CFZ Offensive Line Deep Dive: PS Game 1

[Creeper]

Some of you may be interested in this since OL is a hot topic. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research. Some of my conclusions may surprise you.

I went back and watched every snap about 10-12 times, looking at each offensive lineman at least twice.

1st half OL was:
- Asim Richards at LT
- Farniok at LG
- Hoffman at C
- Ball at RG
- Waletzgo at RT

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Farniok/Richards at LG
- Hoffman/Lindstrom at C
- T.J. Bass at RG
- Taylor (long last name) at RT

I’m listing these guys in order of how well I think they played…buckle up. I’ll list all the 2nd team guys first cause it’s unfair to compare the 3rd stringers

Asim Richards - Best OL of the game. Played really well at LT against the Jags starting defense, including their #1 overall pick Walker. Looked very comfortable in pass pro, and moved guys in the run game. He needs to get stronger but his technique was really good. He struggled more against the 3rd string as a LG than he did against starters as a LT, and I think that was largely some comms issues with Bostick Jr and his lack of strength showing. Cowboys got a steal here. Get excited about this guy.

Josh Ball - No….I’m not kidding. His first series was awful, but he played really solid after that. If you don’t believe me, go watch the game. On every running play, he got the most push and kept his feet. On pass downs, he got pushed back the least of the interior guys. He looked very much in control of his body at all times. I don’t know what to tell you but he was my 2nd best lineman. I even prematurely called him out in a post last night…whoops

Matt Farniok - There’s not a big drop off between Ball and Farniok. He played pretty well, and I thought Farniok and Richards were the best duo on the line. They handled stunts really well together. Matt gets the job done, but he looks a little chaotic, and just straight up whiffed on some run and pass blocks. Needs to keep his feet better and not get caught reaching

Hoffman - Hoffman was a bit of a yikes for me. First of all, you don’t see him block much because on most passing downs he’s just standing there like he’s just happy to be a part of something. I get he’s holding the spy LB at bay but for crying out loud help your guards with a shove, man. When he did go 1 on 1 with a DT, he either got stonewalled on run plays, or pushed backwards like he was on a treadmill on pass plays. Even late in the game against 3rd stringers he was getting whooped, and sometimes he whiffed hard

Matt Waletzgo - I HATE that I’m writing this man’s name as the worst 2nd team lineman. He did not play well. Honestly, he’s the reason most of you think Ball sucked. He could not process a single stunt to save his life. He hugged guys multiple times, lost his feet constantly, looked clumsy like a baby giraffe most of the game, and just had zero power. I honestly would had guessed he’d be the TOP performer before the game, but alas, he just doesn’t look in control at all. Maybe it’s the move to RT? I don’t know but it was ROUGH for Matt.

3rd stringers

Earl Bostick Jr - The LTs just showed out today. Honestly, I’d rank Bostick above Hoffman and Waletzgo if I wasn’t separating 3rd stringers. He was solid. Not a ton of power, but held his own and got push in the run game. He probably benefited by having Farniok and then Richards next to him. The one play where Deuce got killed was a comms issue between him and Richards, but outside of that he was solid (for 3rd stringers)

T.J. Bass - Played ok. Whiffed a few times, fell down a few times, but worthy of practice squad IMO

Taylor (long last name) - meh. Bostick was much better. He was constantly out of position and reaching. Probably an easy cut

Lindstrom - Barely played in the 4th qtr. Don’t know why they kept Hoffman in so long. Played ok

2 Bonus Notes!!!!
1. I LOVE this offensive design. There were a lot of screens that never happened because of quick read passes. So cool to see designed screen plays with hot route options getting used. I think this offense will be fun if Dak can process things quickly.

2. OK….Deuce is really good. Go back and watch his TD run. It’s an inside zone run, and there was a weak hole for him to use but instead his instincts put him right past a completely free defender before the guy even knew what happened. He did alot of improvised runs when the hole didn’t materialize. I’m excited to see more.

Good writeup. I saw the same things. Richards is a guy I am excited about but I want to see him play more.

Farniok has always had the same problem. He is slowing getting into a strong foundation. When guy give him the quick bull rush, he gets wiped out. He needs to work on sitting his butt down quicker in pass protection and getting his hands up and on the DT. He has no punch. But that is in pass protection only. When he run blocks he is an animal. Still, he is 3 years in now and he should not be getting shoved into the QB with his arm flailing anymore. I think he is looking at his last year.

 

[Teague31]

Waltezko was shockingly bad.

 

[blueblood70]

Some of you may be interested in this since OL is a hot topic. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research. Some of my conclusions may surprise you.

I went back and watched every snap about 10-12 times, looking at each offensive lineman at least twice.

1st half OL was:
- Asim Richards at LT
- Farniok at LG
- Hoffman at C
- Ball at RG
- Waletzgo at RT

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Farniok/Richards at LG
- Hoffman/Lindstrom at C
- T.J. Bass at RG
- Taylor (long last name) at RT

I’m listing these guys in order of how well I think they played…buckle up. I’ll list all the 2nd team guys first cause it’s unfair to compare the 3rd stringers

Asim Richards - Best OL of the game. Played really well at LT against the Jags starting defense, including their #1 overall pick Walker. Looked very comfortable in pass pro, and moved guys in the run game. He needs to get stronger but his technique was really good. He struggled more against the 3rd string as a LG than he did against starters as a LT, and I think that was largely some comms issues with Bostick Jr and his lack of strength showing. Cowboys got a steal here. Get excited about this guy.

Josh Ball - No….I’m not kidding. His first series was awful, but he played really solid after that. If you don’t believe me, go watch the game. On every running play, he got the most push and kept his feet. On pass downs, he got pushed back the least of the interior guys. He looked very much in control of his body at all times. I don’t know what to tell you but he was my 2nd best lineman. I even prematurely called him out in a post last night…whoops

Matt Farniok - There’s not a big drop off between Ball and Farniok. He played pretty well, and I thought Farniok and Richards were the best duo on the line. They handled stunts really well together. Matt gets the job done, but he looks a little chaotic, and just straight up whiffed on some run and pass blocks. Needs to keep his feet better and not get caught reaching

Hoffman - Hoffman was a bit of a yikes for me. First of all, you don’t see him block much because on most passing downs he’s just standing there like he’s just happy to be a part of something. I get he’s holding the spy LB at bay but for crying out loud help your guards with a shove, man. When he did go 1 on 1 with a DT, he either got stonewalled on run plays, or pushed backwards like he was on a treadmill on pass plays. Even late in the game against 3rd stringers he was getting whooped, and sometimes he whiffed hard

Matt Waletzgo - I HATE that I’m writing this man’s name as the worst 2nd team lineman. He did not play well. Honestly, he’s the reason most of you think Ball sucked. He could not process a single stunt to save his life. He hugged guys multiple times, lost his feet constantly, looked clumsy like a baby giraffe most of the game, and just had zero power. I honestly would had guessed he’d be the TOP performer before the game, but alas, he just doesn’t look in control at all. Maybe it’s the move to RT? I don’t know but it was ROUGH for Matt.

3rd stringers

Earl Bostick Jr - The LTs just showed out today. Honestly, I’d rank Bostick above Hoffman and Waletzgo if I wasn’t separating 3rd stringers. He was solid. Not a ton of power, but held his own and got push in the run game. He probably benefited by having Farniok and then Richards next to him. The one play where Deuce got killed was a comms issue between him and Richards, but outside of that he was solid (for 3rd stringers)

T.J. Bass - Played ok. Whiffed a few times, fell down a few times, but worthy of practice squad IMO

Taylor (long last name) - meh. Bostick was much better. He was constantly out of position and reaching. Probably an easy cut

Lindstrom - Barely played in the 4th qtr. Don’t know why they kept Hoffman in so long. Played ok

2 Bonus Notes!!!!
1. I LOVE this offensive design. There were a lot of screens that never happened because of quick read passes. So cool to see designed screen plays with hot route options getting used. I think this offense will be fun if Dak can process things quickly.

2. OK….Deuce is really good. Go back and watch his TD run. It’s an inside zone run, and there was a weak hole for him to use but instead his instincts put him right past a completely free defender before the guy even knew what happened. He did alot of improvised runs when the hole didn’t materialize. I’m excited to see more.

good write up,

I have to remind some you guys that when we're doing these individual evaluations of these lineman it's because of how they're playing next to each other.

that's a lot of backups playing next to each other, so it's a hard to really judge these guys because I believe when you plug them in one at a time with the rest of the starters they're going to look a lot better than they do playing next to each other.​

​

so the evaluations have to be taken with a grain of salt because, some of those guys are better in my opinion Farinock is the swing guard slash/ center from what i saw last year. I think he's a lot better than ball. I watched him play last year he reminds me of Conor McGovern,​

​

I know that's not great but that's also you guys are looking at these guys as individuals playing next to other less than stellar backup lineman and there was no scheming or blocking game planning like there will be in the regular season.​

​

Do appreciate your list I just think that there's a little bit of a exaggeration of how negative some of these reports are coming out because I think some of them are gonna play a lot better when they're used in the regular season in emergency situations next to the rest of the starters.​

 

[blueblood70]

Some of you may be interested in this since OL is a hot topic. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research. Some of my conclusions may surprise you.

I went back and watched every snap about 10-12 times, looking at each offensive lineman at least twice.

1st half OL was:
- Asim Richards at LT
- Farniok at LG
- Hoffman at C
- Ball at RG
- Waletzgo at RT

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Farniok/Richards at LG
- Hoffman/Lindstrom at C
- T.J. Bass at RG
- Taylor (long last name) at RT

I’m listing these guys in order of how well I think they played…buckle up. I’ll list all the 2nd team guys first cause it’s unfair to compare the 3rd stringers

Asim Richards - Best OL of the game. Played really well at LT against the Jags starting defense, including their #1 overall pick Walker. Looked very comfortable in pass pro, and moved guys in the run game. He needs to get stronger but his technique was really good. He struggled more against the 3rd string as a LG than he did against starters as a LT, and I think that was largely some comms issues with Bostick Jr and his lack of strength showing. Cowboys got a steal here. Get excited about this guy.

Josh Ball - No….I’m not kidding. His first series was awful, but he played really solid after that. If you don’t believe me, go watch the game. On every running play, he got the most push and kept his feet. On pass downs, he got pushed back the least of the interior guys. He looked very much in control of his body at all times. I don’t know what to tell you but he was my 2nd best lineman. I even prematurely called him out in a post last night…whoops

Matt Farniok - There’s not a big drop off between Ball and Farniok. He played pretty well, and I thought Farniok and Richards were the best duo on the line. They handled stunts really well together. Matt gets the job done, but he looks a little chaotic, and just straight up whiffed on some run and pass blocks. Needs to keep his feet better and not get caught reaching

Hoffman - Hoffman was a bit of a yikes for me. First of all, you don’t see him block much because on most passing downs he’s just standing there like he’s just happy to be a part of something. I get he’s holding the spy LB at bay but for crying out loud help your guards with a shove, man. When he did go 1 on 1 with a DT, he either got stonewalled on run plays, or pushed backwards like he was on a treadmill on pass plays. Even late in the game against 3rd stringers he was getting whooped, and sometimes he whiffed hard

Matt Waletzgo - I HATE that I’m writing this man’s name as the worst 2nd team lineman. He did not play well. Honestly, he’s the reason most of you think Ball sucked. He could not process a single stunt to save his life. He hugged guys multiple times, lost his feet constantly, looked clumsy like a baby giraffe most of the game, and just had zero power. I honestly would had guessed he’d be the TOP performer before the game, but alas, he just doesn’t look in control at all. Maybe it’s the move to RT? I don’t know but it was ROUGH for Matt.

3rd stringers

Earl Bostick Jr - The LTs just showed out today. Honestly, I’d rank Bostick above Hoffman and Waletzgo if I wasn’t separating 3rd stringers. He was solid. Not a ton of power, but held his own and got push in the run game. He probably benefited by having Farniok and then Richards next to him. The one play where Deuce got killed was a comms issue between him and Richards, but outside of that he was solid (for 3rd stringers)

T.J. Bass - Played ok. Whiffed a few times, fell down a few times, but worthy of practice squad IMO

Taylor (long last name) - meh. Bostick was much better. He was constantly out of position and reaching. Probably an easy cut

Lindstrom - Barely played in the 4th qtr. Don’t know why they kept Hoffman in so long. Played ok

2 Bonus Notes!!!!
1. I LOVE this offensive design. There were a lot of screens that never happened because of quick read passes. So cool to see designed screen plays with hot route options getting used. I think this offense will be fun if Dak can process things quickly.

2. OK….Deuce is really good. Go back and watch his TD run. It’s an inside zone run, and there was a weak hole for him to use but instead his instincts put him right past a completely free defender before the guy even knew what happened. He did alot of improvised runs when the hole didn’t materialize. I’m excited to see more.

I agree Richards looks a lot like Tyler Smith to me that'd be crazy if we found this guy and he ends up turning out to be even above average I thought the guy was gonna be a guard you know if tyron Smith gets hurt and Tyler goes back to left tackle then you put Richards in at left guard..??

 

[Cowboyny]

Encouraging to hear about Richards. Remember we also have Edoka who can play either G/T. Get Martin back and this line looks a whole lot better.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

I think this is a little harsh on Waletzko lol

It wasn't always pretty, but it's not like he was getting turnstiled all night.

 

[McMicah]

I agree Richards looks a lot like Tyler Smith to me that'd be crazy if we found this guy and he ends up turning out to be even above average I thought the guy was gonna be a guard you know if tyron Smith gets hurt and Tyler goes back to left tackle then you put Richards in at left guard..??

Good question. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but based on that game? I’d keep Tyler Smith at LG and just plug Asim in at LT. He just looked sooo much better as a T than he did at G.

It’s year 1. He will continue to grow, and may eventually rock out as a G

 

[blueblood70]

Good question. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but based on that game? I’d keep Tyler Smith at LG and just plug Asim in at LT. He just looked sooo much better as a T than he did at G.

It’s year 1. He will continue to grow, and may eventually rock out as a G

I'll have to take your word for it

I didn't take that close a look when I was watching the game at who was in and who was doing what along the lines.... that would be weird to have a low draft pick like that be the first guy in at left tackle.

I mean that's a critical spot, I'm not sure the coaches would do that I mean they would much more comfortable with moving Tyler back out there but hey you never know if we hit on another guy who can just be good along the line somewhere that low in the draft, that's a win.

 

[McMicah]

I'll have to take your word for it

I didn't take that close a look when I was watching the game at who was in and who was doing what.... that would be weird to have a low draft pick like that be the first guy in at left tackle.

I mean that's a critical spot, I'm not sure the coaches would do that I mean they would much more comfortable with moving Tyler back out there but hey you never know if we hit on another guy who can just be good along the line somewhere that low in the draft, that's a win.

Yeah I think my assessment is more about how BAD Asim played as a G than how GOOD he played at tackle. He really did hold his own as a LT against the 1s which was encouraging for the future.

I know I ranked Waletzko last, but I really do wonder if it’s a right side - left side issue. He might be the guy you play at LT if (when) Tyron goes down. I want to see him play on the left side in preseason.

 

[nalam]

Yeah I think my assessment is more about how BAD Asim played as a G than how GOOD he played at tackle. He really did hold his own as a LT against the 1s which was encouraging for the future.

I know I ranked Waletzko last, but I really do wonder if it’s a right side - left side issue. He might be the guy you play at LT if (when) Tyron goes down. I want to see him play on the left side in preseason.

This makes sense , he (Asim) played tackle in college and for Guard he may need to go through strength and training program in NFL. But right now issue is if Waletzko cant be swing tackle , we need a backup tackle , if Asim can step up , hoping Tyron doesnt have serious injury issues , may be 1-2 games yips , we can fill in LT without changing the whole line. ( Martin needs to hurry back )

 

[McMicah]

( Martin needs to hurry back )

Amen, dude. Preach

 

[Motorola]

Some of you may be interested in this since OL is a hot topic. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research. Some of my conclusions may surprise you.

I went back and watched every snap about 10-12 times, looking at each offensive lineman at least twice.

1st half OL was:
- Asim Richards at LT
- Farniok at LG
- Hoffman at C
- Ball at RG
- Waletzgo at RT

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Farniok/Richards at LG
- Hoffman/Lindstrom at C
- T.J. Bass at RG
- Taylor (long last name) at RT

I’m listing these guys in order of how well I think they played…buckle up. I’ll list all the 2nd team guys first cause it’s unfair to compare the 3rd stringers

Asim Richards - Best OL of the game. Played really well at LT against the Jags starting defense, including their #1 overall pick Walker. Looked very comfortable in pass pro, and moved guys in the run game. He needs to get stronger but his technique was really good. He struggled more against the 3rd string as a LG than he did against starters as a LT, and I think that was largely some comms issues with Bostick Jr and his lack of strength showing. Cowboys got a steal here. Get excited about this guy.

Josh Ball - No….I’m not kidding. His first series was awful, but he played really solid after that. If you don’t believe me, go watch the game. On every running play, he got the most push and kept his feet. On pass downs, he got pushed back the least of the interior guys. He looked very much in control of his body at all times. I don’t know what to tell you but he was my 2nd best lineman. I even prematurely called him out in a post last night…whoops

Matt Farniok - There’s not a big drop off between Ball and Farniok. He played pretty well, and I thought Farniok and Richards were the best duo on the line. They handled stunts really well together. Matt gets the job done, but he looks a little chaotic, and just straight up whiffed on some run and pass blocks. Needs to keep his feet better and not get caught reaching

Hoffman - Hoffman was a bit of a yikes for me. First of all, you don’t see him block much because on most passing downs he’s just standing there like he’s just happy to be a part of something. I get he’s holding the spy LB at bay but for crying out loud help your guards with a shove, man. When he did go 1 on 1 with a DT, he either got stonewalled on run plays, or pushed backwards like he was on a treadmill on pass plays. Even late in the game against 3rd stringers he was getting whooped, and sometimes he whiffed hard

Matt Waletzgo - I HATE that I’m writing this man’s name as the worst 2nd team lineman. He did not play well. Honestly, he’s the reason most of you think Ball sucked. He could not process a single stunt to save his life. He hugged guys multiple times, lost his feet constantly, looked clumsy like a baby giraffe most of the game, and just had zero power. I honestly would had guessed he’d be the TOP performer before the game, but alas, he just doesn’t look in control at all. Maybe it’s the move to RT? I don’t know but it was ROUGH for Matt.

3rd stringers

Earl Bostick Jr - The LTs just showed out today. Honestly, I’d rank Bostick above Hoffman and Waletzgo if I wasn’t separating 3rd stringers. He was solid. Not a ton of power, but held his own and got push in the run game. He probably benefited by having Farniok and then Richards next to him. The one play where Deuce got killed was a comms issue between him and Richards, but outside of that he was solid (for 3rd stringers)

T.J. Bass - Played ok. Whiffed a few times, fell down a few times, but worthy of practice squad IMO

Taylor (long last name) - meh. Bostick was much better. He was constantly out of position and reaching. Probably an easy cut

Lindstrom - Barely played in the 4th qtr. Don’t know why they kept Hoffman in so long. Played ok

2 Bonus Notes!!!!
1. I LOVE this offensive design. There were a lot of screens that never happened because of quick read passes. So cool to see designed screen plays with hot route options getting used. I think this offense will be fun if Dak can process things quickly.

2. OK….Deuce is really good. Go back and watch his TD run. It’s an inside zone run, and there was a weak hole for him to use but instead his instincts put him right past a completely free defender before the guy even knew what happened. He did alot of improvised runs when the hole didn’t materialize. I’m excited to see more.

McMicah - appreciate the thorough analysis.
(This how all CZers should do reviews of players and games...instead of half-cocked, shoot-from-the hip responses.)

 

[RS12]

Asim Richards​

We haven’t heard much from the rookie as he has been pushed down the depth chart with the addition of free agent veteran Chuma Edoga, but a leg injury last week suddenly opened the door for Richards to get some extra chances. And that chance included taking on the starting left tackle spot against the Jags' first-team defense.

Richards had a nice NFL debut. He was quick off the snap and did a great job positioning himself against his defender. He showed patience by never overcommitting one way or another and nifty footwork to always protect the outside and drive his man past the quarterback. Even if the pass rusher got a step on him, Richards used his length and kept the defender from cornering enough to get a shot at his quarterback.

In the run game, Richards did a good job setting himself, anchoring, and latched on well enough to keep the defender from moving past him.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...wgWrq51EjKWW2Spq_lNI4ix1KLZIz5lW-L94GqtUFmdLg

 

[McMicah]

Asim Richards​

We haven’t heard much from the rookie as he has been pushed down the depth chart with the addition of free agent veteran Chuma Edoga, but a leg injury last week suddenly opened the door for Richards to get some extra chances. And that chance included taking on the starting left tackle spot against the Jags' first-team defense.

Richards had a nice NFL debut. He was quick off the snap and did a great job positioning himself against his defender. He showed patience by never overcommitting one way or another and nifty footwork to always protect the outside and drive his man past the quarterback. Even if the pass rusher got a step on him, Richards used his length and kept the defender from cornering enough to get a shot at his quarterback.

In the run game, Richards did a good job setting himself, anchoring, and latched on well enough to keep the defender from moving past him.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...wgWrq51EjKWW2Spq_lNI4ix1KLZIz5lW-L94GqtUFmdLg

Vindication!!!!!!!!! Hahaha thanks for posting this!

 

[Iago33]

Vindication!!!!!!!!! Hahaha thanks for posting this!

I read the article and I would trust your analysis over his (though there were some points of agreement).

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

good write up,

I have to remind some you guys that when we're doing these individual evaluations of these lineman it's because of how they're playing next to each other.

that's a lot of backups playing next to each other, so it's a hard to really judge these guys because I believe when you plug them in one at a time with the rest of the starters they're going to look a lot better than they do playing next to each other.​

​

so the evaluations have to be taken with a grain of salt because, some of those guys are better in my opinion Farinock is the swing guard slash/ center from what i saw last year. I think he's a lot better than ball. I watched him play last year he reminds me of Conor McGovern,​

​

I know that's not great but that's also you guys are looking at these guys as individuals playing next to other less than stellar backup lineman and there was no scheming or blocking game planning like there will be in the regular season.​

​

Do appreciate your list I just think that there's a little bit of a exaggeration of how negative some of these reports are coming out because I think some of them are gonna play a lot better when they're used in the regular season in emergency situations next to the rest of the starters.​

Really good thread with many great posts.

As you say, the hope is that none of these backups ever have to play, but in reality, if they do it will hopefully only be one of them coming in. Even two could possibly be handled effectively. If we have to have three or more of them starting, then it's a problem. I think RIchards, or Edoga for that matter, can be decent if they have to come in. Farniok is probably only going to play at C and is definitely better than Hoffman. Those are probably your 3 game day active backups.

 

[Stardog]

Some of you may be interested in this since OL is a hot topic. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research. Some of my conclusions may surprise you.

I went back and watched every snap about 10-12 times, looking at each offensive lineman at least twice.

1st half OL was:
- Asim Richards at LT
- Farniok at LG
- Hoffman at C
- Ball at RG
- Waletzgo at RT

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Farniok/Richards at LG
- Hoffman/Lindstrom at C
- T.J. Bass at RG
- Taylor (long last name) at RT

I’m listing these guys in order of how well I think they played…buckle up. I’ll list all the 2nd team guys first cause it’s unfair to compare the 3rd stringers

Asim Richards - Best OL of the game. Played really well at LT against the Jags starting defense, including their #1 overall pick Walker. Looked very comfortable in pass pro, and moved guys in the run game. He needs to get stronger but his technique was really good. He struggled more against the 3rd string as a LG than he did against starters as a LT, and I think that was largely some comms issues with Bostick Jr and his lack of strength showing. Cowboys got a steal here. Get excited about this guy.

Josh Ball - No….I’m not kidding. His first series was awful, but he played really solid after that. If you don’t believe me, go watch the game. On every running play, he got the most push and kept his feet. On pass downs, he got pushed back the least of the interior guys. He looked very much in control of his body at all times. I don’t know what to tell you but he was my 2nd best lineman. I even prematurely called him out in a post last night…whoops

Matt Farniok - There’s not a big drop off between Ball and Farniok. He played pretty well, and I thought Farniok and Richards were the best duo on the line. They handled stunts really well together. Matt gets the job done, but he looks a little chaotic, and just straight up whiffed on some run and pass blocks. Needs to keep his feet better and not get caught reaching

Hoffman - Hoffman was a bit of a yikes for me. First of all, you don’t see him block much because on most passing downs he’s just standing there like he’s just happy to be a part of something. I get he’s holding the spy LB at bay but for crying out loud help your guards with a shove, man. When he did go 1 on 1 with a DT, he either got stonewalled on run plays, or pushed backwards like he was on a treadmill on pass plays. Even late in the game against 3rd stringers he was getting whooped, and sometimes he whiffed hard

Matt Waletzgo - I HATE that I’m writing this man’s name as the worst 2nd team lineman. He did not play well. Honestly, he’s the reason most of you think Ball sucked. He could not process a single stunt to save his life. He hugged guys multiple times, lost his feet constantly, looked clumsy like a baby giraffe most of the game, and just had zero power. I honestly would had guessed he’d be the TOP performer before the game, but alas, he just doesn’t look in control at all. Maybe it’s the move to RT? I don’t know but it was ROUGH for Matt.

3rd stringers

Earl Bostick Jr - The LTs just showed out today. Honestly, I’d rank Bostick above Hoffman and Waletzgo if I wasn’t separating 3rd stringers. He was solid. Not a ton of power, but held his own and got push in the run game. He probably benefited by having Farniok and then Richards next to him. The one play where Deuce got killed was a comms issue between him and Richards, but outside of that he was solid (for 3rd stringers)

T.J. Bass - Played ok. Whiffed a few times, fell down a few times, but worthy of practice squad IMO

Taylor (long last name) - meh. Bostick was much better. He was constantly out of position and reaching. Probably an easy cut

Lindstrom - Barely played in the 4th qtr. Don’t know why they kept Hoffman in so long. Played ok

2 Bonus Notes!!!!
1. I LOVE this offensive design. There were a lot of screens that never happened because of quick read passes. So cool to see designed screen plays with hot route options getting used. I think this offense will be fun if Dak can process things quickly.

2. OK….Deuce is really good. Go back and watch his TD run. It’s an inside zone run, and there was a weak hole for him to use but instead his instincts put him right past a completely free defender before the guy even knew what happened. He did alot of improvised runs when the hole didn’t materialize. I’m excited to see more.

Great post! Everyone was saying how bad Ball played and I thought he looked pretty good.

 

[McMicah]

Very well done. And I completely agree with your OL assessment. You'll hear from the Ball haters, but hes looked solid. I had him making the team before camp even started. But he's definitely solidified a spot.
Richardson looked real good at T.

It’s so weird that before rewatching the game, from all the podcasts and commentary you’d think Ball would be one of the first guys cut. If he plays like that for 3 games the dudes a lock

 

[BlindFaith]

It’s so weird that before rewatching the game, from all the podcasts and commentary you’d think Ball would be one of the first guys cut. If he plays like that for 3 games the dudes a lock

Talking heads and parrots. I pay no attention.
Camp talk is all about pet cats, hype and regurgitating what others post.
But your breakdown was spot on. Thats what I saw as well. We'll have good depth this year.
This roster, top to bottom, is the best Ive seen since our SuperBowl teams.
With one exception. Dakota. He'll never be Aikman good, but he needs to be Romo good. I think he can, I hope he can.
God only knows, its been a long 20 years.
How 'bout them Cowboys!!!

 

[conner01]

Yeah I’m very interested to see how this goes with Asim. A lot of people projected him at G when he got drafted, but he looked just fine at LT. I think at worst we definitely have a solid depth guy for our team, and that feels really good to say

Huge win if he can be a solid tackle