, watching him on the field and how he applies them and his technique.

[Bluestang]

Jason Garrett hinted that Costa's ability to make the center calls was one of his positives because of his preparation and film study. When the QB identifies the mike linebacker, the center is responsible for setting the correct line protection call - a very under appreciated aspect of the position.

[Chocolate Lab]

Jason Garrett hinted that Costa's ability to make the center calls was one of his positives because of his preparation and film study. When the QB identifies the mike linebacker, the center is responsible for setting the correct line protection call - a very under appreciated aspect of the position.

But if you can't block, it doesn't matter.

[MichaelWinicki]

Jason Garrett hinted that Costa's ability to make the center calls was one of his positives because of his preparation and film study. When the QB identifies the mike linebacker, the center is responsible for setting the correct line protection call - a very under appreciated aspect of the position.

And we've all heard the stories about Gurode not being able to do that.

[rkell87]

This is the off season, when training and film are a huge part of the process to adjust and introduce system changes. There is quite a bit of change occuring up and down the entire offensive line this off season. This highlights intense preparations...but is part of a growing learning process. At center, and with Kyle Kosier gone, this is highly important for Phil Costa in picking up what Callahan is adding to the Dallas system. Actually, a smart move by Costa at this point.

...and here's the rest of the story concerning your posting above:

While his job isn't guaranteed, the Cowboys do believe Costa has the tools and the makeup to continue to get better. He appears to have already added muscle already this offseason, bulking up a frame that was listed as 6-3, 311 pounds last year, and is trying to improve himself in other ways as well.

One way has been to observe Nick Mangold, the Jets' All-Pro, to pick up on the nuances of playing center for Callahan.

"I've watched tons of tape on Mangold," Costa said. "It's fun to watch him out there, and just, all the calls that we're using, watching him on the field and how he applies them and his technique.
if it helps him learn what the new line coach likes to do that is great, and watching the top player at your position can't hurt, all I'm saying is costa won't be able to handle guys in the same way mangold does because he has short arms and doesn't have short area quickness and over all ability of mangold

[CCBoy]

if it helps him learn what the new line coach likes to do that is great, and watching the top player at your position can't hurt, all I'm saying is costa won't be able to handle guys in the same way mangold does because he has short arms and doesn't have short area quickness and over all ability of mangold

Center, smenter, if Costa gets even more **** strong, then arm length means bo didly to begin with...and it is apparent that Costa hasn't been working only on his CD's. A posted comment included physical strength and added size from last seasons 311 playing weight.

[CCBoy]

But if you can't block, it doesn't matter.

Oh, and how many Cowboy starting centers have you lined head up on and called woosie in their face?

[CCBoy]

And we've all heard the stories about Gurode not being able to do that.

:) And we all know that Cowboy centers are a bunch of woosies to start with...which stems directly from no coaching or GM.

[Eddie]

It's nice that he's watching film of Mangold. Hope it helps.

I can watch Roger Staubach until I'm blue the face. Still not gonna help.

[Risen Star]

This is like having Rob Petitti study tape of Anthony Munoz.

[CCBoy]

This is like having Rob Petitti study tape of Anthony Munoz.

Or your effort at humor akin to a Chunky Cheese clown filling in for Red Skelton...

[CCBoy]

It's nice that he's watching film of Mangold. Hope it helps.

I can watch Roger Staubach until I'm blue the face. Still not gonna help.

Whether the art work becomes an early example of Picasso or not, will be measured out strongly before camp even arrives...but now, art critics are a dime a dozen.

[burmafrd]

Or your effort at humor akin to a Chunky Cheese clown filling in for Red Skelton...

but then Petiti was a better tackle then Costa was a center.

Trying to polish a turd usually just gets your hands stinky.

[CCBoy]

but then Petiti was a better tackle then Costa was a center.

Trying to polish a turd usually just gets your hands stinky.

Despite descriptive associations of denegration...you can't argue that Cost has lasted going into a fourth season. Now, how long did Petiti even remain in the NFL?

I'll just await a decision on Costa, as most negative commentors on site couldn't see a retention of Anthony Spencer prior to this off season as well.

Did he look bad at times last season? Yea, but there is a reason he is still here and Dockery, Holland, and Kosier are not. If the association is then turd polishing...I'll just pass on by.

[Hostile]

How much you wanna bet that Callahan is stressing the technique thing?

With so many folks not liking this kid... I'm pulling for him. :)Pull my finger.

[Hostile]

but then Petiti was a better tackle then Costa was a center.

Trying to polish a turd usually just gets your hands stinky.We'll learn from your mistake.

[MichaelWinicki]

Pull my finger.

No.

:)

[burmafrd]

Despite descriptive associations of denegration...you can't argue that Cost has lasted going into a fourth season. Now, how long did Petiti even remain in the NFL?

I'll just await a decision on Costa, as most negative commentors on site couldn't see a retention of Anthony Spencer prior to this off season as well.

Did he look bad at times last season? Yea, but there is a reason he is still here and Dockery, Holland, and Kosier are not. If the association is then turd polishing...I'll just pass on by.

this is the same team that kept the Proctologist and McQ for several years- your point? Where are THEY now?

He looked bad just about the WHOLE season. And got rag dolled more than once- you have a selective memory.

[burmafrd]

We'll learn from your mistake.

I wore gloves after watching another guy try; it did not help much

[Hostile]

No.

:)
Damn tacos.

[CCBoy]

this is the same team that kept the Proctologist and McQ for several years- your point? Where are THEY now?

He looked bad just about the WHOLE season. And got rag dolled more than once- you have a selective memory.

It's obvious, conversation on topic isn't involved above, beyond bad mouthing Phil Costa.

I won't go about crying a similar the sky's falling, at this point, until a completely reworked offensive line goes through the preliminary steps and evaluations by the team. Unlike yourself, I don't think the Cowboy coaches and head coach are bumbling idiots.

If by the start of training camp, and Costa doesn't look able to hold the unit together, I am sure that Kevin Kowalski, Bill Nagy, or even Mackenzy Bernadeau will be moved in to fill the slot. At worse, there will be a September signing of a veteran or a trade that could possibly br involved in a trade for another's roster talent, and possibly Mike Jenkins used as barter.

But there are tons of options available before the later scenarios will even enter a reasoned view of the position...

if you feel empowered by calling Costa - turfballs, then carry on....

[CCBoy]

I wore gloves after watching another guy try; it did not help much

This reminds me of a female intern administering rectal exams to a group of Senior NCO's at an over forty physical. Stone cold stares...

[CCBoy]

but on topic, this is what Brian Broaddus had to say on Nate Livings:

As a pass protector, I thought he could have played with more punch. He did more grabbing than punching, but to his credit when he did grab his man he was OK. He was able to adjust to the twist stunt, but had some trouble with the inside power move. He needs to be more forceful when power stepping inside to protect that gap. He has to watch if he gets over-extended, and plays over the tops of his feet. That's when he has some balance issues. Livings was aware enough to help a teammate when uncovered. He will work to the inside to help on the nose or slide outside to work on the end. He showed some recovery in the Ravens game when beaten on the swim move. I was surprised how well he was able to pass protect on both Justin Smith and Campbell, who I feel are two of the better pressure players in the league. He dad a little trouble with the quickness of Justin Smith, and that will be something to keep an eye on.

There is not a lot of beauty to Livings' game, but to his credit he played well against some talented defensive players. Livings is not going to make you forget Larry Allen, but with what the Cowboys went through at left guard last season he should be more of a stable player at the position.







...now, please inform us how this will affect the center position for a completely new vamped offensive line? An explanation doesn't start out with stumbling, bumbling, tumbling Costa....but how a defineable improvement at left guard could stabilize handling of stunts in the offensive line's interior.

[Bluestang]

but on topic, this is what Brian Broaddus had to say on Nate Livings:

As a pass protector, I thought he could have played with more punch. He did more grabbing than punching, but to his credit when he did grab his man he was OK. He was able to adjust to the twist stunt, but had some trouble with the inside power move. He needs to be more forceful when power stepping inside to protect that gap. He has to watch if he gets over-extended, and plays over the tops of his feet. That's when he has some balance issues. Livings was aware enough to help a teammate when uncovered. He will work to the inside to help on the nose or slide outside to work on the end. He showed some recovery in the Ravens game when beaten on the swim move. I was surprised how well he was able to pass protect on both Justin Smith and Campbell, who I feel are two of the better pressure players in the league. He dad a little trouble with the quickness of Justin Smith, and that will be something to keep an eye on.

There is not a lot of beauty to Livings' game, but to his credit he played well against some talented defensive players. Livings is not going to make you forget Larry Allen, but with what the Cowboys went through at left guard last season he should be more of a stable player at the position.







...now, please inform us how this will affect the center position for a completely new vamped offensive line? An explanation doesn't start out with stumbling, bumbling, tumbling Costa....but how a defineable improvement at left guard could stabilize handling of stunts in the offensive line's interior.


Well for one we are not giving size away with Nagy and Costa next to each other. Once Holland stepped next to Costa it allowed Costa to get to the mike linebacker and Holland was able anchor better against the bigger defenders.

[MichaelWinicki]

Well for one we are not giving size away with Nagy and Costa next to each other. Once Holland stepped next to Costa it allowed Costa to get to the mike linebacker and Holland was able anchor better against the bigger defenders.

You obviously never got the memo that Costa and his baby-arms will never be a decent NFL center. :rolleyes:

Maybe Burm can share more about his experiences touching poop. :D

[RS12]

You cant make chicken salad out of chicken feathers.

[CCBoy]

Well for one we are not giving size away with Nagy and Costa next to each other. Once Holland stepped next to Costa it allowed Costa to get to the mike linebacker and Holland was able anchor better against the bigger defenders.

And YES, Virginia, we have a real discussion...good point.:)

[CCBoy]

You cant make chicken salad out of chicken feathers.

Have you bothered to call in to Restaurant Impossible?

He'll get you straight within a day...

[mmohican29]

Costa- post Redskins MNF- was very serviceable for much of the year.

In fact, he was outstanding in the Rams and Lions games. Paired off against Suh and probably won that matchup overall.

Sprung Murray for multiple big runs in the Rams game.

[Fla Cowpoke]

Funny how so many don't want to give Phil a chance.

They throw out such distinguished guys as David Arkin (who was so good last year they wouldn't play him even when everyone else was hurt), Bernadeau (a guy who was an emergency center but has no real experience playing the position) and Bill Nagy, another undersized try hard guy. Possibly the best candidate to replace Costa is Kowalski, who has a lot of similar traits to Costa.

The guys using PFF to downgrade Costa fail to acknowledge the fact that after Holland was inserted into the lineup, Costa's play got significantly better from a game by game rating. You either have to but the good reports with the bad reports or just ignore them all together.

Guys say Costa does not have strength but he has gotten noticeably bigger in the two seasons he has been here. He is no slouch in the weight room, holds the Maryland record in the clean, which is all about your core strength, just like the squat.

Costa's greatest chance for improvement is to refine his technique and learn how better to use leverage. So watching film of some of the better centers and working with Coach Callahan is probably the best thing he can do to get better at that.

[67CowboysFan]

It's nice that he's watching film of Mangold. Hope it helps.

I can watch Roger Staubach until I'm blue the face. Still not gonna help.
It usually helps if you know what you are watching. I can watch film of Roger all day too and get the same results you would. zero

[CowboysYanksLakers]

He's no Mangold...

[Lonestar94]

Costa- post Redskins MNF- was very serviceable for much of the year.

In fact, he was outstanding in the Rams and Lions games. Paired off against Suh and probably won that matchup overall.

Sprung Murray for multiple big runs in the Rams game.

This.

I'd give Costa one more year to show what he's got.

[chagus]

this is the same team that kept the Proctologist and McQ for several years- your point? Where are THEY now?

He looked bad just about the WHOLE season. And got rag dolled more than once- you have a selective memory.

I beg the differ... this IS NOT the same team. Totally different mind set, attitude and approach. Costa is working and getting stronger. I wonder what Stepnoski's arm span was when he came into the league at what, 265lbs?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Costa's problem is that he lunges. In no small part is that due to his short arms. I have no experience with offensive line coaching techniques. I will not pretend that I do.

Maybe he has to lunge to make contact. Maybe he can better anticipate and move his feet. I don't know but he has shown improvement and maybe just maybe he can continue to do so.

I completely understand that his play last year was not good enough but the notion that someone cannot get better with experience and practice is foolishness.

[burmafrd]

Costa's problem is that he lunges. In no small part is that due to his short arms. I have no experience with offensive line coaching techniques. I will not pretend that I do.

Maybe he has to lunge to make contact. Maybe he can better anticipate and move his feet. I don't know but he has shown improvement and maybe just maybe he can continue to do so.

I completely understand that his play last year was not good enough but the notion that someone cannot get better with experience and practice is foolishness.

No it is not. Petitti showed that. So did McQ and the Protologist and so one. Sam Young. They all got a lot more experience and practice and it did no good.

[SilverStarCowboy]

How dare him!!


:chainsaw:

[Doomsday101]

Costa's problem is that he lunges. In no small part is that due to his short arms. I have no experience with offensive line coaching techniques. I will not pretend that I do.

Maybe he has to lunge to make contact. Maybe he can better anticipate and move his feet. I don't know but he has shown improvement and maybe just maybe he can continue to do so.

I completely understand that his play last year was not good enough but the notion that someone cannot get better with experience and practice is foolishness.

I agree. Costa was in his 2nd year in Dallas last season and thrown into the fire. He had some bad games no one would deny that he also progressed as the season wore on. Still not to the level we need. Now if he can go out and show more improvement then how is this a bad thing? I'm almost to the point of asking why even draft young players? if they do not wow fans right off the bat they turn on them. They talk about developement on draft day and throw it out the window the next. Hell may as well use the draft to trade for players because clearly many do not even grasp the concept of developement of young players

[MichaelWinicki]

I agree. Costa was in his 2nd year in Dallas last season and thrown into the fire. He had some bad games no one would deny that he also progressed as the season wore on. Still not to the level we need. Now if he can go out and show more improvement then how is this a bad thing? I'm almost to the point of asking why even draft young players? if they do not wow fans right off the bat they turn on them. They talk about developement on draft day and throw it out the window the next. Hell may as well use the draft to trade for players because clearly many do not even grasp the concept of developement of young players

I'd like to know what happened to the 3-year window of opportunity?

I agree with you that the expectations for these young players is ridiculous.

[Doomsday101]

I'd like to know what happened to the 3-year window of opportunity?

I agree with you that the expectations for these young players is ridiculous.

So many talk about it but that is cast to the side quickly by some. If Costa can show improvement and win this job great if one of the other guys can show they are the better option then great. I watched guys like Mark Tuinie get his butt kicked but the coaches did not quit on him they continued to work and he continued to develop and in the end became a big part of the success of the team.

Things do not alway happen on fans time scale but then fans do not attend the practice they do not see the work players are putting in and how the coaches monitor their development. Thus far I have seen nothing from Garrett saying the Center position belongs to Costa only that Costa is improving and will be challenged for the starting job

[MichaelWinicki]

So many talk about it but that is cast to the side quickly by some. If Costa can show improvement and win this job great if one of the other guys can show they are the better option then great. I watched guys like Mark Tuinie get his butt kicked but the coaches did not quit on him they continued to work and he continued to develop and in the end became a big part of the success of the team.

Things do not alway happen on fans time scale but then fans do not attend the practice they do not see the work players are putting in and how the coaches monitor their development. Thus far I have seen nothing from Garrett saying the Center position belongs to Costa only that Costa is improving and will be challenged for the starting job

Here's the list Burms offered...

Petitti showed that. So did McQ and the Protologist and so one. Sam Young.

Rob was forced in at RT due to an injury. McQ never played much. I'm not sure Sam Young even played a snap on the offensive line under real conditions. Proctor played due to injury.

Costa also improved as the season went on. He graded out as the best lineman in the second game vs the Eagles. So the kid did show progress.

If they go to camp and Nagy or whomeve beats him out, well that happens, but if he wins the starting job again, then I think he deserves some props. Petitti didn't make it into year 2 as a starter.

[Doomsday101]

Here's the list Burms offered...

Petitti showed that. So did McQ and the Protologist and so one. Sam Young.

Rob was forced in at RT due to an injury. McQ never played much. I'm not sure Sam Young even played a snap on the offensive line under real conditions. Proctor played due to injury.

Costa also improved as the season went on. He graded out as the best lineman in the second game vs the Eagles. So the kid did show progress.

If they go to camp and Nagy or whomeve beats him out, well that happens, but if he wins the starting job again, then I think he deserves some props. Petitti didn't make it into year 2 as a starter.

For me I'm only interested in seeing these young guys go out and compete hard and who ever wins the job that they go out there and produce. If it is Costa I'm fine with it same for Nagy and Kowalski or whom ever the Cowboys have competing for the job.

[kmd24]

No it is not. Petitti showed that. So did McQ and the Protologist and so one. Sam Young. They all got a lot more experience and practice and it did no good.

Offering a few counterexamples to a principle is not the same as disproving said principle. OTOH, Jay Ratliff disproves your assertion.

[burmafrd]

Offering a few counterexamples to a principle is not the same as disproving said principle. OTOH, Jay Ratliff disproves your assertion.


Yeah well Jay showed something right away too.

[burmafrd]

Here's the list Burms offered...

Petitti showed that. So did McQ and the Protologist and so one. Sam Young.

Rob was forced in at RT due to an injury. McQ never played much. I'm not sure Sam Young even played a snap on the offensive line under real conditions. Proctor played due to injury.

Costa also improved as the season went on. He graded out as the best lineman in the second game vs the Eagles. So the kid did show progress.

If they go to camp and Nagy or whomeve beats him out, well that happens, but if he wins the starting job again, then I think he deserves some props. Petitti didn't make it into year 2 as a starter.

coming from someone who thinks the Oline is not very important I would expect no less.

Best lineman against the Eagles in that game was horrific. Talk about damning with faint praise. Even a blind squirrel can find an acorn now and then. You watch those games against NE and the Giants and Costa got rag dolled multiple times. Not even talking about all the other problems he had.

[kmd24]

Yeah well Jay showed something right away too.

If you don't like that counterexample there are plenty of others. Miles Austin, Tony Romo, and Doug Free are three that immediately jump to mind.

[MichaelWinicki]

coming from someone who thinks the Oline is not very important I would expect no less.

Best lineman against the Eagles in that game was horrific. Talk about damning with faint praise. Even a blind squirrel can find an acorn now and then. You watch those games against NE and the Giants and Costa got rag dolled multiple times. Not even talking about all the other problems he had.

Well Burms I hope you have your tales of woe ready if Costa is trotted out there as the starting center come September.

[speedkilz88]

So many talk about it but that is cast to the side quickly by some. If Costa can show improvement and win this job great if one of the other guys can show they are the better option then great. I watched guys like Mark Tuinie get his butt kicked but the coaches did not quit on him they continued to work and he continued to develop and in the end became a big part of the success of the team.

Things do not alway happen on fans time scale but then fans do not attend the practice they do not see the work players are putting in and how the coaches monitor their development. Thus far I have seen nothing from Garrett saying the Center position belongs to Costa only that Costa is improving and will be challenged for the starting job
Good point about Tuinei, I also remember how mediocre Nate Newton was a RG. Jimmy Johnson/Tony Wise ended up moving him to RT to challenge him and it's like he finally got his confidence up by playing Reggie White and others. Then they got Erik Williams and moved him over to LG and he became dominant. Gogan was horrendous at RT and he ended up becoming a dominant RG. You really never know what you have sometimes. Sometimes they just need time.

[MichaelWinicki]

You really never know what you have sometimes. Sometimes they just need time.

Some fail to understand that concept.

[Zaxor]

Funny how so many don't want to give Phil a chance.

They throw out such distinguished guys as David Arkin (who was so good last year they wouldn't play him even when everyone else was hurt), Bernadeau (a guy who was an emergency center but has no real experience playing the position) and Bill Nagy, another undersized try hard guy. Possibly the best candidate to replace Costa is Kowalski, who has a lot of similar traits to Costa.

The guys using PFF to downgrade Costa fail to acknowledge the fact that after Holland was inserted into the lineup, Costa's play got significantly better from a game by game rating. You either have to but the good reports with the bad reports or just ignore them all together.

Guys say Costa does not have strength but he has gotten noticeably bigger in the two seasons he has been here. He is no slouch in the weight room, holds the Maryland record in the clean, which is all about your core strength, just like the squat.

Costa's greatest chance for improvement is to refine his technique and learn how better to use leverage. So watching film of some of the better centers and working with Coach Callahan is probably the best thing he can do to get better at that.

Costa's problem is that he lunges. In no small part is that due to his short arms. I have no experience with offensive line coaching techniques. I will not pretend that I do.

Maybe he has to lunge to make contact. Maybe he can better anticipate and move his feet. I don't know but he has shown improvement and maybe just maybe he can continue to do so.

I completely understand that his play last year was not good enough but the notion that someone cannot get better with experience and practice is foolishness.

I agree. Costa was in his 2nd year in Dallas last season and thrown into the fire. He had some bad games no one would deny that he also progressed as the season wore on. Still not to the level we need. Now if he can go out and show more improvement then how is this a bad thing? I'm almost to the point of asking why even draft young players? if they do not wow fans right off the bat they turn on them. They talk about developement on draft day and throw it out the window the next. Hell may as well use the draft to trade for players because clearly many do not even grasp the concept of developement of young players

I'd like to know what happened to the 3-year window of opportunity?

I agree with you that the expectations for these young players is ridiculous.


well said gentlemen...competition and player development is the keys that will bring the boys back to the top

[SilverStarCowboy]

coming from someone who thinks the Oline is not very important I would expect no less.

Best lineman against the Eagles in that game was horrific. Talk about damning with faint praise. Even a blind squirrel can find an acorn now and then. You watch those games against NE and the Giants and Costa got rag dolled multiple times. Not even talking about all the other problems he had.


First year starters will have bad games. Even Tyron Smith had quite a few mishaps along the way last year.

Costa wasn't a 1st round pick. He was an undrafted free agent.

Obviously Costa doesn't have the physical skills of Smith but players develope and improve especailly over the first 3 seasons.

Costa showed more promise than some players Drafted early that have come and gone, which is at least one reason why the heavy critism tends to fall on deaf ears.

All the failed draft choices like Chiver or Martin for instance, were given every chance in the world. Now some Fans are willing to shut the door on potential starters after so many have passed through Valley Ranch and the NFL as failed Draft picks.

Glad the Front Office had been through it, lived it and learned from it.

[CCBoy]

C'mon, fess up burma...you like the underdog/ugly duckling as much as any of us...:)

[visionary]

i am watching tapes of carl lewis so i can try out for 100 m in the olympics :)

[burmafrd]

First year starters will have bad games. Even Tyron Smith had quite a few mishaps along the way last year.

Costa wasn't a 1st round pick. He was an undrafted free agent.

Obviously Costa doesn't have the physical skills of Smith but players develope and improve especailly over the first 3 seasons.

Costa showed more promise than some players Drafted early that have come and gone, which is at least one reason why the heavy critism tends to fall on deaf ears.

All the failed draft choices like Chiver or Martin for instance, were given every chance in the world. Now some Fans are willing to shut the door on potential starters after so many have passed through Valley Ranch and the NFL as failed Draft picks.

Glad the Front Office had been through it, lived it and learned from it.


yeah and they failed. Since 1996 the boys have drafted 15 players from round 3 and lower on the O line and only ONE has ever been a quality starter for us.

So what have they learned? Show me.

[SilverStarCowboy]

yeah and they failed. Since 1996 the boys have drafted 15 players from round 3 and lower on the O line and only ONE has ever been a quality starter for us.

So what have they learned? Show me.


How to realize and evaluate talent.


Take a look at your current Oline.

Then get ready to eat crow. Top 10 this year.

[DOUBLE WING]

I think I'd rather have Nick Mangold's sister at center than Phil Costa at this point.

Holley Mangold:

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/120305021310-holley-mangold-story-ap-story-body.jpg

[AbeBeta]

Rob was forced in at RT due to an injury.

Wasn't there a vet who we brought in and planned to sign who rubbed Parcells the wrong way in a meeting during the Petitti era as well? So it wasn't like staff loved Rob and thought he was any sort of solution at RT

[jnday]

yeah and they failed. Since 1996 the boys have drafted 15 players from round 3 and lower on the O line and only ONE has ever been a quality starter for us.

So what have they learned? Show me.

Burm, I agree with most of your points. Developing olinemen is one of the largest weaknesses on this team. Many fans have hope built up for these young guys due to them playing quiet a bit last year. They got to play mostly due to lack of options. One weakness with these young guys is size. No amount of coaching will make them bigger. Depending on them last year was a mistake. I wonder if the results are them same this year, will the team address the problem.

[Doomsday101]

Burm, I agree with most of your points. Developing olinemen is one of the largest weaknesses on this team. Many fans have hope built up for these young guys due to them playing quiet a bit last year. They got to play mostly due to lack of options. One weakness with these young guys is size. No amount of coaching will make them bigger. Depending on them last year was a mistake. I wonder if the results are them same this year, will the team address the problem.

I went and compared our line size to many teams including the Giants, Saints and Houston our guys size wise are about the same as they are.

Funny Mangold is 6'4" 307 and Costa 6'3" 310 the Jet Gaurds are 305 and 314 while Arkin is 310 and Nagy 303. No doubt Dallas is not going with the massive players we did in the past but blocking schemes likely will not be the same as the past.

[jnday]

I went and compared our line size to many teams including the Giants, Saints and Houston our guys size wise are about the same as they are.

Funny Mangold is 6'4" 307 and Costa 6'3" 310 the Jet Gaurds are 305 and 314 while Arkin is 310 and Nagy 303. No doubt Dallas is not going with the massive players we did in the past but blocking schemes likely will not be the same as the past.

I don't care for these smaller guys and I think a 310 guard has to be one heck of a player to move some of these 330 lb dlinemen on the goalline. A smaller guy has to make a perfect block while a big olineman has the size and power to cover up some mistakes. Nobody from the Cowboys have called and asked my opinion, so I will hope for the best. The line has been a large problem for several years. I wonder what the plan will be if this year's line is a weakness.

[Doomsday101]

I don't care for these smaller guys and I think a 310 guard has to be one heck of a player to move some of these 330 lb dlinemen on the goalline. A smaller guy has to make a perfect block while a big olineman has the size and power to cover up some mistakes. Nobody from the Cowboys have called and asked my opinion, so I will hope for the best. The line has been a large problem for several years. I wonder what the plan will be if this year's line is a weakness.

Callahan does since he runs a zone blocking scheme. This is why his unit in NY with the Jets was built on the ablity to move and pull.

Whether we agree with using zone blocking or not is another issue but when you said " One weakness with these young guys is size. No amount of coaching will make them bigger." They are not looking to make them bigger and yes you can teach and develop them

[jnday]

Callahan does since he runs a zone blocking scheme. This is why his unit in NY with the Jets was built on the ablity to move and pull.

I read an article by Vela at CowboyNation that showed how the Cowboys' lines of the 90's used a good bit of zone blocking with the big guys. I had never really noticed and many fans didn't know it as well. Simple concept and it worked very well. It only makes sense that a good big man is going to be better than a good small man. The Cowboys have done a bad job of finding these good big men the last few years so it can't hurt to change.

[Doomsday101]

I read an article by Vela at CowboyNation that showed how the Cowboys' lines of the 90's used a good bit of zone blocking with the big guys. I had never really noticed and many fans didn't know it as well. Simple concept and it worked very well. It only makes sense that a good big man is going to be better than a good small man. The Cowboys have done a bad job of finding these good big men the last few years so it can't hurt to change.

Dallas was also criticized for having slow fat guys who could not pull or get out on a screen. Garrett as HC started looking at OL player who fit a different scheme and like most zone blocking teams their guys are not overly big guys.

In the idea situation you could go out and get 350 pulling Guards that has great agility but they are rare. Denver and other units have made a living off the smaller agile linemen so while it does not fit with our OL of the 90's it is possible to develop and teach these young players within this system and be successful doing it.

[speedkilz88]

Listed weights a lot of the times are bs. Cowboys even mentioned that the 308 listed for Bernadeau was not correct.

[Doomsday101]

Listed weights a lot of the times are bs. Cowboys even mentioned that the 308 listed for Bernadeau was not correct.

They may be off I doubt they are drastically off.

[jnday]

Listed weights a lot of the times are bs. Cowboys even mentioned that the 308 listed for Bernadeau was not correct.

I have read several places that he is around 325.

[SMCowboy]

yeah and they failed. Since 1996 the boys have drafted 15 players from round 3 and lower on the O line and only ONE has ever been a quality starter for us.

So what have they learned? Show me.

Only 1 has been a quality starter for us? According to what definition? Other NFL teams obviously felt that those guys where quality starters for us:

Kelvin Garmon started 16 games for us in 2001, and 5 more in 2002, before the Chargers thought highly enough of him to trade for him. And have him start for them the rest of the year, and 16 more games for them in 2003. By what standard was Garmon not a quality starter for us?

Matt Lehr started 16 games for us in 2003, and then in 2005 and 2006 went on to start for the Falcons. How exactly was he not a quality starter for us? The Falcons obviously thought he was a good enough starter for him to start for them.

And has been stated many times, no Stephen Peterman never started for us, but he has moved on to be a 5 year starter for the Lions.

Oliver Ross never started for us, as we gave up on him after 1 year, but he went on to be a regular starter for the Steelers and Cardinals for 3 years, and reserve that spot started for the Steelers and Cardinals for 3 years.

Plus there is Doug Free who is a quality starter for us.

So, of those 15 players drafted in the 3rd round and later since 1996, we have had 5 guys go on to be multi year starters in the NFL.... By my math, that is actually a pretty darn solid percentage for middle to late round selections....