CFZ Offensive Line Deep Dive: PS Game 2

[McMicah]

Once again I bring you all a deep dive of the OL. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research.

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
- Hoffman at LG (Farniok was last week)
- Farniok at C (Hoffman was last week)
- Ball/Bass at RG
- Waletzgo/Taylor Prileau at RT (Waletzko got injured early)

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Hoffman/Richards at LG
- Farniok at C
- Ball/Bass at RG
- Taylor Prileau 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 - Tied for Best OL of the game (as a tackle only!!). Y’all…this guy is really good. LT just looks so easy for him. He NEVER once got beat inside and he did an excellent job pushing outside rushers upfield. Pancaked like 6 guys throughout the game, including one play where he packaged his man, Hoffman, and Hoffmans man haha. He recovers so fast when moves are put on him. He’s so good I wouldn’t even move Tyler Smith if Tyron got hurt. Just play Asim cause he’s pretty awesome. Not there as a guard yet. Glad he’s getting practice, but he needs to get stronger. Frankly got blown up as a guard a couple times due to strength issues. This guy is BY FAR your best backup tackle, though I’ve never seen him play the right side.

Josh Ball - Also tied for best OL of the game. I’ve been so wrong about this guy. I think he pancaked more people than anyone and did probably best overall in pass pro keeping a clean pocket. Maybe I saw one play where he got beat, but it was a quick throw. He is just so much in control of his body at all times. Some of you guys are brainwashed into hating Ball and in fairness you should…as a tackle. As a guard, well this is our best backup guard and it’s not even remotely close. This guy has a future here.

Matt Farniok - I think Farniok is better as a Center than a guard. No idea why. He did have that premature snap, and he does get turned here and there, but I think it’s a strength issue. He’s very aware and is good at assisting and doubling guys. He’s our best backup center, but I wouldn’t call him a great backup. He’s not as good as Ball or Richards, who stay very square against their blocks and instantly recover when off balance. Farniok should continue to improve as he gets stronger.

Taylor Prileau - Yes…that just happened. I ranked a 3rd stringer higher than the remaining 2nd stringers. I’m not saying this guy was amazing, but he did better than Waletzko. He did get beat inside a couple times on pass rushes and whiffed on a run block once, but he was actually pretty stout. Call me a heretic, but I’m kinda rooting for Waletzko to go on PUP so this guy makes the 53. He’s 26, so he’s not foreign to any of this, and maybe starters will eat his lunch, but he STILL had a better game than the remaining 2nd stringers. Had one holding call that was a bit ticky-tack

Matt Waletzgo - This guy was my pet cat last year, but I just don’t see it. Mind you I thought he played better a little better this week, but he got beat inside about 3-4x which is saying something cause he was out early in this game with a shoulder injury. Maybe the right side just isn’t his bag. He got beat bad to the outside one play and that got the ball swatted and Rush knocked hard, and I’m 95% sure that’s when he hurt his shoulder. You can see him shaking his arm after that play testing it. I think he seemed a bit more in control of his body this game, but I just don’t think he has the quickness to make it long term. My least favorite play of his was when he literally backed up all the way into Rush before the DE engaged him.

Hoffman - Im done with this experiment. Hoffman is objectively awful. As a center, as a guard. Doesn’t matter. He should identify as a revolving door because he gets turned like every 4th play. Gave up pressures, sacks, holding penalty, hands to face penalty, and frankly just looks like a guy that has no business being on that field. I’d take TJ Bass over him. This guy has 0 strength. His initial ‘punch’ looks like he’s trying to give the Holy Spirit to people, and he cannot keep a clean pocket if the qb needs to hold the ball for more than a second. Both times we were on their 35 and got backed out of field goal range was basically all on him. If this guy makes the 53 I will lose my mind. Hopefully Chuma comes back soon and makes this easy. I’ll say one nice thing. He had one nice pancake against a LB after pulling on one play. There. I’m nice.

3rd stringers

Taylor-Prileau - Played well. Assessment is above but wanted to reinforce he is technically a 3rd stringer and only came in when W got hurt. Best of the 3rd stringers though IMO

Earl Bostick Jr - Played pretty solid as a 3rd stringer. I think you gotta get this guy on your practice squad. There’s a lot of potential there. He needs…well…everything. Strength, technique, etc. BUT he has some pretty exciting raw talent and natural ability. He could be better than Taylor-Prileau by seasons end

T.J. Bass - Bass is interesting. He is BY FAR the quickest guy on the line. Sometimes he went to the second level so fast it kinda messed up the play. He really looks super light on his feet, and that’s kinda the problem. He looks light….as in not heavy. He moved like a TE but also looked like he had that strength level at times. He gets pushed back alot but with strength he could be special. He seems very aware in double teams and what his assignment is and really shines getting to the second level. If he had more power I’d be lobbying for him on the 53. He’s just not there yet IMO.

Lindstrom - Never saw him swap with Farniok. Not even sure he played

 

[T-RO]

Thanks for taking the time to review and work up your thoughts. Obviously these guys were facing backups across from them. We all know this is a vulnerability for the team. Hopefully we can develop at least a couple of these guys into something serviceable.

 

[America's Cowboy]

I truly appreciate your hard work, but I don't agree with some of your takes, especially about Matt Farniok #68. Farniok was dominant all game long as Center, and this tape shows it...

 

[Kolemmitt]

Thanks for taking the time to review and work up your thoughts. Obviously these guys were facing backups across from them. We all know this is a vulnerability for the team. Hopefully we can develop at least a couple of these guys into something serviceable.

Nope. For the first several drives, Seattle had their starters. I actually feel very good about several of our young Olinemen.

 

[Kolemmitt]

Once again I bring you all a deep dive of the OL. Dallascowboys app has the whole commercial free game, and I encourage you to do your own research.

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
- Hoffman at LG (Farniok was last week)
- Farniok at C (Hoffman was last week)
- Ball/Bass at RG
- Waletzgo/Taylor Prileau at RT (Waletzko got injured early)

2nd half OL was:
- Bostick Jr at LT
- Hoffman/Richards at LG
- Farniok at C
- Ball/Bass at RG
- Taylor Prileau 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 - Tied for Best OL of the game (as a tackle only!!). Y’all…this guy is really good. LT just looks so easy for him. He NEVER once got beat inside and he did an excellent job pushing outside rushers upfield. Pancaked like 6 guys throughout the game, including one play where he packaged his man, Hoffman, and Hoffmans man haha. He recovers so fast when moves are put on him. He’s so good I wouldn’t even move Tyler Smith if Tyron got hurt. Just play Asim cause he’s pretty awesome. Not there as a guard yet. Glad he’s getting practice, but he needs to get stronger. Frankly got blown up as a guard a couple times due to strength issues. This guy is BY FAR your best backup tackle, though I’ve never seen him play the right side.

Josh Ball - Also tied for best OL of the game. I’ve been so wrong about this guy. I think he pancaked more people than anyone and did probably best overall in pass pro keeping a clean pocket. Maybe I saw one play where he got beat, but it was a quick throw. He is just so much in control of his body at all times. Some of you guys are brainwashed into hating Ball and in fairness you should…as a tackle. As a guard, well this is our best backup guard and it’s not even remotely close. This guy has a future here.

Matt Farniok - I think Farniok is better as a Center than a guard. No idea why. He did have that premature snap, and he does get turned here and there, but I think it’s a strength issue. He’s very aware and is good at assisting and doubling guys. He’s our best backup center, but I wouldn’t call him a great backup. He’s not as good as Ball or Richards, who stay very square against their blocks and instantly recover when off balance. Farniok should continue to improve as he gets stronger.

Taylor Prileau - Yes…that just happened. I ranked a 3rd stringer higher than the remaining 2nd stringers. I’m not saying this guy was amazing, but he did better than Waletzko. He did get beat inside a couple times on pass rushes and whiffed on a run block once, but he was actually pretty stout. Call me a heretic, but I’m kinda rooting for Waletzko to go on PUP so this guy makes the 53. He’s 26, so he’s not foreign to any of this, and maybe starters will eat his lunch, but he STILL had a better game than the remaining 2nd stringers. Had one holding call that was a bit ticky-tack

Matt Waletzgo - This guy was my pet cat last year, but I just don’t see it. Mind you I thought he played better a little better this week, but he got beat inside about 3-4x which is saying something cause he was out early in this game with a shoulder injury. Maybe the right side just isn’t his bag. He got beat bad to the outside one play and that got the ball swatted and Rush knocked hard, and I’m 95% sure that’s when he hurt his shoulder. You can see him shaking his arm after that play testing it. I think he seemed a bit more in control of his body this game, but I just don’t think he has the quickness to make it long term. My least favorite play of his was when he literally backed up all the way into Rush before the DE engaged him.

Hoffman - Im done with this experiment. Hoffman is objectively awful. As a center, as a guard. Doesn’t matter. He should identify as a revolving door because he gets turned like every 4th play. Gave up pressures, sacks, holding penalty, hands to face penalty, and frankly just looks like a guy that has no business being on that field. I’d take TJ Bass over him. This guy has 0 strength. His initial ‘punch’ looks like he’s trying to give the Holy Spirit to people, and he cannot keep a clean pocket if the qb needs to hold the ball for more than a second. Both times we were on their 35 and got backed out of field goal range was basically all on him. If this guy makes the 53 I will lose my mind. Hopefully Chuma comes back soon and makes this easy. I’ll say one nice thing. He had one nice pancake against a LB after pulling on one play. There. I’m nice.

3rd stringers

Taylor-Prileau - Played well. Assessment is above but wanted to reinforce he is technically a 3rd stringer and only came in when W got hurt. Best of the 3rd stringers though IMO

Earl Bostick Jr - Played pretty solid as a 3rd stringer. I think you gotta get this guy on your practice squad. There’s a lot of potential there. He needs…well…everything. Strength, technique, etc. BUT he has some pretty exciting raw talent and natural ability. He could be better than Taylor-Prileau by seasons end

T.J. Bass - Bass is interesting. He is BY FAR the quickest guy on the line. Sometimes he went to the second level so fast it kinda messed up the play. He really looks super light on his feet, and that’s kinda the problem. He looks light….as in not heavy. He moved like a TE but also looked like he had that strength level at times. He gets pushed back alot but with strength he could be special. He seems very aware in double teams and what his assignment is and really shines getting to the second level. If he had more power I’d be lobbying for him on the 53. He’s just not there yet IMO.

Lindstrom - Never saw him swap with Farniok. Not even sure he played

Thanks for the write-up!
It seems so many just parrot the narrative that our OLine depth is bad.
The crazy thing is that we were going against Seattle's starters for several drives, and held our own with a full line of backups!
As of now, I feel great about Richards, solid about Farniok and Ball, and intrigued by Bass. That's probably more depth than most NFL teams can hope for!!

 

[VaqueroTD]

As each game goes by, Asim Richards starting to look like a steal.

I don’t rewatch the game tapes, but felt like every play where someone was getting beat, Asim was holding up on his man.

Went back to his scouting profile to try and figure out why he dropped so low and didn’t realize he is a fairly new converted lineman.

 

[TheDuke]

Good post. I rewatched the game yesterday focusing on each offensive lineman and I agree with your thoughts on individual performances. I think Bass should start getting Hoffman’s 2nd team reps thought I’ve only seen him strictly play RG and Hoffman has played all three interior spots.

 

[McMicah]

Good post. I rewatched the game yesterday focusing on each offensive lineman and I agree with your thoughts on individual performances. I think Bass should start getting Hoffman’s 2nd team reps thought I’ve only seen him strictly play RG and Hoffman has played all three interior spots.

Agree. Bass reminds me of Farniok as a rookie, but with more quickness and awareness. Just needs a weight room and more snaps and I think you might have something

 

[McMicah]

Nope. For the first several drives, Seattle had their starters. I actually feel very good about several of our young Olinemen.

Me too man. 2 weeks in a row Asim and Ball have ROCKED against starting DLs, and I think Farniok played well as a center too. I think you have your core backups for every spot on the line.

It’s just the bad backups making the line look bad as a whole.

I also view Bass and Bostick and the next Farniok and Waletzko, and both might have higher ceilings. Bass is quicker than Farniok was his rookie season. Bostick just looks waaaay more athletic and in control of his body. It’s pretty exciting!

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

Still haven’t seen Edoga. Ball I thought looked much better inside. Those two and Richards could probably hold down the fort. It says a lot when the generic OL depth is the naysayers siren song after WR TE and RB look a bit more solidified. Left to acting like a full slate of backups not dominating starters is the end of the world

 

[baltcowboy]

Asim is awesome. He seems like a keeper at left tackle.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Asim Richards - Tied for Best OL of the game (as a tackle only!!). Y’all…this guy is really good. LT just looks so easy for him.

Appreciate the thread.........quite a few others have called out this kid. Could he be our LT version of Steele? You make an interesting point about HIM, not Tyler replacing Tyron when goes down. Actually, the Eagles had a very similar situation a few years ago when Lane Johnson was drafted to play LT but started RT and played so well that they decided to try Mailata in the LT position when lost Jason Peters. As they say, the rest is history.....lol.

 

[DeaconMoss]

Richards was a good player in college. I knew he was a good pick. When we lose Tyron, I wonder if they play him at LG or LT. Asim maybe a better LT than LG. Team should keep him at T, IMO. Farniok played well. Hes the backup center. Hoffman is trash. He should be cut today. Ball is inconsistent. Needs to be more Jekyll than Hyde.

 

[cowboyblue22]

richards is a draft pick he will make the team

 

[Denim Chicken]

 

[John813]

Good to see some encouraging numbers/reviews for Ball.

 

[McMicah]

Yes! Vindication!

 

[Denim Chicken]

 

[Creeper]

Good writeup overall, but I too have a few minor disagreements. I will go back and watch the game again, but I thought Asim struggled at times at LT. Of course he was facing starting caliber talent, as was Waletzko, but I think Richards right now might be better inside. Waletzko struggled with Mafe the entire time he was in there.

Farniok is a pretty good run blocker. He is better at C than G because he struggles with a guy right in front of him. His problem is he is too slow getting his hands up and on his opponent. He loses when the defenders get their hands on Farniok first. Then it becomes a strength and leverage issue. But I think if Biadasz goes down Farniok will be okay as a replacement.

Bass does not impress me as a run blocker. Perhaps he just needs more time. He came into the game when the backups to the backups were in.

As I have been saying, the starting 5 for Dallas is way better than the second string, but if one or two of these guys has to play due to injury, I thinks they will be okay. Taylor-Prileau did better for the most part. But he look very raw to me. He is also tall and very lean looking for an OT. Still, he manages to use his length somehow to smother guys coming at him. But he is not moving anybody in the run game. If he puts on some weight, he m ight be a diamond in the rough.

 

[Praxit]

yep, been hearing good things from Richards. Lets hope he pans out.