Be careful judging the OL's success

[gimmesix]

I think I'm going to run a series of "be careful ofs" since it seems like there are a lot of fans who overreact to things.

The offensive line, especially the starters, have looked mostly very good this preseason, but we need to keep in mind that like with our defense, they're not seeing a lot of exotic looks, blitzes and stunts that they'll face in the regular season.

That's the true test for this line, and what it has struggled with the past couple of seasons.

The positive is that this line went up against a very good defense and for the second consecutive week, did not allow much pressure. The more teams have to blitz to get pressure on Romo, the better Dallas' chances of making them pay with big plays ... but the line will have to show it can handle the blitz well enough for that to happen.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Blitzing will be welcomed.....

 

[Bluefin]

Blitzing will be welcomed.....

Bill Parcells always said the offense would eventually get to the point it welcomed defenses blitzing them.

I'm still waiting for it to happen.

Getting Kyle Kozier back for continuity and communication should be a big benefit.

If defenses can't stop the running game with seven and have issues with pass defense if both safeties aren't deep, they will eventually turn to the blitz.

 

[speedkilz88]

It helps when the qb makes quick reads and gets rid of the football.

 

[CF74]

From what I saw it was Romo's quickness that made the o-line look good, he got a lot of pressure in his face throughout his play time...

 

[Doomsday]

Bill Parcells always said the offense would eventually get to the point it welcomed defenses blitzing them.

I'm still waiting for it to happen.

Getting Kyle Kozier back for continuity and communication should be a big benefit.

If defenses can't stop the running game with seven and have issues with pass defense if both safeties aren't deep, they will eventually turn to the blitz.

The first game vs Philly last season is the last game I can remember thinking the team might be at that point. Hopefully they can get back there.

 

[theogt]

From what I saw it was Romo's quickness that made the o-line look good, he got a lot of pressure in his face throughout his play time...

In these last two preseason games? Nah. He hasn't had much pressure at all.

 

[Bluefin]

It helps when the qb makes quick reads and gets rid of the football.

And that's something Tony Romo got away from over time.

He was so good at making his reads and getting the ball out in short order when first on the job. Some of it lately probably had to do with Jason Garrett's love of deep routes.

Priority one has to be getting rid of the football and not letting Romo get hit too much. He's isn't a giant at the position and all the hits adds up by the end of the season.

 

[BAT]

The only suggestion I have to improve the OL, is before every play either Columbo or Bigg Davis (or both) SLAPS the living heck out of Gurode right after they break the huddle.

Hopefully this keeps Gurode from falling asleep before he snaps the ball.

 

[gimmesix]

In these last two preseason games? Nah. He hasn't had much pressure at all.

Agreed. Even on the two plays where he scrambled around some before throwing, it was more of a case of good coverage than bad blocking.

The first drive against Oakland is the only one I can think of when there was pretty good pressure. (Ellis beating Colombo and then the third-down blitz rushing his throw.)

 

[Zaxor]

The only suggestion I have to improve the OL, is before every play either Columbo or Bigg Davis (or both) SLAPS the living heck out of Gurode right after they break the huddle.

Hopefully this keeps Gurode from falling asleep before he snaps the ball.

I like the idea.

 

[RoadRunner]

I think I'm going to run a series of "be careful ofs" since it seems like there are a lot of fans who overreact to things.

The offensive line, especially the starters, have looked mostly very good this preseason, but we need to keep in mind that like with our defense, they're not seeing a lot of exotic looks, blitzes and stunts that they'll face in the regular season.

That's the true test for this line, and what it has struggled with the past couple of seasons.

The positive is that this line went up against a very good defense and for the second consecutive week, did not allow much pressure. The more teams have to blitz to get pressure on Romo, the better Dallas' chances of making them pay with big plays ... but the line will have to show it can handle the blitz well enough for that to happen.

I appreciate the words of caution. All I will say on the matter is that the starting line has looked better in the last couple of preseason games than they did all last year. This includes Flo, who has looked pretty damn good so far, and trust me, I am one of his biggest critics. Hopefully they carry this over into the season.

 

[zeroburrito]

From what I saw it was Romo's quickness that made the o-line look good, he got a lot of pressure in his face throughout his play time...

this is the way it has been for years. the ol is dreadful. romo makes up for it, but it still costs us.

 

[Bleu Star]

Hopefully no one on the Oline gets hurt because we have zero depth.

 

[Stash]

I think the changes to the offense should help in that regard. I think Romo's YPC will be lower than in year's past since the team won't be looking downfield as often.

Shorter routes + quicker releases hopefully = less sacks and fewer blitzes from opponents.

And if you can execute a quick dump-off pass to Felix Jones for a huge gain like they did Friday night, I think teams will think twice about blitzing too often.

 

[Bleu Star]

I think the changes to the offense should help in that regard. I think Romo's YPC will be lower than in year's past since the team won't be looking downfield as often.

Shorter routes + quicker releases hopefully = less sacks and fewer blitzes from opponents.

And if you can execute a quick dump-off pass to Felix Jones for a huge gain like they did Friday night, I think teams will think twice about blitzing too often.

real talk.

 

[BAT]

Hopefully no one on the Oline gets hurt because we have zero depth.

I agree, but that said, the backups did not look bad the other night. Free looked very good, especially in pass protection, while Holland looked sharp too.

Unless Dallas picks up a vet, I would rather just keep 9, maybe even 8 OL this season. Aside from the starting 5, I would keep Holland, Free & Proctor (unless Gibbons can beat him legitimately as backup C/OG). Place Gibbons & Travis Bright on PS. Get rid of everyone else, including McWaste (sell him to Parcells for an 8th rounder).

 

[burmafrd]

we GOTTA find someone better then proctor at center- we MUST be able to get rid of the proctologist.