DC.com: Not Sure About Overhauling O-Line Now

[CCBoy]

Not Sure About Overhauling O-Line Now
Posted by nickeatman at 7/18/2011 9:15 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com



http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/n...&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest



When last season ended, it was pretty clear that things had to change on the offensive line – and change drastically.

It was so drastic that Jerry Jones did something he’s never done before and that’s take an offensive tackle in the first round of the draft, getting Tyron Smith at No. 9 overall.

And it seemed like the Cowboys might make a few more changes to the middle of the offensive line, particularly at the guard position. And they still could do that, depending on what happens here in the next week to 10 days in free agency. With a new salary cap that will undoubtedly squeeze the Cowboys more than most teams, it’s likely they will have to make a few salary cuts.

But it’s a risky deal now with the offensive line...

 

[burmafrd]

A canny veteran like Logan Mankins can step in pretty quickly.

 

[Doomsday101]

Not Sure About Overhauling O-Line Now
Posted by nickeatman at 7/18/2011 9:15 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com



http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/n...&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest



When last season ended, it was pretty clear that things had to change on the offensive line – and change drastically.

It was so drastic that Jerry Jones did something he’s never done before and that’s take an offensive tackle in the first round of the draft, getting Tyron Smith at No. 9 overall.

And it seemed like the Cowboys might make a few more changes to the middle of the offensive line, particularly at the guard position. And they still could do that, depending on what happens here in the next week to 10 days in free agency. With a new salary cap that will undoubtedly squeeze the Cowboys more than most teams, it’s likely they will have to make a few salary cuts.

But it’s a risky deal now with the offensive line...

My own view I think it is riskier not making the changes. If we can maintain the left side of the line and make changes at RG and RT I think we will be better off

 

[burmafrd]

yeah, its just another excuse to do nothing.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Nick Nick Nick.

 

[Stash]

A canny veteran like Logan Mankins can step in pretty quickly.

Yeah, an intelligent player should be able to make the transition rather quickly.

And I think we can use an influx of more intelligence on the O-line anyway.

Besides, does it look like Davis' 'experience' is doing anything for him?

 

[pupulehaole]

Mankins in not going to happen so let's just stop mentioning his name....

 

[CCBoy]

Mankins in not going to happen so let's just stop mentioning his name....

Knowing the real age of Raquel Welch doesn't keep one from fantacising...

 

[burmafrd]

if he is able to get that franchise tag removed, he is on the open market. Would much rather pay him big bucks then Nmadi.

 

[Stash]

if he is able to get that franchise tag removed, he is on the open market. Would much rather pay him big bucks then Nmadi.

I wouldn't have an issue with that.

 

[Hoofbite]

I don't think Dallas needs an absolute stud at the RG position, just someone who isn't a waste of space like Davis is. Just get a guy who can hold his own, nothing really special and the OL will be much improved.

 

[Idgit]

I don't think Dallas needs an absolute stud at the RG position, just someone who isn't a waste of space like Davis is. Just get a guy who can hold his own, nothing really special and the OL will be much improved.

We need an adequate pass blocker who can get to the second level when he needs to in the running game. A player like Kosier was when we signed him a few seasons back: underrated, mobile, capable, affordable. I don't know who that is.

 

[Stash]

I don't think Dallas needs an absolute stud at the RG position, just someone who isn't a waste of space like Davis is. Just get a guy who can hold his own, nothing really special and the OL will be much improved.

Considering that we're planning to start a rookie at RT, I would want more from the RG than simply holding his own, especially if he's new to the team.

I'd prefer a bit of a security blanket for the rookie.

 

[sonnyboy]

if he is able to get that franchise tag removed, he is on the open market. Would much rather pay him big bucks then Nmadi.

Did you not see post #2? It's not happening so atop talking about it!

 

[jbsg02]

I think Davis HAS to be gone. I think a line of Free, Kosier, Gurode, any decent RG, and Smith is going to be MUCH better than last years line. Smith will have some growing pains I'm sure, but that right side was just awful last year, and was making a LOT of money too.

 

[ShiningStar]

Did you not see post #2? It's not happening so atop talking about it!

i think people can post their opinions regardless of what they see or know, doesnt stop me.

 

[ddh33]

I thought Leonard Davis was greatly improved after Jason Garrett took the team over. The question is, did he improve enough and is he a good enough player to stick around?

For all of you cup gurus, what is his salary like? What would be the hit or the savings if he were released? And yes, I know a lot of that is to be determined by the fine print of the new CBA, but I was just wondering.

 

[Doomsday101]

I thought Leonard Davis was greatly improved after Jason Garrett took the team over. The question is, did he improve enough and is he a good enough player to stick around?

For all of you cup gurus, what is his salary like? What would be the hit or the savings if he were released? And yes, I know a lot of that is to be determined by the fine print of the new CBA, but I was just wondering.

I know Davis will make 6 mill this season, not sure of what the cap hit would be if released. Colombo is due 1.9 mill this season and again not sure of the cap hit is released.

 

[dillinger319]

Knowing the real age of Raquel Welch doesn't keep one from fantacising...

While im tired of the Mankins/Ashoumga talk, this made me laugh....

 

[28 Joker]

There is a whole lot more risk for going with "continuity" in the interior. It's time to shake things up. Tyron Smith is step one in that process. The right side of the offensive line was a huge liability in the running game and passing game last season. "Continuity", in that old offensive line, is one huge reason why the team went 6-10 last year. Not making the necessary changes would be dubious. Leonard Davis should be next.

How did Marc Colombo work out?

Leonard Davis is headed that way fast. He will be out of the NFL within two years, imo. He has no pop, and his size makes his mobility suspect. Teams will continue to line up wide of Davis and expose him in space, by making Davis move his suspect feet. Davis plays too high, and he doesn't play with leverage. He can't pull and hit a moving target. He has trouble getting to moving linebackers on the second level. Davis' overall size influences his suspect mobility, and he doesn't have the athletic ability to finish plays like Jason Garrett wants plays finished (second level blocking, etc...) The center has to help Davis in pass protection more than the Cowboys would like according to Mike Lombardi. In fact, Lombardi quoted many of these weak areas in Davis' game before the 2010 season even started.

Does Davis want to play bass guitar more than play football? The deterioration in his play was significant last year, and he is 33 years old. Is Davis going to some how turn into the player that he was in 2007 and 2008, this year? Is there a magic potion?

The hand writing is on the wall on the interior. The Cowboys are too old in their interior. Leonard Davis needs to be cut and replaced now, and many of us know this. He is way too big of a liability for a team that just went 6-10. He is paid way too much money, and the Cowboys can sign a guard like Leroy Harris or Daryn Colledge to replace him. Marshal Yanda would be nice, but it will not take Yanda to upgrade Davis in the running game and passing game. Where is the upside to Leonard Davis, especially when all the other teams are going to try to improve their weakest areas?

If Davis holds a routine block (secures his man) in Houston, Felix Jones has a long rushing TD. Instead, Felix had to cutback for 14 yards after seeing and heading to the home run. If Davis simply cuts Lance Briggs, Felix Jones has a long rushing TD. Davis was playing too high and let Briggs into the backfield, and a big play was lost. The play resulted in a loss. Jones had no chance due to Davis playing to high. Just cut him. Is that too much to ask of a guard in the NFL?

Again, if I want a bass player, I'll go get Nkki Sixx.

I want a solid, athletic offensive guard who is technically sound and loves to play football and wants to do anything to win.

The sooner the remaining charter members of Colombo's band are gone, the better off the Cowboys will be.