Free to stay at Guard

[Luther]

I predict that we have seen the last of Costa and that Bernie has become the primary interior backup at Guard and Center. This will also lead to the end of the Arkin project. Killer has demonstrated enough in live action that should warrant a spot as the 2nd interior lineman that can play guard and center in a pinch. Here are my spots on the OL for the final roster: Smith, Leary, Fred, Free, Parnell, Bernie, Killer, Bell and Street FA after final cuts.

I could live with that.

 

[Idgit]

Whatever ends up happening, we're fortunate in one regard with the OL: we've got three OTs who can all play at least the two OT positions. In Free's case, he can also play RG. In Bernadeau, we've got a guy who can play C, LG and RG at a tolerable level. And with Frederick, we've got a guy who can play OC and RG. That's quite a bit of position flex, overall.

With just our starting 5 OL and Mack and Costa, we can cover every injury contingency at every position with NFL-quality starters (not great ones, but these are guys who can and have started in this league). If we keep Kowalski (as I expect) and an OT (I'm guessing Bess), we can cover at least two injuries to any position with a couple of different permutations. That's really not bad depth, depending what you think of Kowalski as a third option, and what you think of Bess. Stash, say, Coughman on the PS and we can get by with 9 OLs pretty effectively.

Stash Ratliff on PUP to start the season, and you're probably buying time for a luxury player like Tanney or Johnson, at least for 6 weeks or so.

Given our injury problems with the line overall, that's actually a fairly stable allocation of resources.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Well, all I can say is that IMO, both Free and Parnell looked terrible at RG and RT last week. Can they improve? Anything is possible but they are going to have to get much better, real fast.

 

[newlander]

Hahaha, "put together."

Kyle Long
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6061
Weight: 313
40 Yrd Dash: 4.91
20 Yrd Dash: 2.86
10 Yrd Dash: 1.70
Vertical Jump: 28
Broad Jump: 08'11"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.63
3-Cone Drill: 7.83



Doug Free
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6062
Weight: 324
40 Yrd Dash: 5.19
20 Yrd Dash: 2.96
10 Yrd Dash: 1.78
Vertical Jump: 30
Broad Jump: 09'03"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.53
3-Cone Drill: 7.38
Height - 6062, Weight - 324

So, despite being heavier, Free had a better shuttle, three cone, broad jump, and vertical jump. But yes, please keep staring at Long's "hips."

"ROMOSEXUAL">.........my god....quoting combine stats isn't gonna cut it man. Long is a STUD and is killing people at the LOS and at the 2nd level: he's their BEST olineman already according to coaches and the media. Free is............Free. It won't work long term: he hardly has the strength to play Tackle well, and he's going to play GUARD? Moronic JJ as usual.....

 

[TheRomoSexual]

"ROMOSEXUAL">.........my god....quoting combine stats isn't gonna cut it sparky. Long is a STUD and is killing people at the LOS and at the 2n

Sorry, but you've already exposed yourself as a troll and everything you say is suspect. Move along.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

Well, all I can say is that IMO, both Free and Parnell looked terrible at RG and RT last week. Can they improve? Anything is possible but they are going to have to get much better, real fast.

I can't say I agree with this. After the first drive, Romo generally had a lot of time and a very nice pocket.

 

[Nova]

I thought one of Free's biggest problems was his strength. Isn't that only going to be amplified against interior DT and NTs?

Yeah, I was wondering when someone would mention this.

Even when he was playing well in '09, it was evident he struggled against stronger/bigger lineman. Obviously not as important in a ZBS vs PBS, but I'm still concerned.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

Yeah, I was wondering when someone would mention this.

Even when he was playing well in '09, it was evident he struggled against stronger/bigger lineman. Obviously not as important in a ZBS vs PBS, but I'm still concerned.

This is the biggest concern certainly. But I also think it's overblown, and certainly not as much as a worry as with Arkin. As with Arkin, I'm interested in having a more "agile" guard, and Free fits the bill.

Then again, I'm in the "anyone but Bern" camp.

 

[CowboyStar88]

"ROMOSEXUAL">.........my god....quoting combine stats isn't gonna cut it man. Long is a STUD and is killing people at the LOS and at the 2nd level: he's their BEST olineman already according to coaches and the media. Free is............Free. It won't work long term: he hardly has the strength to play Tackle well, and he's going to player GUARD? Moronic JJ as usual.....

Funny that you blame JJ for Free at OG... Really shows how much you've been paying attention. But go ahead continue ranting on its what you do best.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I can't say I agree with this. After the first drive, Romo generally had a lot of time and a very nice pocket.

Even after that first play it was Murray that had the mental breakdown and not free or Parnell which was part of why he was benched.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I can't say I agree with this. After the first drive, Romo generally had a lot of time and a very nice pocket.

That is not at all what I saw.

 

[newlander]

Well, all I can say is that IMO, both Free and Parnell looked terrible at RG and RT last week. Can they improve? Anything is possible but they are going to have to get much better, real fast.

correct: I TRULY believe most of these guys don't watch the games......really sit down and objectively watch them. Free was well below avg. in that game and Parnell was worse. The front office needs to sign or trade for 1 or even 2 Guards and move Free back to RT. If not, we're looking at 8-8 again.

 

[iceberg]

Obviously I'm going to reference Waters, but Geoff Hangartner's another Texas boy with some solid starting experience that might be worth a look. Same with Peterman.

Look, I don't love the Cowboys trying to pinch pennies on the OL, but I do get the philosophy. There's also a point where you have to read the writing on the wall and react accordingly.

We struck out with Bern, Livings, and Arkin, we've got a hole at OG, and there are serviceable players in FA available to fill that hole. Now isn't the time to stubborn about this; just sign a solid guard, keep Free at OT, and let's get on with it.

i don't think they're being stubborn. waters? i thought we made him an offer i guess he refused.
hangartner? looks like no one else in the NFL is interested in him but he's better than what we have?

i don't think they're trying to pinch pennies, i think some fans just like to say that as an "excuse" to say we should spend more $ on the line. i think frederick is going to make a HUGE difference in the OL by him being the QB of it alone. if this is what the team feels puts the best 5 in the best spot, go for it.

if another OG or OT comes up being cut we can use, look it over. outside that, i do think this will be an improved line this year.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

That is not at all what I saw.

Oh really? How many times was Romo pressured after the first series?

 

[CowboyStar88]

correct: I TRULY believe most of these guys don't watch the games......really sit down and objectively watch them. Free was well below avg. in that game and Parnell was worse. The front office needs to sign or trade for 1 or even 2 Guards and move Free back to RT. If not, we're looking at 8-8 again.

I've actually watched the game 4 times and I truly believe you haven't watched the game either. Actually Xwalker has broken down a few series in depth and those plays contradict any statement you have made so far.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I've actually watched the game 4 times and I truly believe you haven't watched the game either. Actually Xwalker has broken down a few series in depth and those plays contradict any statement you have made so far.

You're wasting your time quoting facts and statistics at someone like newlander. He cares more about how a player is "put together," and I guess how their hips look.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Oh really? How many times was Romo pressured after the first series?

If I were at home now, I could probably tell you because I do have the game taped. Unfortunately, I am currently on the east coast and do not have access to it. However, I know what I saw. If you want to know how many times, rewatch that game and see for yourself. Also notice where the Cowboys start running the ball.

Perhaps if ABQJr. is online, he can have a look. IDK.

 

[skinsscalper]

I think height is my main concern with Free, but Kyle Long is also just over 6'6". Should be interesting, gotta say I didn't think the team had the testicular fortitude to try something so out of the box. I kinda like it.

My main concern is not Free, however. It's Parnell.

Bingo! Free actually looked pretty damned good at RT this pre-season and now we're going to roll with a guy that has barely showed up for practice? SMH.

 

[TheCount]

I read it again and laughed harder. DON'T compare a stud, butt kicking young Guard like Long to a washed up, soft clown like Free.....it's assinine

Your reading comprehension skills are sorely lacking.

 

[CowboyStar88]

You're wasting your time quoting facts and statistics at someone like newlander. He cares more about how a player is "put together," and I guess how their hips look.

Oh I know it's part of the doomsday crowd. Obviously since they think they know more then the scouts the coaches and the players and the team isn't making the moves THEY think they should make its an automatic failure. Baffles me that the doomsday crowd thinks this way. 2 first rounders a middle rounder and 2 UDFA starting on the line. I don't see a problem I see a lot to be encouraged about.