Plankton
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http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/06/15/adrian-peterson-new-orleans-saints-nfl-minicamp-notebook
2. Will the Cowboys’ offensive line still be overwhelming? Over the course of this decade, as the team has dropped first-round pick on top of first-round pick, and big contract extension after big contract extension on offensive linemen, the Cowboys’ identity and personality have grown to flow through the big guys up front. And that’s why I think the sneaky big story this spring down in Dallas—as the focus has been on Dak Prescott (he’s looked great) and Zeke Elliott (he’s had to work himself back into playing shape) and the defensive changes—is happening in that position group. To be clear, with Tyron Smith at left tackle, Zack Martin at right guard and Travis Frederick at center, this area’s going to remain a strength. But there’s turnover at right tackle and left guard, and if an overwhelming strength becomes just a strength, that could mean something in what should be a competitive NFC East.
The Cowboys’ hope is with La’el Collins, who should be a dominant run blocker at right tackle, and his limitations in pass protection can be managed given that Dallas has an athletic right-handed quarterback. And Chaz Green has ability and versatility to play just about anywhere on the line; he just has to stay healthy, and at left guard would be playing between Smith and Frederick. Now, if Green can’t stay healthy, and if Collins, whom the team is fully expecting to keep at tackle, struggles on the outside? Then, you’d have tackle Emmett Cleary (a guard working at tackle), ex-draft bust Jonathan Cooper (a guard who’s been working at center) and Joe Looney (a guard/center) competing for snaps.
There’s plenty that has to play out here, and it’ll be interesting how that affects the Cowboys’ two sophomore stars, who leaned on the line last year to have historic rookie seasons.
2. Will the Cowboys’ offensive line still be overwhelming? Over the course of this decade, as the team has dropped first-round pick on top of first-round pick, and big contract extension after big contract extension on offensive linemen, the Cowboys’ identity and personality have grown to flow through the big guys up front. And that’s why I think the sneaky big story this spring down in Dallas—as the focus has been on Dak Prescott (he’s looked great) and Zeke Elliott (he’s had to work himself back into playing shape) and the defensive changes—is happening in that position group. To be clear, with Tyron Smith at left tackle, Zack Martin at right guard and Travis Frederick at center, this area’s going to remain a strength. But there’s turnover at right tackle and left guard, and if an overwhelming strength becomes just a strength, that could mean something in what should be a competitive NFC East.
The Cowboys’ hope is with La’el Collins, who should be a dominant run blocker at right tackle, and his limitations in pass protection can be managed given that Dallas has an athletic right-handed quarterback. And Chaz Green has ability and versatility to play just about anywhere on the line; he just has to stay healthy, and at left guard would be playing between Smith and Frederick. Now, if Green can’t stay healthy, and if Collins, whom the team is fully expecting to keep at tackle, struggles on the outside? Then, you’d have tackle Emmett Cleary (a guard working at tackle), ex-draft bust Jonathan Cooper (a guard who’s been working at center) and Joe Looney (a guard/center) competing for snaps.
There’s plenty that has to play out here, and it’ll be interesting how that affects the Cowboys’ two sophomore stars, who leaned on the line last year to have historic rookie seasons.
