A snapshot of change in the O-lines interior

[CCBoy]

If one wants a window into change going on in the interior of the offensive line, well here it is:

The start of change occured with the departures of Flozell Adams, Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo, Andre Gurode, and recently...Kyle Kozier.

But immediate changes have occured around Hudson Houck and his beig replaced by Bill Callahan.

A snapshot to chage underway was provided by One.Cool.Customer in an article on BTB...





' Last year, Montrae Holland was listed at 340 pounds when he got canned after training camp. He came back significantly slimmed down and coaches described him as looking like a completely different person. Accounts of his playing weight vary, but it was probably around 320. Nate Livings, who'll likely play left guard, is listed at 332 pounds and is three inches taller than Holland was.

Mackenzy Bernadeau is listed at 308, but during this call, Garrett says he weighs 325 pounds, also more than Kyle Kosier's 309 last year. Assuming a starting lineup of Livings, Costa, Bernadeau, this is how the interior O-line compares versus last year:

2011 - 2012
POS/ Player/ Age/ Height/ Weight - Player/ Age/ Height/ Weight

LG Holland 31 6' 2" 320 - Livings 30 6' 5" 332
C Costa 24 6' 3" 311 - Costa 25 6' 3" 314
RG Kosier 33 6' 5" 309 - Bernadeau 26 6' 4" 325

The Cowboys added bulk, height and youth along the interior. And while the weight numbers may still change once the official measurements are announced at the start of camp, overall the Cowboys clearly added more beef to the line.

The other dynamic along the O-line, one that will very likely impact who makes the roster and who doesn't, is new OL coach Bill Callahan. Under his short tenure, he hand-picked four guys for the interior offensive line: Livings, Bernadeau, Leary and UDFA Harland Gunn, whom Callahan tried to recruit to Nebraska while the head coach there.

Here's how those four guys compare to the incumbents:

Callahan's guys Other guys

Player Height Weight - Player Height Weight

Livings 6' 5" 332 - Costa 6' 3" 314
Bernadeau 6' 4" 325 - Arkin 6' 5" 310
Leary 6' 3" 324 - Nagy 6' 3" 303
Gunn 6' 2" 324 - Kowalski 6' 4" 301

The guys that Callahan brought in provide some much needed muscle and beef for the interior O-line, at least on paper. Who actually ends up with a roster spot will be an interesting story to watch in camp.'

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012...rior-o-line-and-secondary-didnt-match-up-well

 

[jnday]

At least they have decided that they needed size up front. I don't agree with the direction that they decided to go with the quality of free agents, but it is a done deal. I am not going to get my hopes up for the next draft either.

 

[CCBoy]

Questioned on the changes, this is what Jerry stated:

Asked what worries him, Jones went back to discussing the interior of the offensive line.

"In our interior, where we think we've got better size, I think we've got to look at not only who we have as our starters, but we've got to look at that backup, because they're sure to get some action," he said. "So I'm anxious to see how that plays out, but not worried about it. I think we've got a good chance to be as good in the interior as we would expect to be.

"I'd like to see [Jeremy] Parnell at tackle. We've got him as our swing guy there and we brought in [Pat] McQuistan. But I'd like to see those guys get the kind of time in preseason games that make us feel good – Parnell in particular – about putting him in there if in fact [Tyron] Smith, our left tackle, or certainly [Doug] Free has a problem."


http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/0...nding_cowboys.html?blockID=767025&feedID=4680

 

[CCBoy]

At least they have decided that they needed size up front. I don't agree with the direction that they decided to go with the quality of free agents, but it is a done deal. I am not going to get my hopes up for the next draft either.

One wishes for a Larry Allen from the start of a player's career. But as with Larry, journeymen tend to either grow into a NFL stable player, or are quickly out of the league.

The team might not have latched onto another Larry or even Carl Nicks, but I would be enthusiastic with a larger version of the consistency in Kyle Kosier. People knew little about him prior to his arrival and a couple seasons under his belt.

 

[jnday]

One wishes for a Larry Allen from the start of a player's career. But as with Larry, journeymen tend to either grow into a NFL stable player, or are quickly out of the league.

The team might not have latched onto another Larry or even Carl Nicks, but I would be enthusiastic with a larger version of the consistency in Kyle Kosier. People knew little about him prior to his arrival and a couple seasons under his belt.

I never thought Kosier was much more than average, but from what I know about the two free agents, I would be glad if they played average, and offered the value that he did.

 

[T-RO]

If listing weight and size is significant we should retrieve Bigg from the dumpster, and call it good.

This BS is a complete insult to the fan base. Gaining weight...Trimming Down...Bulking up...Adding speed. It's all empty rhetoric. The issue is talent..and in the middle of the O-line..we have none.

Reality? We have the worst G-C-G in the league. By far.

 

[burmafrd]

If listing weight and size is significant we should retrieve Bigg from the dumpster, and call it good.

This BS is a complete insult to the fan base. Gaining weight...Trimming Down...Bulking up...Adding speed. It's all empty rhetoric. The issue is talent..and in the middle of the O-line..we have none.

Reality? We have the worst G-C-G in the league. By far.

as long as we have costus a season starting at center we are just about the worst there. I keep hearing how good guards can help out a poor center but why do we keep a poor center?

And that is if we have good guards.

Kyle Kosier might have been the most cost effective FA we ever got.

 

[Venger]

Look at it this way, we won't need another WR because Romo isn't going to have time to throw anyways.

 

[CCBoy]

If listing weight and size is significant we should retrieve Bigg from the dumpster, and call it good.

This BS is a complete insult to the fan base. Gaining weight...Trimming Down...Bulking up...Adding speed. It's all empty rhetoric. The issue is talent..and in the middle of the O-line..we have none.

Reality? We have the worst G-C-G in the league. By far.

Really? All you do is try to poop on any parade you watch here...and think you have some sort of ground to stand upon.

Now, prove your case...beyond trying to sound all puffed and full of perspective. That trick usually works for a group of six year olds until one of the kids figures out to question that kid directly.

Yea, Larry Allen was a dough boy alright...wasn't taken in the first round. And even took a while to earn his spot. Bob Lilly bounced from defensive end, to defensive tackle over three seasons.

You sure said a lot, with your 'size...smize' routine...and when fifteen piles of crap are added together, you have a whole load of the same.

But if it wasn't significant, why did the new Offensive Coordinator do just that?

 

[CCBoy]

Look at it this way, we won't need another WR because Romo isn't going to have time to throw anyways.

Such conviction...well, let's go. The burn barrel group always moans the loudest...but has the crapiest talk. Woooo hoooo!

I'd love to play an actual game of sand lot against guys like you..maybe you can come up with a metric of flinching at bodies flying at your legs, or crashing in upon your collar bone to see if skinny or fat kids play the best.

 

[jnday]

If listing weight and size is significant we should retrieve Bigg from the dumpster, and call it good.

This BS is a complete insult to the fan base. Gaining weight...Trimming Down...Bulking up...Adding speed. It's all empty rhetoric. The issue is talent..and in the middle of the O-line..we have none.

Reality? We have the worst G-C-G in the league. By far.

I get blasted as being negative everytime I mention the lack of talent on the line. It is the only area of the team that jags, late round picks and undrafted free agents are acceptable talent. It is sad to see so many fans hoping for an average line and being happy about it.

 

[CCBoy]

I get blasted as being negative everytime I mention the lack of talent on the line. It is the only area of the team that jags, late round picks and undrafted free agents are acceptable talent. It is sad to see so many fans hoping for an average line and being happy about it.

Maybe, instead of looking for some sort of morale support, one might figure out why that is.

The interior of an offensive line, doesn't need the most dyamic physical talents on the field...PERIOD. It needs some tough, sons-a-*****es that work together strongly as a team. The Giants have taken so-so's for a decade, and made them into good lines.

In most arenas of adult life, sometimes giving a person a chance actually ignites a fire in that person's life. But motivation, to hear you guys, has no part in the puzzle. And in football, size either...where in an offensive line's interior, does matter.

Shannahan is doing exactly how well in Washington now? With his mobile and leg cutting philosophies...

 

[CCBoy]

(chuckling to self)



DCStarJEllis Glad to see Leonard Davis is still getting work. Signed with the 49ers today. #ThatsRight #ISaidALLTheRiceARoni15 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/twitter.html

 

[CCBoy]

I tweeted Broaddus about the offensive line today...this is his reply:

Bryan Broaddus‏@BryanBroaddus

These young guards are struggling at the point of attack today pulling. Yet to get in good position.




And this is the Broaddus tweet about focus being given by Jason Garrett today:

BryanBroaddus Garrett really preaching the land marks where the receivers need to be in the route. Something that Romo always talks about.




Note: this is where things start for younger players. But is continually reinforced as they develop.

* providing a focus point beyond grabbing a crapload and tossing it at Jerry

 

[jnday]

Maybe, instead of looking for some sort of morale support, one might figure out why that is.

The interior of an offensive line, doesn't need the most dyamic physical talents on the field...PERIOD. It needs some tough, sons-a-*****es that work together strongly as a team. The Giants have taken so-so's for a decade, and made them into good lines.

In most arenas of adult life, sometimes giving a person a chance actually ignites a fire in that person's life. But motivation, to hear you guys, has no part in the puzzle. And in football, size either...where in an offensive line's interior, does matter.

Shannahan is doing exactly how well in Washington now? With his mobile and leg cutting philosophies...

First, I don't see anything in Washington that Dallas should copy. Bad example. We have been through this debate before. You think that a fan shouldn't disagree with the team. I think the reality of the situation is the oline makes this an average team and you win in the trenches. Fans are hoping for an average line and average would be an upgrade over last year, but I don't like average. The Cowboys have never won playoff games without a very good line. This fanbase should be know what a quality line will do for a team. You are putting hope in players that are on the low end of the talent pool. No amount of "Little Engine that Could" mentality can make up for a lack of physical talent.

 

[CCBoy]

BryanBroaddus Poor job by Lissemore getting pushed inside. Dunbar able to bounce it outside of him. Need to get off blocks.



Things are just starting to develop for the roster to come...

 

[CCBoy]

BryanBroaddus The young guards are having to hold Crawford to keep him out of the rush. Looking forward to seeing him work against vets.




This is how the camps always start...defense getting the upper hand at the start. At least in the interiors.

 

[burmafrd]

Maybe, instead of looking for some sort of morale support, one might figure out why that is.

The interior of an offensive line, doesn't need the most dyamic physical talents on the field...PERIOD. It needs some tough, sons-a-*****es that work together strongly as a team. The Giants have taken so-so's for a decade, and made them into good lines.

In most arenas of adult life, sometimes giving a person a chance actually ignites a fire in that person's life. But motivation, to hear you guys, has no part in the puzzle. And in football, size either...where in an offensive line's interior, does matter.

Shannahan is doing exactly how well in Washington now? With his mobile and leg cutting philosophies...

wow. just wow. You really are clueless about O line play.

 

[CCBoy]

wow. just wow. You really are clueless about O line play.

Just don't go wandering into any deserts and start to listen to a 'burning bush'...just for your own lame excuse.

And crap on your continual running back to insult and term of clueless, when you handle no discussion yourself.

You sure like to ring tap...but show pretty much spineless use of a lack of discussion.

Enough of your biased crap discussions.

Talk football, or receive no validation hence fourth.

Put yourself on ignore.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

My beef with the local media...

Jerry Jones says ""So I'm anxious to see how that [OL backup depth] plays out, but not worried about it. I think we've got a good chance to be as good in the interior as we would expect to be.

The right question for reporters to ask Jerry Jones as follow-up of this quote is "What do you expect your OL depth to look like - top 5 level in in the NFL, top ten, average, or somethnig lower?".

Yet you won't hear reporters ask the tough questions; they're much too pre-occupied with trying to turn the Dez Bryant situation into a scandal as it is quickly fizzling and Garrett is handling it quietly in-house.

Rediculous!