Free to play this year... But in what role?...More on Leonard Davis at left tackle

[TheRat]

From Archer:

10:51 AM Fri, Jul 31, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/bio-icon.jpg Bio | http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail | http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg News tips
When the Cowboys signed Leonard Davis as a free agent in 2007, Jerry Jones mentioned Davis could play left tackle one day, especially if the team lost Flozell Adams to an injury or to free agency after that season.
Davis played the spot in Arizona from 2004-06 and was good enough to be a Pro Bowl alternate, though he never made it to the all-star game. And I didn't think it made sense to move Davis after seeing him dominate on the interior and earn Pro Bowl spots at right guard the last two seasons.
But Davis took some left tackle snaps during one-on-one pass rush drills and looked agile. Adams is the key figure to the line, in my opinion. If he can play like he did in 2007 than I think things will be fine. If not, well, just like every team with a struggling left tackle, the quarterback better be prepared.
Here's what the Davis to left tackle snaps told me: the Cowboys still don't know a thing about Doug Free or Pat McQuistan. I did some snooping and was told Free will play this year (somehow) and has had a solid off-season. The preseason games will be big for him. McQuistan looked good to me in the running game during the morning practice but struggled in the afternoon.
Let's say Adams goes down and they move Davis to left tackle. That puts Montrae Holland at right guard, I would suppose. Jerry Jones mentioned depth as his concern the other day. Depth on the O-line is at the top of that list.



http://www.***BANNED-URL***/images/ice3/icons/blog.gif Comments (4) Leave comment | http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail entry
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[Stash]

I don't think there's a player on the roster that I'm rooting to come through more than Doug Free.

This franchise needs him.

 

[Chief]

This franchise needs him.

No kidding.

Everyone talks about the receivers, but the offensive line has been a worrying point for me since last season.

Flozell usually gets dinged up and he's not getting any younger.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Wait a minute - a OL draft pick who can actually play?

 

[AbeBeta]

Free is likely going to be the OT backup on game day. This suggests to me that the staff sees him as ahead of McQuistan at this point - right now however I really think that the #1 backup at OT if there is any significant injury is Davis.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Wait a minute - a OL draft pick who can actually play?

Nobody said he could play. That is yet to be proven. Thus far he hasn't played well.

 

[21Savage]

Yeah, in what role? Do they mean they yank flo out out of the starting lineup?

 

[NextGenBoys]

Yeah, in what role? Do they mean they yank flo out out of the starting lineup?

No, Free will likely backup both LT and RT. But like Abe said, if injury occurs, Bigg will probably be moved to LT

 

[AbeBeta]

Yeah, in what role? Do they mean they yank flo out out of the starting lineup?

They likely mean he is playing ST and may give Flo a breather in blowouts

 

[Bob Sacamano]

They likely mean he is playing ST and may give Flo a breather in blowouts

Free is the Bobby Carpenter on offense

worlds of talent, but not there when it comes to being physical

 

[21Savage]

Well, that's no differerent from what happened in 2007 and is certainly not some earth-shattering news you'll need to snoop around for. Archer makes it sound like he'll be playing some meaningful minutes.

 

[21Savage]

Free is the Bobby Carpenter on offense

worlds of talent, but not there when it comes to being physical

I totally disagree. He may not be physically dominant but he tries and sticks his nose in there.

 

[AbeBeta]

Free is the Bobby Carpenter on offense

worlds of talent, but not there when it comes to being physical

he isn't physical -- but you've got much more of a shot being a finesse OT - provided you've got the strength and technique -- than being a finesse ILB in a 3-4 scheme

 

[tchoice23]

Igor is stuffing the run against Free. I hope he opens running lanes, atleast today.

 

[AbeBeta]

Basing this on what? When has he proven not to be physical?

in fairness to Summer, that was a pretty prominent "negative" on most of his scouting reports - although I can't recall seeing that when he's played (not that I can claim to have seen much of his play)

 

[theogt]

Free is the Bobby Carpenter on offense

worlds of talent, but not there when it comes to being physical

he isn't physical -- but you've got much more of a shot being a finesse OT - provided you've got the strength and technique -- than being a finesse ILB in a 3-4 scheme

Hey may not be a mauler, but I don't think he's anything like Carpenter in the lack of "being physical" department. He's performed pretty well when he's had a chance.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Hey may not be a mauler, but I don't think he's anything like Carpenter in the lack of "being physical" department. He's performed pretty well when he's had a chance.

I'm not saying he doesn't try to be physical

just he doesn't hold up well physically, that may change this year, but I haven't read any indications that he's strong enough

 

[theogt]

I'm not saying he doesn't try to be physical

just he doesn't hold up well physically, that may change this year, but I haven't read any indications that he's strong enough

Well, if he's one of the only linemen we have that can slow down Ware, I think that's a decent sign he's ready to step up if needed.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Well, if he's one of the only linemen we have that can slow down Ware, I think that's a decent sign he's ready to step up if needed.

:laugh2:

 

[burmafrd]

On one play he supposedly slowed Ware down. If Free has so much talent and so much potential why was he not even TRIED last year when the Hotel had the infected hand and could not raise his arm? Free did not even play a minute even when the Hotel was that bad.