Cowboys looking for more than a LG, they’re building an antifragile line

zekecowboy

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Much like a healing broken bone, the Cowboys seem determined to go through the pains of cross training today all so they can be stronger or more antifragile tomorrow.

Their constant juggling goes beyond the simple search for a starting LG. They are working different combinations across the board, with only Tyler Biadasz (OC) and Zack Martin (RG) as locks in their respective positions.

The Cowboys know, regardless of what they do to prepare, injuries will happen. Which is why they’re focused on the next best thing: becoming antifragile.

Testing their reserve tackles like Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball inside at guard helps them achieve that goal. Mixing and matching Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith shows what the optimal lineup can be. Finding out who can be a back-up at multiple positions and what combinations are the most effective will allow them to handle unforeseen injuries and set them on the path for resiliency.
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/20...han-a-lg-theyre-building-an-antifragile-line/
 

BrAinPaiNt

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Much like a healing broken bone, the Cowboys seem determined to go through the pains of cross training today all so they can be stronger or more antifragile tomorrow.

Their constant juggling goes beyond the simple search for a starting LG. They are working different combinations across the board, with only Tyler Biadasz (OC) and Zack Martin (RG) as locks in their respective positions.

The Cowboys know, regardless of what they do to prepare, injuries will happen. Which is why they’re focused on the next best thing: becoming antifragile.

Testing their reserve tackles like Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball inside at guard helps them achieve that goal. Mixing and matching Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith shows what the optimal lineup can be. Finding out who can be a back-up at multiple positions and what combinations are the most effective will allow them to handle unforeseen injuries and set them on the path for resiliency.
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/20...han-a-lg-theyre-building-an-antifragile-line/
Next they can use the old Kung ** method and have them punch into a bucket of hot sand to make their hands tougher.


On a serious note, beautiful pit puppy in your avatar pic.
 

America's Cowboy

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Much like a healing broken bone, the Cowboys seem determined to go through the pains of cross training today all so they can be stronger or more antifragile tomorrow.

Their constant juggling goes beyond the simple search for a starting LG. They are working different combinations across the board, with only Tyler Biadasz (OC) and Zack Martin (RG) as locks in their respective positions.

The Cowboys know, regardless of what they do to prepare, injuries will happen. Which is why they’re focused on the next best thing: becoming antifragile.

Testing their reserve tackles like Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball inside at guard helps them achieve that goal. Mixing and matching Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith shows what the optimal lineup can be. Finding out who can be a back-up at multiple positions and what combinations are the most effective will allow them to handle unforeseen injuries and set them on the path for resiliency.
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/20...han-a-lg-theyre-building-an-antifragile-line/
Totally makes sense, especially with limited roster spots. Having Olinemen who practice/train for and can play more than 1 position not only makes the Oline stronger (especially if sudden injury were to happen to one of the starting 5 Olinemen), it also helps open up an extra roster spot, two or three for other positions in need. It's the best of both worlds.
 

GimmeTheBall!

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Much like a healing broken bone, the Cowboys seem determined to go through the pains of cross training today all so they can be stronger or more antifragile tomorrow.

Their constant juggling goes beyond the simple search for a starting LG. They are working different combinations across the board, with only Tyler Biadasz (OC) and Zack Martin (RG) as locks in their respective positions.

The Cowboys know, regardless of what they do to prepare, injuries will happen. Which is why they’re focused on the next best thing: becoming antifragile.

Testing their reserve tackles like Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball inside at guard helps them achieve that goal. Mixing and matching Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith shows what the optimal lineup can be. Finding out who can be a back-up at multiple positions and what combinations are the most effective will allow them to handle unforeseen injuries and set them on the path for resiliency.
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/20...han-a-lg-theyre-building-an-antifragile-line/
Antifragile O line?
Blimey! Do you imply to find healthy=productive all by yourself?
Do the 31 other teams know about this sterling thought?
Holla
 

Jarntt

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It isn’t just Martin and Biadasz who are locks for their respective positions once the regular season starts (until injury strikes of course). If all 5 are healthy week 1 the OL is set regardless of what people want to say and how badly they want the team to play Tyler at LT. It’s Tyron, Tyler, Biadasz, Martin and Steele.
 

CCBoy

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Entering Year 2, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Matt Waletzko is making some big changes as he seeks more playing time. The 2022 fifth-round pick out of North Dakota isn't just rocking a new number, switching from No. 71 to No. 79, but could line up at a new position as well. Waletzko is taking reps this offseason at his usual tackle position, but is also getting a share of snaps along the interior is well.

Being able to play in a variety of situations is a good way for an under-publicized guy to stand out, and Waletzko's versatility has already caught the attention of head coach Mike McCarthy. "You watch him come out of college," McCarthy said. You see this guy has a little better feet than we probably realized. Then obviously playing tackle with his length, when he walks in the door it's easy to think this guy is going to be a left or right tackle the rest of his career. (But) really shown the ability to (also play) inside."

The Cowboys have plenty of talent at tackle with Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Terence Steele and more. … with Tyler and Terence also in play at guard. Perhaps moving inside is the way to go as Waletzko looks to make a name for himself in Dallas, but being able to play both positions is even better. "Position flex is important, it's a part of the design of the 53-man roster and even more so the 48-man when we get to the games," McCarthy said. "Everybody has been very very impressed with Matt. He's having a heck of an offseason."

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news...ve-lineman-flex-tyron-tyler-smith-roster-move
 

CCBoy

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Let's just be honest...if Prescott wasn't such a pig ....Hogging all the salary cap...maybe we could afford some depth?
What was that...a 10 gauge? OP on offensive linemen and Stephen handles the money ledger...this fires off a round at Prescott. :rolleyes:
 

JohnBoy

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Does it really work though? Last season there was a lot of shifting around like that, and it looked like it wasn't working all that well, or at least not consistently. It seemed to me that #4 had a dirty pocket more last season than any before. The RBs weren't exactly gliding through gaping holes either.
 

gtb1943

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Lots of talk and that is all it is.

They are not doing anything different then just about every other team in the NFL.
 

Kolemmitt

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As a high school O-line coach, IMHO, this is not the best way to build a really dominant line. O-linemen do best when they have one spot to focus on, and then the line can build chemistry and cohesion.

On the other hand, this is a better way to create a line that can survive injuries. We won't rely on the health of each of our guys to have a competent level of Oline play.

For a twelve game schedule with teens? I like picking spots and building chemistry.

For a 17-21 game schedule with full-grown adults? I can see the logic in what they are trying to do.
 

gtb1943

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As a high school O-line coach, IMHO, this is not the best way to build a really dominant line. O-linemen do best when they have one spot to focus on, and then the line can build chemistry and cohesion.

On the other hand, this is a better way to create a line that can survive injuries. We won't rely on the health of each of our guys to have a competent level of Oline play.

For a twelve game schedule with teens? I like picking spots and building chemistry.

For a 17-21 game schedule with full-grown adults? I can see the logic in what they are trying to do.
Its why most teams work the same way. Just I think sometimes the boys put too much emphasis on flexibility in drafting players. Its pretty much a given that a player that ends up practicing at several positions is never going to be as good as one that can concentrate on playing at one position. I think looking at the teams that have the best Olines in the NFL none of them go as far in this direction as the cowboys.
 

plasticman

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I can see them using backups capable of filling multiple positions but they need to determine who the starters are and leave them alone.

The starters need to work together and practice together to become a cohesive unit capable of performing in unison to the effect that the O-line is a single machine-like entity This requires familiarity.

However, injuries happen. I like the idea that our #6 or #7 O-lineman, in terms of ability, can come in regardless of position. In a 17 game season it would be unrealistic to assume all five starters are going play every game.
 

CowboyRoy

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Much like a healing broken bone, the Cowboys seem determined to go through the pains of cross training today all so they can be stronger or more antifragile tomorrow.

Their constant juggling goes beyond the simple search for a starting LG. They are working different combinations across the board, with only Tyler Biadasz (OC) and Zack Martin (RG) as locks in their respective positions.

The Cowboys know, regardless of what they do to prepare, injuries will happen. Which is why they’re focused on the next best thing: becoming antifragile.

Testing their reserve tackles like Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball inside at guard helps them achieve that goal. Mixing and matching Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith shows what the optimal lineup can be. Finding out who can be a back-up at multiple positions and what combinations are the most effective will allow them to handle unforeseen injuries and set them on the path for resiliency.
https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/20...han-a-lg-theyre-building-an-antifragile-line/
Tyron smith……enough said
 

jazzcat22

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Does it really work though? Last season there was a lot of shifting around like that, and it looked like it wasn't working all that well, or at least not consistently. It seemed to me that #4 had a dirty pocket more last season than any before. The RBs weren't exactly gliding through gaping holes either.
They were not prepared for it last season.
MM made a comment a month ago. Now with a 17 game schedule, you need to prepare for such things. You can't think you will go through that many game without the need to shift players around for a few games.
 
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