Did the Cowboys O-line improve or are they just facing poorer defenses?

[CCBoy]

After weeks of struggles, the Cowboys offensive line seems to finally be putting things together. The beaten and bruised, mismatched and mangled unit appears to be playing their best ball of the season and it’s no coincidence it’s resulted a fair degree of team success along the way.

Through weeks 1-11, the Dallas rushing attack ranked in 17th success rate (39 percent) and 25th in EPA/play (-0.136). In the four weeks that followed they have been fourth in success rate (46.3 percent) and 13th in EPA/play (-0.069). It marks a significant improvement and explains why the Cowboys have gone 3-1 behind a quarterback who ranks just 25th in EPA/dropback + CPOE composite score (measures impact and accuracy).

The question at hand is has the Cowboys offensive line finally worked things out with their run blocking or is this just a result of playing poorer competition?

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/17/cowboys-o-line-improve-poor-defense/

 

[CCBoy]

The Eagles game is a good one to watch for these indicators...and then Washington. Also at running back or just a strong draft pick.

 

[big dog cowboy]

For as much fun as it’s been seeing the Cowboys thrive running the ball these last four weeks, it’s no coincidence it has lined up perfectly with the decline in quality of opponents faced.

The answer is right in the article.

 

[Mr_437]

TB DL shut down the run, and we get to see how this OL performs vs the Eagles front. I believe they did improve, but may not be as much as some thought initially.

 

[RonWashington]

I’m glad Dallas moved on from some OL and basically with three high pics over the last few yrs ( 2 # 1’s ) have rebuilt the line . Hitting on 2 UDFA and a late rounder in Asim Richards really helps .

OL is one area in next yrs draft I’m comfortable in saying the Cowboys need much more help elsewhere ,

 

[leeblair]

When game plans start to be carried out as designed, things start working better.
When every play is audibled to a pass, it keeps the offensive line from developing continuity.

 

[Redsfan_83]

I'm not so sure the OL has really improved, our QB and the gameplan are playing to his abilities. Quick outs, getting the ball out of his hands is how this O has been schemed. Our other QB is unable to do this, and thinks running around in the pocket on 2 bad legs and inability to see the field is good for business

 

[stinkface]

The one team that had a great run defense was Tampa Bay and they shut us down. That said, we didn't try to run it much because we knew there run defense was good and thus we passed the ball. We did the same thing the last time we played them. We couldn't run that ball that time either. Makes total sense that if we plan to go against the weakest part of the opponents defense. Against Tampa Bay it was their pass defense, which is god awful.

 

[Ranching]

The Eagles game is a good one to watch for these indicators...and then Washington. Also at running back or just a strong draft pick.

The answer is right in the article.

Any OLine needs time, playing together, in order to mesh. They need to trust each other and learn each other's steps, techniques, punch, etc. I feel we have the makings of a very good line. Inalso think Guyton has the tools, he just needs to mature and play within himslef.

 

[CCBoy]

The one team that had a great run defense was Tampa Bay and they shut us down. That said, we didn't try to run it much because we knew there run defense was good and thus we passed the ball. We did the same thing the last time we played them. We couldn't run that ball that time either. Makes total sense that if we plan to go against the weakest part of the opponents defense. Against Tampa Bay it was their pass defense, which is god awful.

From the beginning of the season, the TB and Eagle games I ear marked as Dallas needing to win those two of five games to prove their potency in this season.

Playoffs are now out, but proving their selves isn't.

 

[America's Cowboy]

I'm not so sure the OL has really improved, our QB and the gameplan are playing to his abilities. Quick outs, getting the ball out of his hands is how this O has been schemed. Our other QB is unable to do this, and thinks running around in the pocket on 2 bad legs and inability to see the field is good for business

All lies

 

[Redsfan_83]

All lies

not really. We played weak D, and schemed to the skill set of our QB. Am I wrong, or just wrong about Dak? I would think the Filthy game will tell us more

 

[America's Cowboy]

not really. We played weak D, and schemed to the skill set of our QB. Am I wrong, or just wrong about Dak? I would think the Filthy game will tell us more

If you are talking about Cooper Rush when playing weak Defenses, no argument here.

 

[Redsfan_83]

If you are talking about Cooper Rush when playing weak Defenses, no argument here.

as has our OL, they haven't been tested. The eye test says exactly what I have mentioned, and it's also the scenario where Dak succeeded. This is 100% why we shal see in a couple of days who Rush is, and how the OL has progressed. No doubt they are showing signs...

 

[visionary]

Watch this same OL suddenly start to play poorly once the 60 million dollar man comes back

And then @CCBoy will make a thread asking

“What is going on with OL”

LOL

 

[blueblood70]

The Eagles game is a good one to watch for these indicators...and then Washington. Also at running back or just a strong draft pick.

they IE Rush and the newfound OL already Beat Washington game 1.... forget?? also the D gave them issues all day.

 

[blueblood70]

Any OLine needs time, playing together, in order to mesh. They need to trust each other and learn each other's steps, techniques, punch, etc. I feel we have the makings of a very good line. Inalso think Guyton has the tools, he just needs to mature and play within himslef.

That's the problem once again our coaching staff doesn't know how to utilize the players..ie to little too much Guyton when healthy needed ALL the reps not some spore BU in edoga, was no really good reason to not use Guyton at LT the rest of a lost season..i do Not see a big difference in their play ie getting coop killed cant be an excuse, what his confidence getting killed so they pulled him?

This is just another area we've seen yearly where they don't use Rico correctly last year and most of this year until recently a little too late for that too also Turpin I just really don't trust this coaching staff to be making these decisions and I feel like it was a mistake pulling him out if he's healthy he should've been playing this would be the opportunities you use when a season is lost but let the young guys just stay out there till they get it...

 

[gtb1943]

Any OLine needs time, playing together, in order to mesh. They need to trust each other and learn each other's steps, techniques, punch, etc. I feel we have the makings of a very good line. Inalso think Guyton has the tools, he just needs to mature and play within himslef.

And you have to have the TALENT. Cannot make a silk purse out of a Pigs Ear.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

After weeks of struggles, the Cowboys offensive line seems to finally be putting things together. The beaten and bruised, mismatched and mangled unit appears to be playing their best ball of the season and it’s no coincidence it’s resulted a fair degree of team success along the way.

Through weeks 1-11, the Dallas rushing attack ranked in 17th success rate (39 percent) and 25th in EPA/play (-0.136). In the four weeks that followed they have been fourth in success rate (46.3 percent) and 13th in EPA/play (-0.069). It marks a significant improvement and explains why the Cowboys have gone 3-1 behind a quarterback who ranks just 25th in EPA/dropback + CPOE composite score (measures impact and accuracy).

The question at hand is has the Cowboys offensive line finally worked things out with their run blocking or is this just a result of playing poorer competition?

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/17/cowboys-o-line-improve-poor-defense/

I think its combination of both.

playing 21, 25,29 and 32nd ranked defenses helps, but also that we had 2 new starters on the line and more than any other position group, the OL needs to play as a unit. one single failure and its a sack or tackle in the backfield regardless of what the other 4 do..... and two rookies starting, not just two new ones.

so now they have had a chance to jell a little, get a little experience together. also as much as I love him and he is one of all time cowboys greats, Martin was the weakest point on the line. his injury was a blessing in disguise as we have seen a leap in OL play after he went on IR. not a coincedence.

 

[gtb1943]

I think its combination of both.

playing 21, 25,29 and 32nd ranked defenses helps, but also that we had 2 new starters on the line and more than any other position group, the OL needs to play as a unit. one single failure and its a sack or tackle in the backfield regardless of what the other 4 do..... and two rookies starting, not just two new ones.

so now they have had a chance to jell a little, get a little experience together. also as much as I love him and he is one of all time cowboys greats, Martin was the weakest point on the line. his injury was a blessing in disguise as we have seen a leap in OL play after he went on IR. not a coincedence.

The leg injury finished him off but his back was killing him. There are fewer worse injuries for a lineman than a back one.