DMN: Jon Machota's projected starting offensive lineup *Photo Gallery*

[jobberone]

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/incoming/20140623-ns_19dallaszd_38314565.jpg.ece/BINARY/w595x467/NS_19DALLASZD_38314565.JPG

Now that OTAs and minicamp are finished, we have a slightly better idea of what the Cowboys will be doing offensively in 2014. Many of the starters will be the same as last season, however, there are a couple new additions. Looking into his crystal ball, SportsDay’s Jon Machota predicts who the Cowboys’ offensive starters will be when they open the season in September.

http://www.***BANNED-URL***/sports/...ota-s-projected-starting-offensive-lineup.ece

 

[jobberone]

One of those slide shows but worth the clicks to see the players and read what commentary there is. My only disagreement would be Mack at RG and Martin at LG. I thought initially Martin might have trouble breaking into the starting lineup but I've changed my opinion on that. I don't know where he might play nor which of those three will ride the pine. Free is not a lock at RT either. The only two locks are Smith and Fred for now. If Fred doesn't pick up the pass blocking better then he'll have some competition as both Mack and Martin can play center. Also Patrick can play center as well if he makes the team.

This is a strength on the team and the depth here is very underrated here at times. I don't think many outside Dallas do know what we have on the OL.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Smith, Fredbeard and Martin are locks to start. The backup situation is a bigger concern to me especially at OT.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

. If Fred doesn't pick up the pass blocking better then he'll have some competition as both Mack and Martin can play center.

you had me until here. fred will start because he's the best and smartest center on the team.

 

[jobberone]

Smith, Fredbeard and Martin are locks to start. The backup situation is a bigger concern to me especially at OT.

I think they are locks. I hope they put the best five guys on the field. Hopefully Fred will play the pass rush better. The more I see of Martin the more I like but I want to see them all with pads on. I wish we could see the practices when the pads come on. I've wanted to go to camp for a long time but just can't this year.

 

[jobberone]

you had me until here. fred will start because he's the best and smartest center on the team.

Well he's basically a lock to start at center. That doesn't make him the best guy for the job although right now I'd say he is. He was more of a liability in the pass than some seem to think. I do believe he'll be better this year. He would have to have not developed in that aspect and someone would have to play a good bit better to bench him or move him.

I'll catch some flack for this but he may be a better RG than C. I'll have to see how he moves this year to convince myself one way or another. I don't think Romo is going to allow a change here anyway. QBs are funny about their centers.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Frederick was not nearly as good at G when he played some there during preseason....it definitely could be because of a lack of time there but why change something? I think we are set at backup for G/C with Bernadeau who can play any of the three interior spots. I think T has options. I think the OL is going to be the least of our troubles.

 

[jobberone]

Frederick was not nearly as good at G when he played some there during preseason....it definitely could be because of a lack of time there but why change something? I think we are set at backup for G/C with Bernadeau who can play any of the three interior spots. I think T has options. I think the OL is going to be the least of our troubles.

I wouldn't consider a change unless he performs poorly; he had problems with the rush last year. He was a rookie so I expect him to get better. I think he has the tools to do the job. His feet aren't the greatest and he's not as mobile as I'd like. He can get to the second level and block effectively although he's slow to get there IMO. But he is quicker than I thought and a bit more mobile as well. I have hopes for him to be a solid or better player.

 

[Doomsday101]

I think the OL has a chance to be very good this year with good depth as well. I think this will allow Dallas to use the weapons we do have to their fullest.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'll catch some flack for this but he may be a better RG than C.

I'm not seeing that. Barring something unforseen Fredbeard will be our starting center for at least the next 10 years.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm not seeing that. Barring something unforseen Fredbeard will be our starting center for at least the next 10 years.

I agree. Right now with Frederick in the middle, Martin on one side of him and I think Leary on the other side will make for a very good front to run behind and to provide a clean pocket for the QB

 

[Seven]

I'll catch some flack for this but he may be a better RG than C.

Look at Jobber. Livin' on the edge.............

 

[jazzcat22]

This is a strength on the team and the depth here is very underrated here at times. I don't think many outside Dallas do know what we have on the OL.

I would bet most still think our OL is pathetic and is as bad as it was 2 years ago with all the injuries going on. From fans point of view that is.
And then they will be surprised to hear it is a strength, and wonder what / how that happened.

 

[jobberone]

I'm not seeing that. Barring something unforseen Fredbeard will be our starting center for at least the next 10 years.

He has to pass block better to have my permanent vote. But I suspect he will and ur right.

I agree. Right now with Frederick in the middle, Martin on one side of him and I think Leary on the other side will make for a very good front to run behind and to provide a clean pocket for the QB

See above. Fred will start at center barring injury. I refuse to believe his pass blocking is not being addressed.

Look at Jobber. Livin' on the edge.............

Ahhh! Jobber getting some love. Romo likes him.

 

[burmafrd]

He has to pass block better to have my permanent vote. But I suspect he will and ur right.



See above. Fred will start at center barring injury. I refuse to believe his pass blocking is not being addressed.



Ahhh! Jobber getting some love. Romo likes him.

The Beard is the Center. Get used to it.

 

[Doomsday101]

He has to pass block better to have my permanent vote. But I suspect he will and ur right.



See above. Fred will start at center barring injury. I refuse to believe his pass blocking is not being addressed.



Ahhh! Jobber getting some love. Romo likes him.

Overall I did not think he struggled with pass blocking, were their plays that he may have been beat? Yes welcome to the NFL where there are very good players you will face and will at times get the better of you but all in all I thought Frederick played very well run and pass and I do think he will only get better.

 

[jobberone]

Overall I did not think he struggled with pass blocking, were their plays that he may have been beat? Yes welcome to the NFL where there are very good players you will face and will at times get the better of you but all in all I thought Frederick played very well run and pass and I do think he will only get better.

I think he had problems but the interior had problems as a unit. Without a Tony Romo the sack total goes up significantly.

 

[jrumann59]

I think Fred will be better in pass protection. He is a year into the NFL so his strength and smarts should be better. Maybe if our guards to his right is looking less to help Free maybe they can play straight up.

 

[daveferr33]

I want break out years from both Escobar and Williams, but I'll settle for either one. If I were a betting man, I would bet its Williams.

 

[xwalker]

One of those slide shows but worth the clicks to see the players and read what commentary there is. My only disagreement would be Mack at RG and Martin at LG. I thought initially Martin might have trouble breaking into the starting lineup but I've changed my opinion on that. I don't know where he might play nor which of those three will ride the pine. Free is not a lock at RT either. The only two locks are Smith and Fred for now. If Fred doesn't pick up the pass blocking better then he'll have some competition as both Mack and Martin can play center. Also Patrick can play center as well if he makes the team.

This is a strength on the team and the depth here is very underrated here at times. I don't think many outside Dallas do know what we have on the OL.

I'm sure that Martin will develop into a really good Guard; however, I don't know that he will be better as a rookie than Leary and Bern were at the end of 2013. It does appear highly likely that he will be the starting RG but I agree that it's not a 100% lock. It's more like 99%.

I would love for Free to not be a lock. Parnell would be a much better run blocker but I doubt if they give him a chance to beat Free with his guaranteed 3.5M salary.