Chronicling Dallas’ Great Walls

[Manster68]

The Cowboys over their history have had quite a history of outstanding offensive lines. For the younger Cowboy fans, many may not realize Dallas’ rich and glorious history. For the Cowboy fans over 50 (like me) this is nothing new.

Let’s take a look at them.

1971 – Neely, Niland, Manders, Nye, & Wright (Liscio stepped in for Neely in the post-season).

1977 – Neely, Scott, Fitzgerald, Rafferty, & Donovan (SB XII was Neely’s final game; Rayfield Wright was on the roster)

1992/1993 – Tuinei, Newton, Stepnoski, Gesek92/Gogan93, Williams

1995 – Tuinei, Newton, Donaldson, Allen, Williams (Derek Kennard stepped in for Donaldson after Thanksgiving)

2007/2009 – Adams, Kosier, Gurode, Davis, Colombo

2014 – Smith, Leary, Frederick, Martin, Free

2015 – Looks to be even better than 2014. Better than all the rest? We will have to wait and see.

As of right now, I still rank the 1995 OL the best in Cowboys history – followed by 1971 - then 1992/1993 - then 2014 - on to 2007/2009 - then finally 1977.

As much as I loved hearing La'el Collins predict Dallas would have the greatest offensive line in history, they have a long ways to go to clear the hurdles of being the greatest of their own franchise.

 

[AzorAhai]

The thing with 2014 is it had 2 2nd year starters and a rookie. If that line was untouched and went into this season with the same starting 5, they would almost assuredly be better. They didn't stand pat though and ended up with Collins to put in the mix. The line is very likely to be a special group this season. However, this season will undoubtedly not be the peak. 2-3 years from now is when we should be able to start comparing them to those all time great OLs. Its incredibly exciting as a Cowboys fan.

 

[CowboyMike]

The Cowboys over their history have had quite a history of outstanding offensive lines. For the younger Cowboy fans, many may not realize Dallas’ rich and glorious history. For the Cowboy fans over 50 (like me) this is nothing new.

Let’s take a look at them.

1971 – Neely, Niland, Manders, Nye, & Wright (Liscio stepped in for Neely in the post-season).

1977 – Neely, Scott, Fitzgerald, Rafferty, & Donovan (SB XII was Neely’s final game; Rayfield Wright was on the roster)

1992/1993 – Tuinei, Newton, Stepnoski, Gesek92/Gogan93, Williams

1995 – Tuinei, Newton, Donaldson, Allen, Williams (Derek Kennard stepped in for Donaldson after Thanksgiving)

2007/2009 – Adams, Kosier, Gurode, Davis, Colombo

2014 – Smith, Leary, Frederick, Martin, Free

2015 – Looks to be even better than 2014. Better than all the rest? We will have to wait and see.

As of right now, I still rank the 1995 OL the best in Cowboys history – followed by 1971 - then 1992/1993 - then 2014 - on to 2007/2009 - then finally 1977.

As much as I loved hearing La'el Collins predict Dallas would have the greatest offensive line in history, they have a long ways to go to clear the hurdles of being the greatest of their own franchise.

That 07-09 line was a LOT better than people give them credit for. They were great in their prime. They just got old really really quickly.

 

[CowboyMike]

In regards to the current line, no line in the history of the NFL has ever been this young with this much pedigree.

We have most of them locked up for cheap for quite a while. We most likely won't have to consider making major moves on this line for at least another 6 years. If it keeps going like it is, they WILL be the greatest of all time before the time is out.

 

[Manster68]

The thing with 2014 is it had 2 2nd year starters and a rookie. If that line was untouched and went into this season with the same starting 5, they would almost assuredly be better. They didn't stand pat though and ended up with Collins to put in the mix. The line is very likely to be a special group this season. However, this season will undoubtedly not be the peak. 2-3 years from now is when we should be able to start comparing them to those all time great OLs. Its incredibly exciting as a Cowboys fan.

No argument counselor.

 

[Manster68]

That 07-09 line was a LOT better than people give them credit for. They were great in their prime. They just got old really really quickly.

Probably my favorite moment from that group was when Marc Colombo threw Deangelo Hall like a rag doll in Atlanta.

 

[TheFinisher]

Jerry's comments yesterday that he wants to see them play together for 10+ years made me giddy

 

[CowboyMike]

Jerry's comments yesterday that he wants to see them play together for 10+ years made me giddy

Well...let's all hope, football gods willing, that Jerry will be capable of seeing them for ten years.

 

[Plankton]

Probably my favorite moment from that group was when Marc Colombo threw Deangelo Hall like a rag doll in Atlanta.

I think that happened in 2006.

 

[Risen Star]

Why the bleep is the 2007-2009 line included in this?

 

[AmericanCowboy]

That 07-09 line was a LOT better than people give them credit for. They were great in their prime. They just got old really really quickly.

And expensive

 

[burmafrd]

actually I think the 93 line was overall the best. In 95 Nate was getting old and faded late in the season. In the SB late in the game the steelers were actually just about stopping our run game.

 

[Manster68]

Probably my favorite moment from that group was when Marc Colombo threw Deangelo Hall like a rag doll in Atlanta.

Why the bleep is the 2007-2009 line included in this?

It was an outstanding line. Dallas not winning as much as they did had nothing to do with that massive line.
Secondly, three of them went to Pro Bowls.

 

[Manster68]

actually I think the 93 line was overall the best. In 95 Nate was getting old and faded late in the season. In the SB late in the game the steelers were actually just about stopping our run game.

It would have been nice if Ray Donaldson played the entire season. They were still devastating.

 

[burmafrd]

It would have been nice if Ray Donaldson played the entire season. They were still devastating.

Kennard did a pretty good job but he also wore down in the SB.

 

[Risen Star]

It was an outstanding line. Dallas not winning as much as they did had nothing to do with that massive line.
Secondly, three of them went to Pro Bowls.

That line was far from outstanding. They couldn't run block to save their life. Couldn't convert short yardage. Garrett had to scheme movement in the running game with delays and draws. Then they got absolutely abused in Minnesota in the 09 divisional round.

They don't even deserve an honorable mention on this list.

 

[Galian Beast]

The scariest concept is keeping this group together for over a decade...

 

[Nation]

2007-09 line is crazy overrated. Only notable because the QB and weapons were so good.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

I know its early. really early. But you have to be excited about whats going on. First the year we had last year, now the 3 ones in one draft, Hardy, getting Lee back, the success of the coaching staff, etc etc...

I am hoping for a decade long domination of the NFCE, lots of playoff wins, and maybe a Super Bowl or 3 or 4?

 

[Parcells4Life]

The Cowboys over their history have had quite a history of outstanding offensive lines. For the younger Cowboy fans, many may not realize Dallas’ rich and glorious history. For the Cowboy fans over 50 (like me) this is nothing new.

Let’s take a look at them.

1971 – Neely, Niland, Manders, Nye, & Wright (Liscio stepped in for Neely in the post-season).

1977 – Neely, Scott, Fitzgerald, Rafferty, & Donovan (SB XII was Neely’s final game; Rayfield Wright was on the roster)

1992/1993 – Tuinei, Newton, Stepnoski, Gesek92/Gogan93, Williams

1995 – Tuinei, Newton, Donaldson, Allen, Williams (Derek Kennard stepped in for Donaldson after Thanksgiving)

2007/2009 – Adams, Kosier, Gurode, Davis, Colombo

2014 – Smith, Leary, Frederick, Martin, Free

2015 – Looks to be even better than 2014. Better than all the rest? We will have to wait and see.

As of right now, I still rank the 1995 OL the best in Cowboys history – followed by 1971 - then 1992/1993 - then 2014 - on to 2007/2009 - then finally 1977.

As much as I loved hearing La'el Collins predict Dallas would have the greatest offensive line in history, they have a long ways to go to clear the hurdles of being the greatest of their own franchise.

It's sad that probably the greatest lineman in DC history (Allen) only started in one super bowl. His greatest days were in the Cowboys darkest years.