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FantasyGuru.com - Off-Season Report #9 (2008 OL Previews)
3. Dallas Cowboys
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Projected Starters:
Tackles: Flozell Adams (33), Marc Colombo (29)
Guards: Kyle Kosier (29), Leonard Davis (29)
Center: Andre Gurode (30)
Outlook: Dallas’ line was very solid when run-blocking last season, but not exactly dominant. The Cowboys wound up ranking in the middle of the NFL, with an average of 109 rushing yards/game. Yet their impressive 4.2 yards/carry average suggests that this group could have excelled if the run wasn’t abandoned at times. In terms of pass protection, this unit was simply outstanding. This group allowed just 25 sacks, which landed them in the top third of the league in that category. Given the amount of throwing QB Tony Romo did last year, that’s an astonishingly low number.
Looking ahead, this line, which returns all five starters, will have more pass-blocking responsibilities in 2008. After all, OC Jason Garrett is expected to get even more aggressive and creative with the air attack. It’s also worth noting that line coach Hudson Houck has stated his intention of starting the best five linemen this year, no matter what position they have played in the past. That little nugget indicates that some positional shuffling could occur this summer.
Ultimately, age is something to keep an eye with this unit. But they have loads of experience and savvy and should be more than fine. Size and durability are clearly this line’s strongest assets. G Kyle Kosier could get competition from T Pat McQuistan for the starting left guard job in training camp. Kosier is a solid run blocker and a proven starter, yet he can be a liability in pass protection when his fundamentals break down. Stud T Flozell Adams re-signed for six years, which was a major coup for this unit because he’s a leader and load on the edge. As for their big free-agent acquisition last year of RG Leonard Davis, that move was a smashing success. This is one of the best lines in the league, period.
Better or worse than last year:
For the run: Same
For the pass: Same
Here are their top 10:
1. Cleveland
2. New England
3. Dallas
4. San Deigo
5. NY Giants
6. Minnesota
7. Indianapolis
8. New Orleans
9. Jacksonville
10. Philadelphia
3. Dallas Cowboys
-------------------------
Projected Starters:
Tackles: Flozell Adams (33), Marc Colombo (29)
Guards: Kyle Kosier (29), Leonard Davis (29)
Center: Andre Gurode (30)
Outlook: Dallas’ line was very solid when run-blocking last season, but not exactly dominant. The Cowboys wound up ranking in the middle of the NFL, with an average of 109 rushing yards/game. Yet their impressive 4.2 yards/carry average suggests that this group could have excelled if the run wasn’t abandoned at times. In terms of pass protection, this unit was simply outstanding. This group allowed just 25 sacks, which landed them in the top third of the league in that category. Given the amount of throwing QB Tony Romo did last year, that’s an astonishingly low number.
Looking ahead, this line, which returns all five starters, will have more pass-blocking responsibilities in 2008. After all, OC Jason Garrett is expected to get even more aggressive and creative with the air attack. It’s also worth noting that line coach Hudson Houck has stated his intention of starting the best five linemen this year, no matter what position they have played in the past. That little nugget indicates that some positional shuffling could occur this summer.
Ultimately, age is something to keep an eye with this unit. But they have loads of experience and savvy and should be more than fine. Size and durability are clearly this line’s strongest assets. G Kyle Kosier could get competition from T Pat McQuistan for the starting left guard job in training camp. Kosier is a solid run blocker and a proven starter, yet he can be a liability in pass protection when his fundamentals break down. Stud T Flozell Adams re-signed for six years, which was a major coup for this unit because he’s a leader and load on the edge. As for their big free-agent acquisition last year of RG Leonard Davis, that move was a smashing success. This is one of the best lines in the league, period.
Better or worse than last year:
For the run: Same
For the pass: Same
Here are their top 10:
1. Cleveland
2. New England
3. Dallas
4. San Deigo
5. NY Giants
6. Minnesota
7. Indianapolis
8. New Orleans
9. Jacksonville
10. Philadelphia
