Cowboys considering moving Doug Free inside - Dallas Cowboys Forum

**WoodysGirl** · 02-25-2013

The Cowboys are considering using Free at guard after he starting at left or right tackle over the last four seasons.

“We’re looking at it,” Jones said. “We’re going to un-turn every stone to get better. I wouldn’t rule him out at tackle either. He’s a pretty versatile guy. He’s smart.”
He led the NFL in penalties in 2012 with eight false starts and seven holding flags, but he played what Jones called “his best ball of the year,” after moving to a platoon with Jermey Parnell.

Could a full-season rotation work?

“No one has ever done it but it didn’t mean you can’t,” Jones said. “But I think at some point someone would win the job.”

More: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowbo...osition-switch

AbeBeta · 02-25-2013

I'd really like for us to keep Free at a reduced pay.

He's a guy who can play at a high level. He's clearly got something wrong - maybe a sports psychologist can fix him. What I saw last year was a guy who would make a mistake and then have the game spiral out of control for him. That could be a confidence issue

Deep_Freeze · 02-25-2013

Interesting.

While I don't think he is strong enough to play the position, this is the time of the year where you try things you wouldn't normally try during the season.

Note to Free, when they start moving you around and benching you, don't buy a house. Question has to be is he better than Berny at guard.

Gaede · 02-25-2013

Not strong enough.

Sorry, not amount of salesmanship will ever convince me that Doug Free is strong enough to be a starter. He gets beat one on one every game by inferior pass rushers. Because EVERYONE knows his weakness.

You don't have to 'salvage' him because you gave him a stupid contract or because you want to use your draft picks on players who can star in commercials. Admit the mistake and move on.

TheSport78 · 02-25-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbeBeta

I'd really like for us to keep Free at a reduced pay.

He's a guy who can play at a high level. He's clearly got something wrong - maybe a sports psychologist can fix him. What I saw last year was a guy who would make a mistake and then have the game spiral out of control for him. That could be a confidence issue

Maybe not going to McDonald's anymore would help him.

**big dog cowboy** · 02-25-2013

Free doesn't have the build to play guard. I wonder if this is just spin to justify that contract he got.

TheSport78 · 02-25-2013

Free is too tall and not powerful enough to play guard.

I'll laugh if he's moved inside.

CATCH17 · 02-25-2013

Wow we truly are clueless aren't we?

speedkilz88 · 02-25-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deep_Freeze

Interesting.

While I don't think he is strong enough to play the position, this is the time of the year where you try things you wouldn't normally try during the season.

Note to Free, when they start moving you around and benching you, don't buy a house. Question has to be is he better than Berny at guard.

He should have bought a house (or two) when he signed that contract and got a bonus. Dallas area (and the rest of TX) real estate is quite a deal compared to other major cities.

He'll be a better OT than a OG.

TheFinisher · 02-25-2013

Hmmm let's see... he got physically abused by Ends on bullrushes so we're going to kick him inside where he'll face tackles? Sounds good.

SDCowboy85 · 02-25-2013

I was hoping they meant inside the locker room.

xwalker · 02-25-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbeBeta

I'd really like for us to keep Free at a reduced pay.

He's a guy who can play at a high level. He's clearly got something wrong - maybe a sports psychologist can fix him. What I saw last year was a guy who would make a mistake and then have the game spiral out of control for him. That could be a confidence issue

Some of it could be mental, but Free's biggest issue is high upper body strength. He appears to have very weak shoulders. When pass-rushers get their hands/arms under his and just thrust upwards, he appears to have no ability to resist. He has tried changing his technique by keeping his hands lower, but this just causes other problems.

Justin Smith exposed this problem when the Cowboys played the 49ers early in the 2011 season. Pass-rushers have been exploiting it ever since.

Without good ability to use his arms, Free must keep his body in perfect position in order to block effectively.

Deep_Freeze · 02-25-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedkilz88

He should have bought a house (or two) when he signed that contract and got a bonus. Dallas area (and the rest of TX) real estate is quite a deal compared to other major cities.

He'll be a better OT than a OG.

Yeah, everything is taken wayyy too seriously on CZ sometimes, so they are trying him there just like they tried Berny and Arkin at center. Or just like they have tried Carr at safety or wherever they plan on playing Crawford.

This is the time of year to try everything before you go randomly cutting people.

cowboyschmps3 · 02-25-2013

I think switching too guard at a reduced price would be ok, I'd sure like too see him pull and knock guys out like when he first came in

Wood · 02-25-2013

they should only consider this option if Free agrees to league min. salary