Dallas O-Line Needs Some of the D-Line Rotation

[T-RO]

It’s taken some time to do but the Dallas front office has built up a talented and very deep D-line rotation. In a league of attrition and injury...that’s almost a necessity. Having 8, 9 even 10 guys who can play is such a value. But now the lack of o-line depth threatens the 2018 campaign.

This offseason Dallas added Connor Williams through the draft, with guard Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming being added through free agency. On paper Dallas had pretty good starters...and decent depth.

But Martin suffered a broken toe and Fleming has been disappointing so far. Then Frederick suffered a non-football setback with the auto-immune syndrome.

Solid offensive lineman have become a vital—and often missing—commodity around the league...even for the better teams. The Vikings are struggling to field any kind of line right now with injuries. The Panthers face the same.

O-line cohesion is important but I’d like to see Dallas acquire more pices and integrate some rotational system with the offensive line. And they should look at carrying an additional offensive lineman on the roster. Our team is built on the strength of that line. Hopefully we can add depth to round it out 8 or 9 deep.

 

[Batman1980]

It's a lot easier to find good DLs than good OLs.

 

[BourbonBalz]

It’s taken some time to do but the Dallas front office has built up a talented and very deep D-line rotation. In a league of attrition and injury...that’s almost a necessity. Having 8, 9 even 10 guys who can play is such a value. But now the lack of o-line depth threatens the 2018 campaign.

This offseason Dallas added Connor Williams through the draft, with guard Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming being added through free agency. On paper Dallas had pretty good starters...and decent depth.

But Martin suffered a broken toe and Fleming has been disappointing so far. Then Frederick suffered a non-football setback with the auto-immune syndrome.

Solid offensive lineman have become a vital—and often missing—commodity around the league...even for the better teams. The Vikings are struggling to field any kind of line right now with injuries. The Panthers face the same.

O-line cohesion is important but I’d like to see Dallas acquire more pices and integrate some rotational system with the offensive line. And they should look at carrying an additional offensive lineman on the roster. Our team is built on the strength of that line. Hopefully we can add depth to round it out 8 or 9 deep.

The front office did a very good job this offseason strengthening the depth of the Oline. You can't predict the injury to Martin or Frederick's illness. It's just bad luck.

 

[T-RO]

It's a lot easier to find good DLs than good OLs.

Yes it is. That’s why we’ll need to spend more draft capital...or trade capital to get it done..or cash from our cap buffer.

One good thing is...come Sept 3 we will be able to be at the front of the line when it comes to grabbing the best o-line guys that get released. We can waive around more money than most other teams.

Long term I think we’ll look to draft a few backups around the 4th and 5th rounds of the draft.

 

[T-RO]

The front office did a very good job this offseason strengthening the depth of the Oline. You can't predict the injury to Martin or Frederick's illness. It's just bad luck.

Based on how healthy our line has been in recent years—Beard and Martin have Collins have been pillars of health — we looked to be sitting pretty and set with 8 guys deep. I can’t criticize the FO. But the past 6 weeks has been an eye-opener.

 

[viman96]

Not many teams if any has a deep rotation of OL. Most teams are lucky to have 1 OL to come off the bench. Most are still trying to find 5 legit starters.

 

[Batman1980]

La'El Collins has not exactly been a picture of health during his time in the NFL. I'd consider replacing him in the draft as well.

 

[T-RO]

What I’m proposing is not just about player acquisition. I’d like to see two changes:
-Allocate an extra slot on the roster for o-line
-Commit to play backups a bit more during regular games to build out more of a trusted rotation

That’s only going to be possible after we get more talented bodies up front.

 

[T-RO]

Not many teams if any has a deep rotation of OL. Most teams are lucky to have 1 OL to come off the bench. Most are still trying to find 5 legit starters.

Very true. But Dallas is about it’s line. We need to continue to prioritize the position—not with premium picks, but in the middle rounds.

 

[nathanlt]

Yes it is. That’s why we’ll need to spend more draft capital...or trade capital to get it done..or cash from our cap buffer.

One good thing is...come Sept 3 we will be able to be at the front of the line when it comes to grabbing the best o-line guys that get released. We can waive around more money than most other teams.

Long term I think we’ll look to draft a few backups around the 4th and 5th rounds of the draft.

But think of this.... The most efficient, most productive front office at acquiring offensive lineman of high caliber in recent years .... the model for the rest of the NFL to copy... has been the Dallas Cowboys!

 

[ClappingCarrot]

We like our guys.

 

[T-RO]

But think of this.... The most efficient, most productive front office at acquiring offensive lineman of high caliber in recent years .... the model for the rest of the NFL to copy... has been the Dallas Cowboys!

And they’ve done a hell of a job that deserves commendation. I just want them to keep investing and add in rotational aspect.

 

[TexasBoys2288]

I look at the offensive line as a cohesive singular unit. It is much harder to slide pieces in and out without disturbing the precise mechanics of the unit. However, I would agree to getting the backups more playing time if the Cowboys were stomping hell out of their opponent, but only in the last few minutes of the game.

I've seen too many games where a nice lead turned into a loss, mostly due to conservative play calling resulting in 3 and outs. On the other hand, if they keep their foot on the gas pedal it might build up the backups confidence playing against a worn out defense.

 

[T-RO]

I look at the offensive line as a cohesive singular unit. It is much harder to slide pieces in and out without disturbing the precise mechanics of the unit. However, I would agree to getting the backups more playing time if the Cowboys were stomping hell out of their opponent, but only in the last few minutes of the game.

I've seen too many games where a nice lead turned into a loss, mostly due to conservative play calling resulting in 3 and outs. On the other hand, if they keep their foot on the gas pedal it might build up the backups confidence playing against a worn out defense.

Cohesion is a priority, but seasons are so long and tough that I think one must assume injuries and down time. I’d like to see backups all play at least one series.

Consider that as good as DeMarcus is...he doesn’t play every down. Players that have a bit more rest are better at the end of the game. That’s a big benefit, as is staying power over the course of the season.

 

[buybuydandavis]

O-line cohesion is important but I’d like to see Dallas acquire more pices and integrate some rotational system with the offensive line. And they should look at carrying an additional offensive lineman on the roster. Our team is built on the strength of that line. Hopefully we can add depth to round it out 8 or 9 deep.

There's a downside to oline rotation in lack of cohesion, but I like it. If you don't rotate, the olinemen spend most games with little expectation that they're going to play. Putting them on the field every week would help their development, keep them sharp, and maybe give a needed rest to the fatboys.

A guy in for a series, or even a set of downs, can play at 110% focus and exertion, while giving a starter a breather may increase his effectiveness a few percentage points for the rest of the game. And over a season, now you have backups more ready to step in if really needed.

And in some situations, a backup can be better. Looney might be a better goal line LG than Williams at this point. And letting Williams take a blocking TE spot in jumbo packages could be better than using our TEs too.

 

[DoctorChicken]

You just can’t have depth everywhere. No team does.

The Rams have a killer defense but their linebackers suck.

Seattle has had a great defense for years but their OL is awful. Etc.

That’s the way it works with a salary cap.