ESPND: Phil Costa could start at guard

[viman96]

ARLINGTON, Texas -- If there was just one good thing that came out of Thursday's preseason opener against Denver for the Dallas Cowboys, it was the play of center Phil Costa.

While backing the injured Andre Gurode, who returned to practice Saturday, Costa made a case for more playing time. He can play both guard positions and most likely will get a shot at starting as the left guard alongside left tackle Doug Free.

Jerry Jones said he expects to see Costa play now.

Rest of story

[viman96]

The article does not mention Arkin. I thought he (Arkin) played well and the reports have been positive.

[tomson75]

Originally Posted by viman96

The article does not mention Arkin. I thought he (Arkin) played well and the reports have been positive.

I did too. I thought he played at least as well, if not better than Costa....particularly on the first series.

[burmafrd]

Originally Posted by tomson75

I did too. I thought he played at least as well, if not better than Costa....particularly on the first series.

Costa's short arms do not hurt him as much at center as they would at guard; he had trouble last year when he was at guard. Now he is very strong; which is Arkin's one weakness. But then again this is BSPN so take it with a grain of salt.

[The Realist]

Free Arkin Costa Nagy Tyron

That's what I'm hoping for after Gurode and Kosier ride off into the sunset.

It would be huge for our drafts and cap if we don't have to draft any more OL 1-3 in the next 3-5 years.

[VACowboy]

Originally Posted by The Realist

Free Arkin Costa Nagy Tyron

That's what I'm hoping for after Gurode and Kosier ride off into the sunset.

It would be huge for our drafts and cap if we don't have to draft any more OL 1-3 in the next 3-5 years.

That would be nice.

As I posted elsewhere, Costa's performance kind of went unnoticed. He moves well and provides a nice punch. Why play him anywhere but center, though?

[jazzcat22]

I think they are saying this more due to a veteren starting. We already have a rookie in Smith starting. And then comes time for real game action to where they actually game plan defensive schemes. and we have 2 rookies starting. So maybe Costa gets the start and Arkin takes over when he is ready. Maybe mid season or so. If it does not happen by gamr 10 to 12, then I would expect Costa stays in.

Just my early preseason thoughts from game 1 and radio / news pundits.

[Manwiththeplan]

Originally Posted by The Realist

Free Arkin Costa Nagy Tyron

That's what I'm hoping for after Gurode and Kosier ride off into the sunset.

It would be huge for our drafts and cap if we don't have to draft any more OL 1-3 in the next 3-5 years.

I hope not. It would be nive if we hit on all 3 interior guys but it;s such a long shot it just seems like a disaster. IMO, I'll be happy if Costa and Nagy can just provide depth.

[VACowboy]

Originally Posted by Manwiththeplan

I hope not. It would be nive if we hit on all 3 interior guys but it;s such a long shot it just seems like a disaster. IMO, I'll be happy if Costa and Nagy can just provide depth.

You really hope we don't get three OL starters out of the last draft? That's, uh, well, I guess everyone has an opinion.

[burmafrd]

considering how horrendous we have been at drafting O line for the last 15 years, I think its more a case of total disbelief that we suddenly hit the lottery.

[Manwiththeplan]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

considering how horrendous we have been at drafting O line for the last 15 years, I think its more a case of total disbelief that we suddenly hit the lottery.

Yeah, that's more what it is. I'd love it if all 3 were all pro players for the next 10 seasons, but I doubt that's the case.

All in all, if this is our interior line in 2015, I think we'll be in trouble. I think Arkin is a hit. Costa could be, but Nagy is nothing but a pipe dream right now.

Not to mention this probably means OL wasn't addressed in any of the next few drafts which is very risky

[VACowboy]

I'll wait and see. You never know. I certainly don't wanna stop drafting OL.

[Chocolate Lab]

It's one thing to start; it's another to actually be good. Alan Ball started at safety last year.

[CATCH17]

Originally Posted by VACowboy

I'll wait and see. You never know. I certainly don't wanna stop drafting OL.

Me either.

I hope collecting quality OL is the Cowboys new hobby.

[ThreeSportStar80]

I wouldn't be mad if Costa started at LG, he can move in space.