Feeling better about left guard

[gimmesix]

Went back and rewatched the first half focusing on the play of Cooper and Green at left guard and I thought both played well when given their shot.

I still prefer Green based on their styles of play. Green is a club. He stuns his man coming out of his stance in pass protection and knocks his man backward in run blocking. Where Green gets in trouble is when he misses with his punch in pass protection, which he did on one play but it proved to be inconsequential because the ball came out quickly.

Cooper is more of a wall. He doesn't knock his man back or get a whole lot of movement, but he gets in good position to absorb the pass rush or wall off in run blocking. Where Cooper gets in trouble is that he can be driven back some or can fail to push his opponent out of the way.

Both players' techniques were effective in this game, but I think Green's adds more to the overall effectiveness of the line. I could be wrong, but it's what I believe based on observation.

Now, I know we've only seen a little of Green at guard, but what I saw tonight isn't really any different than what he showed at tackle last year in the preseason and when called on during the regular season.

Collins also looked better at tackle. Based on how he handles it when he's beaten in practice or even in last week's preseason game, he seems to learn from his mistakes.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Went back and rewatched the first half focusing on the play of Cooper and Green at left guard and I thought both played well when given their shot.

I still prefer Green based on their styles of play. Green is a club. He stuns his man coming out of his stance in pass protection and knocks his man backward in run blocking. Where Green gets in trouble is when he misses with his punch in pass protection, which he did on one play but it proved to be inconsequential because the ball came out quickly.

Cooper is more of a wall. He doesn't knock his man back or get a whole lot of movement, but he gets in good position to absorb the pass rush or wall off in run blocking. Where Cooper gets in trouble is that he can be driven back some or can fail to push his opponent out of the way.

Both players' techniques were effective in this game, but I think Green's adds more to the overall effectiveness of the line. I could be wrong, but it's what I believe based on observation.

Now, I know we've only seen a little of Green at guard, but what I saw tonight isn't really any different than what he showed at tackle last year in the preseason and when called on during the regular season.

Collins also looked better at tackle. Based on how he handles it when he's beaten in practice or even in last week's preseason game, he seems to learn from his mistakes.

Green looked solid tonight. Minus the stupid penalties. If the guy could stay healthy he would be a solid starter. But you cant count on a guy that cant stay healthy. I think they are wise to make him the first guy off the bench. Cooper played well tonight.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

Went back and rewatched the first half focusing on the play of Cooper and Green at left guard and I thought both played well when given their shot.

I still prefer Green based on their styles of play. Green is a club. He stuns his man coming out of his stance in pass protection and knocks his man backward in run blocking. Where Green gets in trouble is when he misses with his punch in pass protection, which he did on one play but it proved to be inconsequential because the ball came out quickly.

Cooper is more of a wall. He doesn't knock his man back or get a whole lot of movement, but he gets in good position to absorb the pass rush or wall off in run blocking. Where Cooper gets in trouble is that he can be driven back some or can fail to push his opponent out of the way.

Both players' techniques were effective in this game, but I think Green's adds more to the overall effectiveness of the line. I could be wrong, but it's what I believe based on observation.

Now, I know we've only seen a little of Green at guard, but what I saw tonight isn't really any different than what he showed at tackle last year in the preseason and when called on during the regular season.

Collins also looked better at tackle. Based on how he handles it when he's beaten in practice or even in last week's preseason game, he seems to learn from his mistakes.

I have you a like cause i thought you gave a very fair analysis of the players. Although i disagree and feel Cooper is the better player and gives us much better value as the backup OT and OG......that's 4 spots i feel he can come in if needed.

Cooper played very well at center as well so i like both their flexibility. Cooper was getting to the 2nd level very solid and was looking at times for someone to block. I feel sometimes he lunges and that's when he had problems but recovered quickly.


Tyron, Cooper, Frederick, Zack, Collins is the best 5 with Green backing all positions up not including center which in that case Cooper slides over and Green comes in. Other then that if Green was LG and a tackle was hurt you move Green to tackle and Cooper to LG and that's a ton of shuffling of the line.

 

[gimmesix]

Green looked solid tonight. Minus the stupid penalties. If the guy could stay healthy he would be a solid starter. But you cant count on a guy that cant stay healthy. I think they are wise to make him the first guy off the bench. Cooper played well tonight.

If both can play like they did Saturday, I feel like we'll be OK either way. Frankly, I can't really remember poor plays by Cooper in the three preseason games. I think Collins has had more at tackle than Cooper has had at tackle. Of course, tackle is the tougher position.

 

[gimmesix]

I have you a like cause i thought you gave a very fair analysis of the players. Although i disagree and feel Cooper is the better player and gives us much better value as the backup OT and OG......that's 4 spots i feel he can come in if needed.

Cooper played very well at center as well so i like both their flexibility. Cooper was getting to the 2nd level very solid and was looking at times for someone to block. I feel sometimes he lunges and that's when he had problems but recovered quickly.


Tyron, Cooper, Frederick, Zack, Collins is the best 5 with Green backing all positions up not including center which in that case Cooper slides over and Green comes in. Other then that if Green was LG and a tackle was hurt you move Green to tackle and Cooper to LG and that's a ton of shuffling of the line.

I do like that we seem to have options. If they were to go with Green and the inevitable injury came up, then Cooper could step in or vice versa.

I do think Dallas would rather have Cooper win the job, both because of Green's health issues and because he's a valuable tackle backup. It may be better to play him less so that you have him in reserve than to stick him in knowing that the more he plays, the more likely he is to get injured.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I like the current setup of Cooper at LG and Green as swing everything.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I think what gets overlooked is how well Collins play. Must better technique this time than in the previous 2 games. I thought Cooper played very well, borderline great. The only question I have is that the Colts D sucks. But I think at this point we just need to make Cooper the LG and get him as much playing time as we can so he can get better and better and improve his stamina.




YR

 

[armadillooutlaw]

I think what gets overlooked is how well Collins play. Must better technique this time than in the previous 2 games. I thought Cooper played very well, borderline great. The only question I have is that the Colts D sucks. But I think at this point we just need to make Cooper the LG and get him as much playing time as we can so he can get better and better and improve his stamina.




YR

I really like Cooper and i have hope that he can stay healthy since unlike Green (who i also like), Cooper stayed pretty healthy in college. Also to your point about Collins, I totally agree. He looked phenomenal. Most of the time the guys lining up across from him were actually good players ( Jabaal Sheard and Jon Simon) and he was great.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

I like the current setup of Cooper at LG and Green as swing everything.

I like this idea too, Green might stay healthy for the whole season if he just has spot duty here and there.

 

[CCBoy]

If Green doesn't appear above a journeyman level, delegate him to minor contract considerations in the future.

 

[CF74]

This offense looks really good, granted it was just the Colts...

 

[jazzcat22]

Went back and rewatched the first half focusing on the play of Cooper and Green at left guard and I thought both played well when given their shot.

I still prefer Green based on their styles of play. Green is a club. He stuns his man coming out of his stance in pass protection and knocks his man backward in run blocking. Where Green gets in trouble is when he misses with his punch in pass protection, which he did on one play but it proved to be inconsequential because the ball came out quickly.

Cooper is more of a wall. He doesn't knock his man back or get a whole lot of movement, but he gets in good position to absorb the pass rush or wall off in run blocking. Where Cooper gets in trouble is that he can be driven back some or can fail to push his opponent out of the way.

Both players' techniques were effective in this game, but I think Green's adds more to the overall effectiveness of the line. I could be wrong, but it's what I believe based on observation.

Now, I know we've only seen a little of Green at guard, but what I saw tonight isn't really any different than what he showed at tackle last year in the preseason and when called on during the regular season.

Collins also looked better at tackle. Based on how he handles it when he's beaten in practice or even in last week's preseason game, he seems to learn from his mistakes.

Sounds like Green and Cooper should be merged to create a mega - LG....you know, how we get threads merged here to create mega - threads......
Only if it was that easy...

 

[gimmesix]

I think what gets overlooked is how well Collins play. Must better technique this time than in the previous 2 games. I thought Cooper played very well, borderline great. The only question I have is that the Colts D sucks. But I think at this point we just need to make Cooper the LG and get him as much playing time as we can so he can get better and better and improve his stamina.




YR

I agree that the level of play of the Colts' defense definitely has to be considered, but I do like that Collins seems to be willing and able to fix whatever problems show up for him.

 

[casmith07]

I think the Cowboys should go with Smith, Cooper, Fredbeard, Martin, and Collins to open the season and let Green continue to work on technique and strength/durability in the weight room.

I'm also pretty excited to see this group Week 1. I think the Giants (and Mara) are in for a rude awakening with our RBBC if Zeke misses time.

 

[robjay04]

I like Green as a swing tackle and guard.

It gives us a lot of flexibility if someone goes down.

 

[xwalker]

I have you a like cause i thought you gave a very fair analysis of the players. Although i disagree and feel Cooper is the better player and gives us much better value as the backup OT and OG......that's 4 spots i feel he can come in if needed.

Cooper played very well at center as well so i like both their flexibility. Cooper was getting to the 2nd level very solid and was looking at times for someone to block. I feel sometimes he lunges and that's when he had problems but recovered quickly.


Tyron, Cooper, Frederick, Zack, Collins is the best 5 with Green backing all positions up not including center which in that case Cooper slides over and Green comes in. Other then that if Green was LG and a tackle was hurt you move Green to tackle and Cooper to LG and that's a ton of shuffling of the line.

Cooper does not play OT.

 

[gimmesix]

Sounds like Green and Cooper should be merged to create a mega - LG....you know, how we get threads merged here to create mega - threads......
Only if it was that easy...

You put both of their best traits together and you get something close to what we have in Martin. Martin delivers that jolt of power but doesn't lose position if he misses or the defender is able to deflect.

My greatest concern with Cooper is that some of the better, stronger defensive linemen will take advantage of the fact that he doesn't deliver a jolt by getting into his body and running him over. He's been able to keep his base in a good position to maintain leverage this preseason so maybe that won't be a problem ... but it did seem to be his major issue in his previous seasons from what I saw.

With Green, the concern would be him missing with his punch or it being deflected and him being caught off balance or flat-footed. That would allow the DT to just blow right by him, like happened on the one play Saturday where it ultimately didn't matter. I haven't seen him miss too often, though, in the the games we've seen him play.

We'll see if these concerns pop up when they go against the better DTs. I'd like to see them trade out series in the regular-season "warm-up" to see how both handle it.

 

[diefree666]

You put both of their best traits together and you get something close to what we have in Martin. Martin delivers that jolt of power but doesn't lose position if he misses or the defender is able to deflect.

My greatest concern with Cooper is that some of the better, stronger defensive linemen will take advantage of the fact that he doesn't deliver a jolt by getting into his body and running him over. He's been able to keep his base in a good position to maintain leverage this preseason so maybe that won't be a problem ... but it did seem to be his major issue in his previous seasons from what I saw.

With Green, the concern would be him missing with his punch or it being deflected and him being caught off balance or flat-footed. That would allow the DT to just blow right by him, like happened on the one play Saturday where it ultimately didn't matter. I haven't seen him miss too often, though, in the the games we've seen him play.

We'll see if these concerns pop up when they go against the better DTs. I'd like to see them trade out series in the regular-season "warm-up" to see how both handle it.

Cooper was facing Hankins on numerous plays and handled him well; Hankins is a quality DT

 

[gimmesix]

Cooper was facing Hankins on numerous plays and handled him well; Hankins is a quality DT

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better about it. I didn't pay attention to who the defenders were. I know in the Arizona game that they weren't playing their starters and that Donald didn't play in the LA game.

 

[diefree666]

Thanks. That makes me feel a little better about it. I didn't pay attention to who the defenders were. I know in the Arizona game that they weren't playing their starters and that Donald didn't play in the LA game.

Now he did not face Hankins all the time; but from what I could see he handled him pretty well.