DMN Blog: Doug Free to start at right tackle

[MrMom]

12:36 PM Wed, Nov 18, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips

And the winner to replace Marc Colombo at right tackle Sunday vs. Washington will be ... Doug Free.

Offensive line coach Hudson Houck said the team considered a number of options, including moving Leonard Davis to right tackle, but "the best one is exactly what we're doing."

This will be the first start of Free's career. Free took over for Colombo after he suffered a fractured fibula. Houck said Free did well against the Packers but should benefit from a full week of practice. In prior weeks he has had to split his work at left and right tackle. Now that job falls to Pat McQuistan.

"He can now zero in on playing just the right side," Houck said.

 

[CowboyManDan]

I think this is the right move. Why alter two positions by moving Davis over? And we get to see how Free can do.

But there is part of me that wonders if Holland at guard and Davis a RT would also work.

 

[AbeBeta]

I think this is the right move. Why alter two positions by moving Davis over? And we get to see how Free can do.

But there is part of me that wonders if Holland at guard and Davis a RT would also work.

Holland's next move is off the roster.

 

[Alexander]

I think this is the right move. Why alter two positions by moving Davis over? And we get to see how Free can do.

But there is part of me that wonders if Holland at guard and Davis a RT would also work.

This should be a good opportunity for both Free and the team. We need to see what we have before we go with disaster plan A, which is making two changes. If Orakpo and Carter give him a tough time, we should have an accurate picture of whether or not he's the future or not.

I wouldn't worry about the Holland/Davis option as this can easily be a contingency plan.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

This should be a good opportunity for both Free and the team. We need to see what we have before we go with disaster plan A, which is making two changes. If Orakpo and Carter give him a tough time, we should have an accurate picture of whether or not he's the future or not.

I wouldn't worry about the Holland/Davis option as this can easily be a contingency plan.

Agreed. It will also let us know about making OT a priority in the draft next year.

Now I know many of us already believe OT is a priority in the draft next year.

Depending on how Free does, it will probably shape how Jerry feels next draft.

If free does not pan out, we go OT in the draft and probably in the first round (yes I know it is early).

If free does not pan out, Jerry goes and pays big money for yet another FA O-Lineman.

Now if free DOES pan out...I imagine Jerry might think he can go with that group and not worry about another O-Lineman in the first round.

Different things to consider concerning how good or bad free does.

 

[CoCo]

Garrett has his work cut out for him.

Protecting Romo in pass formation, and finding a way to make our run game effective so that we can play balanced.

This could be a game with some similarities to last week. Close, tight, and avoiding mistakes.

I'm glad our next two are against "weaker" opponents. I think we'll need it to get the ship righted again. The running game has all but disappeared and is starting to take the passing game with it.

We need to get their defense back on their heels. That didn't happen much last week.

 

[hendog]

Agreed. It will also let us know about making OT a priority in the draft next year.

Now I know many of us already believe OT is a priority in the draft next year.

Depending on how Free does, it will probably shape how Jerry feels next draft.

If free does not pan out, we go OT in the draft and probably in the first round (yes I know it is early).

If free does not pan out, Jerry goes and pays big money for yet another FA O-Lineman.

Now if free DOES pan out...I imagine Jerry might think he can go with that group and not worry about another O-Lineman in the first round.

Different things to consider concerning how good or bad free does.

I hope we make OT a pretty high priority regardless of Free's performance.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I hope we make OT a pretty high priority regardless of Free's performance.

I do as well.

However I have a feeling if Free does well, OT will not be the top priority in the draft for the cowboys. Now that does not mean we would not take one, if the BPA is sitting there and happens to be an OT...we could take him.

But I would not put it past Jerry to decide that they can wait till the second round or later to take an OT. It is a trend that seems to have lasted a long time just like WR. When was the last time the cowboys have taken a WR or OT/OG/C in the first round...just think about that.
Now that again is not a be all end all saying we will not take one, heck we would never draft kickers and in the last few years we have drafted two so nothing is set in stone, but it is hard not to look at the past and try and draw some conclusions of trends from it.

 

[TheSport78]

I do as well.

However I have a feeling if Free does well, OT will not be the top priority in the draft for the cowboys. Now that does not mean we would not take one, if the BPA is sitting there and happens to be an OT...we could take him.

But I would not put it past Jerry to decide that they can wait till the second round or later to take an OT. It is a trend that seems to have lasted a long time just like WR. When was the last time the cowboys have taken a WR or OT/OG/C in the first round...just think about that.
Now that again is not a be all end all saying we will not take one, heck we would never draft kickers and in the last few years we have drafted two so nothing is set in stone, but it is hard not to look at the past and try and draw some conclusions of trends from it.

Best case is that Free and Brewster work out for us at LT and RT respectively, but knowing Dallas' history with drafting offensive linemen, it's safe to say one or both guys won't pan out...I hope I'm wrong.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Best case is that Free and Brewster work out for us at LT and RT respectively, but knowing Dallas' history with drafting offensive linemen, it's safe to say one or both guys won't pan out...I hope I'm wrong.

Yeah...that is the other thing that throws a monkey wrench into the whole operation.

Even if we do take a OT (or OG) in the first round next year, with our current scouting or coaching concerning O-Lineman (sans Brewster or free as they have not had their chance to start yet)...it does not seem promising. Gurode and Flo is about it for a number of years of those that have panned out.

So who knows. Maybe another year of paying big money to a FA Olinemen and kind of being ho-hum about them in the draft or just drawing blanks with those that we do take in the draft.

 

[TheSport78]

Yeah...that is the other thing that throws a monkey wrench into the whole operation.

Even if we do take a OT (or OG) in the first round next year, with our current scouting or coaching concerning O-Lineman (sans Brewster or free as they have not had their chance to start yet)...it does not seem promising. Gurode and Flo is about it for a number of years of those that have panned out.

So who knows. Maybe another year of paying big money to a FA Olinemen and kind of being ho-hum about them in the draft or just drawing blanks with those that we do take in the draft.

I hear ya. I think we're okay with Kosier, Gurode and Davis for the next 3-5 years. OL can play late into their 30's. I'm concerned about both tackle positions now AND in the future. Colombo has been an amazing find for us, but we gotta remember he had serious injury concerns before he panned out in Dallas. Who knows how the rehab process goes for him, but judging by his history he doesn't exactly heal right away. Flozell is steady but he's definitely past his prime and doesn't seem to be the smartest player in the world. Too many mental errors; just look at last week. Those plays dictate wins and losses. OT NEEDS to be the highest priority in the draft, especially LT because you can hide a RT a little bit more.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I hear ya. I think we're okay with Kosier, Gurode and Davis for the next 3-5 years. OL can play late into their 30's. I'm concerned about both tackle positions now AND in the future. Colombo has been an amazing find for us, but we gotta remember he had serious injury concerns before he panned out in Dallas. Who knows how the rehab process goes for him, but judging by his history he doesn't exactly heal right away. Flozell is steady but he's definitely past his prime and doesn't seem to be the smartest player in the world. Too many mental errors; just look at last week. Those plays dictate wins and losses. OT NEEDS to be the highest priority in the draft, especially LT because you can hide a RT a little bit more.

Oddly enough I think Flo and Free (just from reports as we have not seen enough of him) seem to have opposite strengths and weaknesses. Flo is big strong, straight ahead blocker who does not seem to have the feet for speed rushers while it would seem Free has the feet for speed rushers but not be as strong in straight ahead run blocking.

Interesting in some ways.

 

[TheSport78]

Oddly enough I think Flo and Free (just from reports as we have not seen enough of him) seem to have opposite strengths and weaknesses. Flo is big strong, straight ahead blocker who does not seem to have the feet for speed rushers while it would seem Free has the feet for speed rushers but not be as strong in straight ahead run blocking.

Interesting in some ways.

Good point. It would seem at this point for Flo to slide to RT but they can't trust Free yet at either tackle position.

 

[Alexander]

I hear ya. I think we're okay with Kosier, Gurode and Davis for the next 3-5 years. OL can play late into their 30's.

Yes, they can but how often at a high level? Especially when three or four of the starting five are in that demographic? Not often.

It was foolish to ignore the OL in this past draft with so many choices and it would be even more ignorant to repeat the same process again.

Adams should be on his way out the door. He is still serviceable, but if anyone thinks he lasts another three years, they are really in a state of denial. He's already at that stage when he's getting sloppy and even taking shortcuts because he's losing his athletic edge. About the only OL I see around at a high level in 3-5 years is Leonard Davis. Colombo is a battler, but he will have a major knee issue and a broken leg to deal with going forward.

 

[ZeroClub]

I'm looking forward to seeing Free play. We heard some good things about him during training camp. Here's hoping he measures up.

 

[RS12]

O Linemen need to be drafted in 10 early and often. Too much age everywhere on the line to rely on the future health of most of these guys. You dont know what you have in any of the reserves including Free, who is a huge maybe.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think Free will be okay, but I can't help shaking my head at Brewster getting hurt... He just seems like more of a natural RT than the skinnier Free. And he'd have been practicing there all year, too.

 

[Randy White]

I think this is the right move. Why alter two positions by moving Davis over? And we get to see how Free can do.

But there is part of me that wonders if Holland at guard and Davis a RT would also work.

I think it would be a great combo, but that should be tested during the off-season and/or training camp. I haven't been part of any of those practices, but I don' t think Davis has taken any snap as a T ( L or R ). Right now it's too late for that.

However, I still think your idea is 100% on the money.

 

[Randy White]

Different things to consider concerning how good or bad free does.

Agreed, although I doubt very much the Cowboys are going to hit the FA market next year for a big time player if Free doesn't work out. Logic says they should cut Adams next year (if there's no cap ) and do exactly that, but looking at the history of this team, that FA would have to be a Leonard Davis type player ( young and extremely talented, but an underachiever who wasn't living up to his contract ) AND be able to play LT. Not many teams are going to be cutting young talented, but expensive, LTs, even if they're underachieving.

My guess is that if Free doesn't work out, they'll keep Adams for one more year, draft the next LT in the first round of the draft ( and since the preliminary reports are that alot of talented QBs will be declaring for this draft, which means ALOT of good talent will be pushed towards the later part of the first round ) and develop him along with Brewster to eventually take over. Whomever they draft, must be ready to take over after the 2010 season, if Brewster is not.

THE best case scenario for the Cowboys is this:

Free plays exceptionally well for the rest of the season ( and hopefully the playoffs ). The Cowboys will then HAVE TO make a decision on Adams ( providing that Columbo returns 100% healthy ) in the off-season. Adams is cut, Free moves into his spot. Robert Brewester, recovered from his injury, is then groomed the same way Free was. The Cowboys use a high pick ( not necessarily a 1st round, but somewhere in the 2nd round ) to pick their next project at the T position. Remember that this player will NOT be coming in and starting right away ( unless a miracle happens ) so there's no pressure on the team spending a #1 choice for him. Free establishes himself as the starting LT for the next 10 years ( probably in the Tuini mold ) and Brewester concentrates on eventually taking over Columbo.

 

[Idgit]

I think Free will be okay, but I can't help shaking my head at Brewster getting hurt... He just seems like more of a natural RT than the skinnier Free. And he'd have been practicing there all year, too.

Brewster is a better RT fit, but he needed a year+ in the program before he'd challenge, anyway. I much prefer getting to see Free for several weeks before heading into the offseason with questions at LT.