We are compromised

[Rockport]

I'm sorry but if losing your Center is the worst injury you have and you can't adjust, then your coaching staff sucks.

Did you see who played the majority of snaps on the offensive line against the Colts?

 

[Zimmy Lives]

And all this points to reasons why Jerry will keep everything the same over the off season.
Nothing will change.

Even though you are correct, I apologize as I do not mean to detract from your OP.
But that is all I see right now, just another excuse for Jerry on top his other 257 reasons to keep things as is with the coaching staff.

Not that he needs any excuses as he only needs his #1 reason. He likes Jason no matter what in his stubbornness to do it his way.

Injuries on the o-line would be just another excuse.

Funny how other teams seem to manage without key players. What is it on offense they have and the Cowboys lack? One word: creativity.

Cowboy's offensive philosophy: R man whoops yur man.
Everyone else: We will find whatever way possible to take advantage of your weaknesses on defense.

 

[Kaiser]

Nahhhhhhhhhhhh

All these guys have limitations. Looney plays the run well but not blitz pickups. If he did, he would have a fat contract elsewhere.

Sua-Filo is very good in the run but has real breakdowns in pass protection. That's great for a backup you signed off the street but its a problem over the long haul if the guy is forced to start.

Fleming has been OK, I actually would have started him over an injured Tyron. But you add all that together and you get a team that allows the second most sacks in the NFL, even with a mobile QB.

 

[Creeper]

I am not going to over-react to one game. This is the same team that beat the Saints and Eagles just two weeks ago. The injury to Martin does not help but all is not lost. There are adjustments they can make on offense to score points.

One thing I would do it try to get Beasley back into the games. Since they got Cooper, Beasley has been ignored most of the game. Dak looks for him as an afterthought. If teams are going to cover Beasley with a LB then make them pay. Cooper will get his plays too. Against the Eagles Dak spread the ball around to 9 or 10 different receivers. That is when this offense is best. Also, Dak needs to get his feet moving again. If there is nothing there in 2.5 - 3 seconds get moving and make something happen.

On defense, I think it was just an off day. The Colts had a good day blocking. This week they have a chance to make up for last week. If they win, the Colts game means nothing. If they lose, its not going to be a good week but they can still win the division by beating the Giants.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Dak, Garrett, and Linehan are catching a ton of flack— and a lot of it is earned. They all have their issues. But underneath all of it is a frustrating truth that is staring us in the face and has undermined this season:

The OL has failed to deliver this year.

Frederick being on IR is just a huge loss, and we have in essence replaced an elite player with an adequate player at the most critical position on OL.

Due to injuries— neither Tyron nor Zack are playing elite football. Their injuries have diminished their effectiveness over the stretch.

Connor lacks the bulk and strength at this point to be effective. Sua Filo is an above average backup that has limitations. Same with Fleming.

The bottom line is we want and expect 2016 offensive production— but we just don’t have the same horses and production from the OL that we had that year.

We are barely scraping by at this point— and Dak's inability to handle pressure well, make quick throws, or improvise and gunsling further hamstring this offense.

Throw in uncreative, predictable playcalling and you get the cluster-cuss we are witnessing at times this year.

It is frustrating but the bottom line is this: what we are trotting out at OL right now is compromising the entire offense. It hurts us the most with inefficiency in the red zone and bad penalties.

Anyway— IMO, had we had a healthy OL this year, a lot of our issues on offense would not be as pronounced as they have been.

Offense 101 and you nailed it. QB is limited and coaches are limited on what they can do. Execution starts with the Oline.

 

[Doomsday101]

We have done a much better job this year but the loss of Martin and XSF put us in a hole we cant get out of unless somebody gets healthy at a real bad time . Only good thing is the teams we play have nothing to play for .

No doubt that hurt, you are talking 3 guys up the middle who are backups, Having said that they did some good things in the game in terms of opening up some run lanes early on for Zeke. My big hope is Martin is ready to come back for this game

 

[75boyz]

Dak, Garrett, and Linehan are catching a ton of flack— and a lot of it is earned. They all have their issues. But underneath all of it is a frustrating truth that is staring us in the face and has undermined this season:

The OL has failed to deliver this year.

Frederick being on IR is just a huge loss, and we have in essence replaced an elite player with an adequate player at the most critical position on OL.

Due to injuries— neither Tyron nor Zack are playing elite football. Their injuries have diminished their effectiveness over the stretch.

Connor lacks the bulk and strength at this point to be effective. Sua Filo is an above average backup that has limitations. Same with Fleming.

The bottom line is we want and expect 2016 offensive production— but we just don’t have the same horses and production from the OL that we had that year.

We are barely scraping by at this point— and Dak's inability to handle pressure well, make quick throws, or improvise and gunsling further hamstring this offense.

Throw in uncreative, predictable playcalling and you get the cluster-cuss we are witnessing at times this year.

It is frustrating but the bottom line is this: what we are trotting out at OL right now is compromising the entire offense. It hurts us the most with inefficiency in the red zone and bad penalties.

Anyway— IMO, had we had a healthy OL this year, a lot of our issues on offense would not be as pronounced as they have been.

Everything you said here is true. We made the decision way back when to draft Tyron and followed up with Martin and Freddy and got lucky with Leary and Collins as well. Plus, they ALL played/performed up to their draft status and then some. So that is our identity.

Somewhere in between accountability at both the coaching and quarterbacking positions blame must be accepted as well.

Teams like Minnesota last year with 5 brand new oline starters and a journeyman QB should not be able to perform at that level with those "perceived" personnel deficiencies. Russell's collection of 5 in front of him was no better than a cluster flock last year and the past couple of years but it looks as tho Solari and some No name RB have them getting back to their Marshawn Lynch smashmouth roots. Lastly, our own division rival loses 2 all star caliber lineman last year in Peters and Johnson for injuries/PEDs for multiple games and they just "manage" to win a Lombardi. Oh yeah, and with a back up QB.

So, altho I agree with your analysis of the Cowboys o line smash mouth identity and how vital it is for us to even be above average, I also feel that the coaching and QB play should be able to more than compensate enough to play at a high level even with all that you identified here.
Bottom line, We need a better QB and coaching.

 

[cowboy_ron]

Dak’s mobility should help him out but he’s a statue in the pocket.

Garrett/Linehan trying to make Dak a pocket passer is on par with when Chip Kelly tried changing Murray a N/S runner into an E/W runner and then wonder what went wrong......Murray never really recovered after that......Garrett has been a career killer much like Kelly.

 

[Future]

All these guys have limitations. Looney plays the run well but not blitz pickups. If he did, he would have a fat contract elsewhere.

Sua-Filo is very good in the run but has real breakdowns in pass protection. That's great for a backup you signed off the street but its a problem over the long haul if the guy is forced to start.

Fleming has been OK, I actually would have started him over an injured Tyron. But you add all that together and you get a team that allows the second most sacks in the NFL, even with a mobile QB.

Sure, I'm just saying that comparing Travis Frederick to Aaron Rodgers is ridiculous. Most linemen in the NFL can make line calls, and I'm sure Martin does it just fine.

Sua-Filo is playing b/c they drafted on a guy who wasn't ready, not because of injury.

 

[Kaiser]

Sure, I'm just saying that comparing Travis Frederick to Aaron Rodgers is ridiculous.

Every Center makes line calls and adjustments but none of them do it as well as Frederick. All QBs throw passes in the 4th quarter but few do it as well in crunch time as Rodgers. My point is that both guys are elite at their own skill set.

 

[mattjames2010]

There are far worse O-Lines in the league and anyone going by raw sack numbers shouldn’t be discussing this.

When this O-Line was playing it’s worst, Dak still had one of the highest time to throw from the pocket.

The biggest problem is Dak’s pocket awareness. You shouldn’t need a 2016 offensive line to have success.

 

[Future]

Every Center makes line calls and adjustments but none of them do it as well as Frederick. All QBs throw passes in the 4th quarter but few do it as well in crunch time as Rodgers. My point is that both guys are elite at their own skill set.

There are guards who do it. Andre Gurode, for instance, didn't make line calls, Kyle Kosier did. I'm pretty sure Yanda does it in Baltimore, but don't fact check me lol.

Yes both guys are elite, but it's disingenuous to compare the impact that a C has vs. that of a QB.

 

[ESisback]

1)Fix The OL
2)Replace the OC
3)Get a QB whisperer for Dak
4)Get another QB for depth and competition.
5)Get a quality TE

 

[Wood]

Dak, Garrett, and Linehan are catching a ton of flack— and a lot of it is earned. They all have their issues. But underneath all of it is a frustrating truth that is staring us in the face and has undermined this season:

The OL has failed to deliver this year.

Frederick being on IR is just a huge loss, and we have in essence replaced an elite player with an adequate player at the most critical position on OL.

Due to injuries— neither Tyron nor Zack are playing elite football. Their injuries have diminished their effectiveness over the stretch.

Connor lacks the bulk and strength at this point to be effective. Sua Filo is an above average backup that has limitations. Same with Fleming.

The bottom line is we want and expect 2016 offensive production— but we just don’t have the same horses and production from the OL that we had that year.

We are barely scraping by at this point— and Dak's inability to handle pressure well, make quick throws, or improvise and gunsling further hamstring this offense.

Throw in uncreative, predictable playcalling and you get the cluster-cuss we are witnessing at times this year.

It is frustrating but the bottom line is this: what we are trotting out at OL right now is compromising the entire offense. It hurts us the most with inefficiency in the red zone and bad penalties.

Anyway— IMO, had we had a healthy OL this year, a lot of our issues on offense would not be as pronounced as they have been.

still top 10 OL. If Dak was quicker in his progression reads you wouldn't think OL had major issues because Zeke is running well. Back-up Center has way exceeded expectations. Beginning of year nobody knew LG would instantly improve running game. Line has 2nd round pick who is depth and capable back-up swing tackle. Alot of teams in NFL would take this OL as it is right now. QB needs to get ball out quicker like rest of league.

 

[Hawkeye19]

Everything you said here is true. We made the decision way back when to draft Tyron and followed up with Martin and Freddy and got lucky with Leary and Collins as well. Plus, they ALL played/performed up to their draft status and then some. So that is our identity.

Somewhere in between accountability at both the coaching and quarterbacking positions blame must be accepted as well.

Teams like Minnesota last year with 5 brand new oline starters and a journeyman QB should not be able to perform at that level with those "perceived" personnel deficiencies. Russell's collection of 5 in front of him was no better than a cluster flock last year and the past couple of years but it looks as tho Solari and some No name RB have them getting back to their Marshawn Lynch smashmouth roots. Lastly, our own division rival loses 2 all star caliber lineman last year in Peters and Johnson for injuries/PEDs for multiple games and they just "manage" to win a Lombardi. Oh yeah, and with a back up QB.

So, altho I agree with your analysis of the Cowboys o line smash mouth identity and how vital it is for us to even be above average, I also feel that the coaching and QB play should be able to more than compensate enough to play at a high level even with all that you identified here.
Bottom line, We need a better QB and coaching.

Agree with the need for better coaching for sure. We don’t put our players in the best position to succeed— and that is the coaching staff’s first and most important responsibility.

QB is a tougher call for me. How much of Dak’s struggles are related to the coaching issues and the result of a bad scheme fit?

The OL struggles certainly affect him as well. The Dak decision is huge. I would like to see him next year in a system suited to his style and behind a healthy OL.

If he regresses or fails to show development— then it is time to walk away for sure

 

[Kaiser]

Yes both guys are elite, but it's disingenuous to compare the impact that a C has vs. that of a QB.

That isn't my comparison at all. Im only talking about the dropoff in performance, but attacking the Dallas offense with blitzes is one of the biggest components of how DCs play us right now. I'm not comparing the position impacts in any way, just making the point that its a big dropoff for that part of his game.

 

[Hawkeye19]

And yet, Zeke leads the NFL in rushing.

Miracle.

Run blocking and pass protection are different skills. Our OL is decent in the ground game— and Zeke gets a TON of respect and admiration for dirty yards and a heavy lean that gets more out of every carry.

BUT down in the RZ— its tougher sledding. The OL fails to blow guys off the ball and get the ball in the end zone. Inadequate protection and suspect playcalling doom us as well... and Dak’s issues do their damage as well.

My point is that everything in our offensive scheme is predicated on good OL play— and we are simply not getting it— ergo our offense sucks.

 

[Hawkeye19]

Great Post !!!! Our success has always hinged on the Oline . It covers up the weaknesses that Garrett and Dak have

With the Oline banged up like this we are badly exposed . The rest of the season depends on how healthy we can get those guys up front pure and simple and its not looking real good right now .

Garret is just not able to scheme around this and pull the rabbit out of the hat and Dak is not a finished product that can elevate the team with 3rd stringers playing line .

We need to fix it fast !!!

100%... praying Zack gets right for TB. We need him this week and can rest him against NYG if needed.

If Martin and Sua Filo are out— the win this week is that much tougher.

BUT— I think our D is gonna come out balling at H to atone for the game against Indy. Would be great for them to get a defensive score lol

 

[Hawkeye19]

That may be the only thing that gets jerry to can Jason, miss the playoffs.
Possibly getting to the playoffs, and getting bounced at home, may get it done also.
But win a playoff game at home, like they should, them getting beat by the Saints or Rams on the road, I think may be enough for Jerry to keep him.

I think Linehan is gone anything short of the NFCG or SB.

But to your OP, yes the OL has been an issue with injuries all year long. Have the OL from 2104 or 2016, this team looks so much better.

Agree. Man— what this year would have been like if Frederick were healthy!

That alone probably is the difference in 2-3 wins...

 

[JoeKing]

One loss in a month and a half does not constitute the crisis that the posters here seem to think we have. Overreaction is what they do best.