Article: Phil Simms has it right on the mark.

[Doomsdayblitz]

I don't know if this thread has been run yet, but if not, I would love to show an article from today's NFL.com. It is a short story by Phil Simms on the importance of the O-line. Here is the link:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9891584

Now, if only the Cowboys organization could understand the importance of a quality offensive line, then maybe they won't keep filling the roster with a bunch of limited skilled, overacheivers to keep our offense running.

 

[theogt]

I don't know if this thread has been run yet, but if not, I would love to show an article from today's NFL.com. It is a short story by Phil Simms on the importance of the O-line. Here is the link:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9891584

Now, if only the Cowboys organization could understand the importance of a quality offensive line, then maybe they won't keep filling the roster with a bunch of limited skilled, overacheivers to keep our offense running.

It's not like they haven't spent high draft picks and big free agency money on the O-line. They understand it's a high priority, but they've simply made some mistakes.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

IMO, defense is THE problem in Dallas right now. The OL has been playing much better since Romo and is not the problem it was with Bledsoe.

We HAVE to figure out a way to get a stop on 3rd down or we are NOTHING as a football team.

 

[Chuck 54]

I find it amazing that we haven't drafted a single player on our offense in the first round, that we have only our QB on the pro-bowl roster, that our WR's are both middle-aged, that we have no real star at RB, and that our OL is average at best, yet somehow we have the 3rd or 4th rated offense in the NFC.

I find it equally shocking that we have drafted 5 of our starters on defense in round 1 (Ware, Carpenter, Spears, Roy, Newman) and several in the 2nd round, yet our defense is rated only a single yard per game better than the Green Bay Packers....wow.

 

[Doomsday101]

IMO, defense is THE problem in Dallas right now. The OL has been playing much better since Romo and is not the problem it was with Bledsoe.

We HAVE to figure out a way to get a stop on 3rd down or we are NOTHING as a football team.

Not sure I would say the line has not been a problem. Romo has made it less of a problem but this line still a weakness on offense

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I thought our OL was turning the corner until last week......maybe it was just a bad game and they will bounce back

 

[conner01]

i think we have two big problems and i think we've tried to fix both but it just has'nt worked out.
one, the oline is bad, and while romo hides it some the fact is he is having to run around and make quick decisions to get it done.
two, the pass rush.if you get a pass rush the secondary will look alot better.when you are having to cover guys while the qb is just standing back there you will loose more than you win.no db can cover any wr for 5 or 6 seconds.

 

[JPM]

It's not like they haven't spent high draft picks and big free agency money on the O-line. They understand it's a high priority, but they've simply made some mistakes.

Made some mistakes and had some bad luck too. Bad combos when it comes to any part of a team and when it's the OL its terrible.

 

[Doomsday101]

I thought our OL was turning the corner until last week......maybe it was just a bad game and they will bounce back

I agree and hope your right about the group bouncing back. I do think we need to add to the OL this off-season because right now I see them as only a decent line.

 

[Sarge]

IMO, defense is THE problem in Dallas right now. The OL has been playing much better since Romo and is not the problem it was with Bledsoe.

We HAVE to figure out a way to get a stop on 3rd down or we are NOTHING as a football team.

Romo makes the OL look like they're playing better but they are very average and below average in run-blocking. IMO...

 

[theogt]

Romo makes the OL look like they're playing better but they are very average and below average in run-blocking. IMO...

They've been pretty good at run-blocking all season, including against the Eagles. There were largue holes being formed early on. A couple of mishaps caused the goalline collapse but that isn't any indication of this team's run ability, particularly within the redzone all season. Pass blocking has been pretty bad this year, though. Romo has disguised some of the warts, but it's clearly been horrible. I only see us changing one position - Rivera. If he were any good, this would be one heckuva line in my opinion.

 

[cowboy4life]

I think that our line is set at center and right tackle. We need to spend a high draft pick on a left tackle and maybe move Kosier to right guard. Marco Rivera has to go. I thought Al Johnson got pushed around a lot: , Rivera needs to just retire.

 

[Doomsday]

The Oline is marginal at best, they struggle with pass coverage and get almost zero push in the running game. With as good as Dallas' WRs and TEs are they should be able to run the ball alot better then they do.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

I find it amazing that we haven't drafted a single player on our offense in the first round, that we have only our QB on the pro-bowl roster, that our WR's are both middle-aged, that we have no real star at RB, and that our OL is average at best, yet somehow we have the 3rd or 4th rated offense in the NFC.

I find it equally shocking that we have drafted 5 of our starters on defense in round 1 (Ware, Carpenter, Spears, Roy, Newman) and several in the 2nd round, yet our defense is rated only a single yard per game better than the Green Bay Packers....wow.

Agreed, we have top talent on defense, but the coaching sucks.

 

[Frosty]

We will see the game is won and loss in the trenches, The OL and DL wins games. WHy did Seatle give up so much money to keep Walter Jones, ITS IN THE Trenches. Whats the Cowboys problems, NO PAss Rush and No OL...The Great Cowboys Teams of the Past had a awesome DL and OL. Emmit did not get the rushing Tittle without help, Aikman did not a make the HOF with out help. You win games In the trenches. Not Buying average talent and gambling it works out on the cheap..

 

[Doomsday]

We will see the game is won and loss in the trenches, The OL and DL wins games. WHy did Seatle give up so much money to keep Walter Jones, ITS IN THE Trenches. Whats the Cowboys problems, NO PAss Rush and No OL...The Great Cowboys Teams of the Past had a awesome DL and OL. Emmit did not get the rushing Tittle without help, Aikman did not a make the HOF with out help. You win games In the trenches. Not Buying average talent and gambling it works out on the cheap..

The Oline and Dline have killed this team for about 9 years now.

 

[theogt]

Agreed, we have top talent on defense, but the coaching sucks.

That and underachievement.

 

[tyke1doe]

Based on value, which offensive linemen would have been available where the Cowboys picked in the first round?

I can't think of any. There was better value on defense offense when the Cowboys made their first round selections.

 

[jay cee]

Based on value, which offensive linemen would have been available where the Cowboys picked in the first round?

I can't think of any. There was better value on defense offense when the Cowboys made their first round selections.

The Colts recieved some criticism for drafting Freeney as early as they did, but they took him because they felt he was the right guy for them. It has worked out well for them.

The Cowboys could have traded down and gotten an extra pick or two rather than draft a solid LB who does not project to being a strong pass rusher, since lack of pass rush is IMO, the biggest weakness on the defense.

And a tightend in the 2nd just did not make since to me either.

 

[BeWare94]

It's not like they haven't spent high draft picks and big free agency money on the O-line. They understand it's a high priority, but they've simply made some mistakes.

So many of the offensive linemen we've brought in have been good producers elsewhere that I'm tired of blaming the players...I want to know what is going on with our coaching staff? Marco Rivera just suddenly forgot how to play after Pro Bowling for several seasons?

Flozell Adams and Jason Fabini have been productive at different times in their respective careers and now they have instantly "forgotten" how to play? If that doesn't sound right, then there is hope for you.