Quote:
Originally Posted by Thatkidbob
Costa will likely be the starting center next year.
He missed a lot of time due to injuries, but in games he played he was an above average center this year. He looked good in pass protection, and he was getting a good push in the running game, even flat out mauling people at times. The only real question mark with him is "can he stay healthy?"
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Phil Costa will likely enter the off-season penciled in as the starting center, but I hope the team will prioritize getting some competition for the position.
We don't know anything more about Costa now than we did last year following a string of injuries this season.
The Terp only started 3 games this year while managing to finish just one.
He lasted the opening series in week one, the entire game in week seven and most of the first half in week eight.
Costa was lauded for the Ravens game in week seven, but came back to earth the following week against the Panthers.
I've always had doubts about this player in a starting role, but Jason Garrett really comes across as genuinely believing in him.
I like Kevin Kowalski as the interior reserve on game days, which also seems to be Ryan Cook's ideal role. Can either make a serious push to start, is Cook even an option or purely viewed as depth?
Mackenzy Bernadeau might also get in the mix if an internal or external alternative is tabbed at RG.
2013
LT - Tyron Smith, Jermey Parnell, (?)
Smith should only get better on the blindside, keeping Livings next to him would be great for continuity's sake. Parnell will likely back up Smith even if he becomes the starting RT next season, IMO.
LG - Nate Livings, David Arkin
Living's 2013 base salary is reportedly guaranteed ($1.7M), so he isn't going anywhere. He and Smith should only get better working together. Some in the media have already written Arkin off, but would he really be taking up a spot on the 53 right now if viewed as another Robert Brewster?
C - Phil Costa, Kevin Kowalski, Ryan Cook, (?)
How committed is the team to Costa? Is his back OK? Will Kowalski challenge to start? Is Cook just depth? Is Bernadeau an option?
RG - Mackenzy Bernadeau, Ronald Leary, (?)
Will Benradeau stay here or move to C? How much progress can Leary make during the off-season? Will a free agent be signed?
RT - Jermey Parnell, Darrion Weems, (?)
Is Doug Free done? Free's inconsistencies have been maddening and his contract is an eyesore. Parnell is splitting game reps now and he didn't play any football after the 8th grade until his basketball eligibility expired in college. That's an 8 year layoff! Weems will be in the mix for a roster spot with a number of other OTs that will come aboard during the off-season.