How do YOU think each projected starter on the offensive line is going to pan out?

[baj1dallas]

Flozell will be back and eventually return to form. I expect him to struggle a bit early in the season after the long layoff, and fans will come in here and cry after every penalty or sack given up. But by the end of the year he will be back to near probowl level.

Kosier is a step down from LA in every aspect of the game minus one. People (myself included) are going to have to remember that he wasn't brought in to be a dominant run blocker. I hope he can at least be efficient.

Johnson needs to be better this year after one of his worst years here imo. You don't driven off the line the way he did purely because of a lack of strength, or it would happen every down. He needs to keep it from happening. This is impossible to predict.

Rivera should be a little better at least this year. I don't expect perfection here.

Petitti has a darn good chance at starting on the right side this year, if so he'll be given a short leash (as long as Fabini is healthy). There's no telling how much improvement we'll see until the games start.

All in all, there's definitely questions. I don't think there's a lack of ability, but lack of cohesiveness and the other questions definitely make this one of the more questionable units on the team.

 

[jazzcat22]

I think it's gonna be sketchy at first. Honestly, I wouldn't expect our run blocking to be all that impressive this year, either. I'm a big proponent of continuity - the best Oline's in the league have been working together as a unit for 3-4 years. Expecting this unit to gel immediately is setting yourself up to be disappointed. The pass blocking early should be good, IMO. As the season goes on, the run blocking will progress, hopefully we can average at least 4 ypc this year.

When 40% of your line is new, that's gonna take some time to get going. I really hope Rivera, even if he's not at 100% (which he is, by all accounts) steps up as the leader of the line this year. Vocally, and by example.

I always heard this to be opposite. Offensive Lineman prefer run blocking over pass protection. I do agree the first several games, maybe 5 or 6, will be adjustment time to get that continuity. But for all phases of the game. I'll say it will take more time to get the pass protection in synch over the running game.

You have more to work on, picking up the blitzes and assignments. Also with using more of the two TE sets comes into play on that. More to think about, need quicker reactions on a pass play. On a run play, they know more excactly what to do, who block, except on your run blitzes. But even then with the extra TE, they can anticipate that more than before, and keep him in to block. But you are right, it takes time, however teams do not have 3 - 4 years to gel, because of FA, someone is always replaced in that time.

Yes, Marco will be the vocal and example leader, I think he comes back big this year. I also believe this is all the OL is hearing, is how they are the weak link. I think this motivates them to show they will not be that weak gear and they will perform like a well oiled machine, once they get all those little kinks worked out and become a cohesive unit by game 5.

 

[speedkilz88]

With Fasano covering up Flo on the left side, he should be even better in pass protection and word is out that Flo is in great shape which has always been his biggest problem imo.

Kosier is who the coaches/scouts expect to start, the guy will actually help the running game a lot with his ability to pull. Something we haven't seen in a while from that spot.

Al Johnson has beat out Gurode continuously up until this point don't see that changing with Al finally getting his weight back up since his microfracture surgery. The extra muscle should definitely improve a guy who was still a pretty decent starter.

Rivera's problems last year wasn't that the back was still hurting him, it was that he lost a lot of strength after the surgery and couldn't work out for awhile after it. He should be much improved with a full season of workouts.

Fabini isn't as old as people think, he has the same amount of years in the league as Flo and has been a steady player even when he was forced to play on the left side. He or an improved Petitti should be solid at RT and the loser at this spot will make excellent depth along with Colombo.

The line as a whole should definetly show improvement as long as they stay healthy.

 

[superpunk]

I always heard this to be opposite. Offensive Lineman prefer run blocking over pass protection. I do agree the first several games, maybe 5 or 6, will be adjustment time to get that continuity. But for all phases of the game. I'll say it will take more time to get the pass protection in synch over the running game.

You have more to work on, picking up the blitzes and assignments. Also with using more of the two TE sets comes into play on that. More to think about, need quicker reactions on a pass play. On a run play, they know more excactly what to do, who block, except on your run blitzes. But even then with the extra TE, they can anticipate that more than before, and keep him in to block. But you are right, it takes time, however teams do not have 3 - 4 years to gel, because of FA, someone is always replaced in that time.

Yes, Marco will be the vocal and example leader, I think he comes back big this year. I also believe this is all the OL is hearing, is how they are the weak link. I think this motivates them to show they will not be that weak gear and they will perform like a well oiled machine, once they get all those little kinks worked out and become a cohesive unit by game 5.

Usually, yes...but our linemen I think are going to be geared more towards pass blocking. Quicker, lighter....they'll require more scheming in run blocking, rather than just physical domination. That takes time, IMO.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Oh come'on!

Petitti has a better chance of beating out Fabini than Gurode/Peterman have of beating out Kosier.

On the :money:

 

[Eskimo]

Here are my very biased opinions:


Flozell - he will be solid but unspectacular

Kosier - I think he will be a pleasant surprise and will really help us with his ability to pull and make the blocks in space LA has been missing the last four years.

Johnson - He will be improved and will be about an average center.

Rivera - I don't think he will finish the year. I expect some injury to sideline him at some point. Gurode will step in as his replacement and will play better than expected.

Fabini - will beat out Petitti and Columbo at RT and play at an average level.

Pettiti - will be much improved at TC and will be the backup at RT

Columbo - big X factor. Hasn't played much football in a few years but was once a first rounder. I don't think he does much and gets cut.

Peterman - If any of the young interior OL shows something in camp, he gets cut. Otherwise, he gets to ride the pine for another year and collect a paycheck.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Funny. When I heard the ticket announce the pick was Carpenter, I wasn't disappointed that we weren't getting Lawson--I was disappointed that I would see these posts for weeks/months/years to come.

:moon:

Poor 'ogt'!

 

[Charles]

Starters in Bold

Left Tackle - Flozell Adams. He's already walking and running Nuff said.

Primary Back-up - Rob Petitti. I think he goes back to his college position. I think Parcells tried Petitti at RT due to lack of players at the position (see the Jacob Rogers debacle). I think Petitti slides into the role held by Torrin Tucker last season. IMHO he looked uncomfortable at RT, but Petitti resiliency and stick to it mentality after switching sides will go a long way in helping his career after being drafted in the 6th RD. As his confidence grows, he'll be an asset because the coaches will know they can always plug him in at the RT should the need occur.

Left Guard - Stephen Peterman. Folks he tore his ACL and MCL. That means he had to learn how to walk again, never mind training to play in the strenches in the NFL. He's a Nick Saban player. I think this pick is based more on faith in Saban players. While Bradie James didn't face a serious injury, he was a dissapointment after 2 seasons. He bounced back. I think Stephen does the same and outright wins the LG spot. He started his collegiate career as a TE, then moved to DE meaning he's an athletic 6'4" 320lbs. Any doubt there was some basketball in his young career? I think he'll showcase the ability to pull, block on the 2nd level and hold his ground against the pass rush. Easily my sleeper going into training-camp.

Primary Back-up - Kyle Kosier. Other than Center I think I've read that he played every position on the Oline. I think the contracts numbers had more to do with the bidding war with other teams than his projection into becoming a starter. He's a classic utility Olineman. The type of guy who's smart enough to step in short notice and be servicable. He should be nick-named the "The Patch".

Center - Andre Gurode. I think it will be easier for Gurode to learn the Oline calls than it will be for Al Johnson to put on weight, maintain it throughout an entire season and play at a high level. I don't buy the idea that Al Johnson is better in space or on the second level blocking. Parcells wouldn't have stated that Gurode was better suited at Center if he hadn't seen something in the past that made him realize he made a mistake at keeping him at RG. Gurode also showed his versatility replacing Rivera late last season for spot duty.

Primary Back-up - Al Johnson. When you have zero versatility (to date) then you better be exceptional at your role. Al Johnson hasn't been a very good center. That could be his ticket off the roster. It's been 2 Full seasons since Al Johnson underwent the micro-fracture surgery. Personally I gave him a pass in 2004, but IMHO there was no excuse to have given Gurode an inch in camp. It should have been a shut out. It wasn't.

Mark Stepnoski was a weed head. So we know he had the munchies, his weight was very similar to Johnson, but the talent difference has become very evident. This is really year 3 (due to rookie injury) for Johnson, either he outright wins the center spot or I think his roster spot is in jeopardy due to his lack of versatility to date. I can see a guy like EJ Whitley, a very versatile Olineman sneeking in and earning a roster, but I'll give Johnson the back-up spot due to Gurode's emergence as clear cut starter and Parcell's affinity for keeping atleast 2 centers on the roster with game experience.

Right Guard - Marco Rivera Healthy Nuff said.

Primary Back-up - Combination of Gurode and Kyle Kosier. Also the presence of Al Johnson as back-up center allows Gurode to move to RG should the need arise.


Right Tackle - Marc Colombo. We have a player with a 1st RD value with a chip on his shoulder. By all accounts he's getting healthier and will be ready to go by training camp. I think Marc Colombo wins this gig. I bet anyone that Drew Bledsoe is hoping Colombo plays to his draft value at the RT spot. He'll have 2 mammoth tackles covering his flanks.


Primary Back-up - Jason Fabini on a limited role is a great asset. A seasoned veteran winding down, preaching Parcells Oline gospel to the Oline masses and brings the tough guy mentality to the Oline. I remember Parcells stating in a press conference that on many of his good teams, his Olinemen ran the lockeroom They were too big no one dared "f" with them. I think Fabini brings that mentality. Mawae and Fabini ran the Jets lockerroom and treated Martin like a King.


Thats 9 starter and Primary Back-ups. Throw in 2 surprise guys from the fodder shelf and we've got a formidable Oline. I think

 

[lspain1]

Right Tackle - Marc Colombo. We've a player with a 1st RD value with a chip on his shoulder. By all accounts he's getting healthier and will be ready to go by training camp. I think Marc Colombo wins this gig. I bet anyone that Drew Bledsoe is hoping Colombo plays to his draft value at the RT spot. He'll have 2 mammoth tackles covering his flanks.


Primary Back-up - Jason Fabini on a limited role is a great asset. A seasoned veteran winding down, preaching Parcells Oline gospel to the Oline masses and brings the tough guy mentality to the Oline. I remember Parcells stating in a press conference that on many of his good teams, his Olinemen ran the lockeroom They were too big no one dared f'ed with them. I think Fabini brings that mentality. Mawae and Fabini ran the Jets lockerroom and treated Martin like a King.

I really want things to happen just this way. If Columbo comes back strong we will have a young presence at RT that will solidify our right side. The folks here that believe he won't make it are not thinking it through. Columbo was injured but had first round talent and a ton of upside. Everyone here should desperately want this guy to succeed. He has better potential today than Petitti and that is no insult to Rob.

 

[Cbz40]

I really want things to happen just this way. If Columbo comes back strong we will have a young presence at RT that will solidify our right side. The folks here that believe he won't make it are not thinking it through. Columbo was injured but had first round talent and a ton of upside. Everyone here should desperately want this guy to succeed. He has better potential today than Petitti and that is no insult to Rob.

If Columbo comes back strong....well...I couldn't think of a better scenario coming out of TC.

 

[DragonCowboy]

Charles, I would love that scenario. You have about 3 upset starters, but I would still love that.

Columbo, Peterman, and Gurode are all fairly young, and Flozell Adams is still good for some more years.

If your scenario panned out, we could maybe replace Rivera with Kosier after Rivera calls it quits

 

[AdamJT13]

Johnson-- I think he beats out Gurode and takes 80% of the snaps during the season. His best season yet. Not a "Pro-Bowl" type season but consistent. 2 sacks given up.

Just based on those stats (80 percent and 2.0 sacks allowed), that would be Johnson's worst season yet.

In 2004, he played 95 percent of the snaps and allowed half a sack.

In 2005, he played 85 percent of the snaps and allowed 1.25 sacks.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'm not going to complain if Columbo earns a starting job at RT. But my money is on Petitti starting against Jax.

 

[the_h0wey]

I think we have a real shot to make a run this year, but in my opinion the only thing that could stop us is our offensive line. There are questions about every projected starter...

Flozell Adams- We were 4-2 when Flozell went down and went .500 the rest of the season. Huge question to whether or not Flozell will be 100% after the ACL injury. If healthy, he will be the best OL on the squad. I believe Flozell comes back with a spectacular year and proves how important he is to the Dallas Cowboys.

Kyle Kosier- We keep hearing different things and opinions about this guy. Apparantly our people see something special in this guy since we gave him a starting LG contract. Maybe we'll have a new offensive philosophy this season and Kosier "fits the bill" perfectly (no pun intended)? If anyone saw that clip of Kosier getting pancaked by LaVar Arrington, it wasn't a pretty site and hopefully those aren't things to come in 06'. If Kosier pans out, our GM will most definitely look like a genius. For some reason I have a good feeling about this signing. Kosier was considered a sleeper in the free agent market and may have a solid year being next to Flo.

Al Johnson- 2nd round pick in 03' that needs to step up his strength bigtime. Probably our smartest offensive lineman?? Reports were that he has improved his lower body strength in particular and that is a great sign. He needs to take over the starting center position so we don't keep having the SAME position battle between Johnson and Gurode every training camp. I believe Gurode was brought back for depth on the OL incase someone important goes down. PLEASE prove you are starting center material, Al. I believe Al will have his best year yet. Long gone will be the days of him getting pushed back into Bledsoe.

Marco Rivera- Probably the biggest question on the offensive line. Is he fully healed from his back injury? Obviously Rivera was not at full strength last year and it DEFINITELY showed. If we can get that dominate Rivera that protected Favre for so many years, Bledsoe will have all day...all day. Rivera bounces back with a solid season and becomes even more of a leader for this team.

Jason Fabini- Not sure what to think about this guy. But he is a "Parcells guy" for sure. We've been searching for our right tackle for a long time, and Fabini isn't the long term answer for sure. He is just filling time for either another draft pick, or a well-improved 6th round pick in Rob Petitti. Petitti may have had has rough times, but he held his head high and started a full 16 game season as a 6th round rookie..not easy to do. Fabini will be serviceable this year, but I see RT as the weak spot on our OL this year.

If our OL pans out for the better, this offense could be scary in 06'. How do you guys think each "projected" starter will pan out this year??? GO BOYS! :starspin

You know what it is really sad that I keep telling myself the line will be better this year, but when I actually look at all those subpar names written down together it honestly terrifies me

 

[theogt]

You know what it is really sad that I keep telling myself the line will be better this year, but when I actually look at all those subpar names written down together it honestly terrifies me

Subpar names? Two pro-bowlers, a solid veteran that's been consistent his entire career, a second round pick that should be coming into his own, and a prospect that statistically had a better year than Larry Allen?