2008 Projected Starters:
Left Tackle: Flozell Adams
Left Guard: Kyle Kosier
Center: Andre Gurode
Right Guard: Leonard Davis
Right Tackle: Marc Colombo
2007 Injuries:
C Andre Gurode: Weeks 16 and 17
Overview:
The Dallas Cowboys made a big move in the 2007 off-season by signing guard Leonard Davis from the Cardinals. Davis had an immediate impact as the line gave up only 25 sacks as opposed to 37 in 2007. Part of that can be attributed to a much more mobile Tony Romo playing the entire season as a starter but Davis still had a big impact. The line was once again impressive in the running game as the Cowboys averaged over 4.0 yards per carry for a second straight season. This group received the credit it deserved by having three of the five starting linemen named to the Pro Bowl for their excellent play.
At tackle, the Cowboys left side is in very good hands with 6’7” and 340lbs Flozell Adams who will be playing his 11th season as a Cowboy in 2008. Adams who was named to his fourth Pro Bowl last season recently signed a six year deal with the Cowboys. Adams is one of the best tackles in the NFL despite having the most penalty yards amongst left tackles in 2007 due to his troubles hearing out of his right ear. His technique is not the best and he will struggle to stay with quicker pass rushers at times but his strength allows him to open up huge holes in the running game. His years may be counted as a left tackle in the NFL because of his lack of speed but he has the frame and skills to be excellent on the right side of the line for quite a few more years. Marc Colombo will be the starting right tackle for a third consecutive season with the Cowboys. Colombo suffered a very serious knee injury while with the Bears in 2002 and it kept him out of football for almost two full years. The Bears released him in 2005 and he was signed by the Cowboys later in the year to provide depth and play on special teams. Colombo is a very tall lineman who uses his wingspan very well in pass protection but he lacks the lower body strength to overpower defensive linemen. Colombo is a very hard worker but remains much better at pass blocking than run blocking. Pat McQuistan was a seventh round pick in 2006 and provides depth at tackle. The management seems to be quite high on him but he has not seen much action since being drafted. The Cowboys also selected tackle Doug Free and James Marten in the 2007 draft, neither of whom has shown much thus far but they should learn quickly with three current Pro Bowlers on the line.
At guard, Kyle Kosier will be returning as the starter on the left side for a third consecutive season after being acquired as a free agent from the Detroit Lions. Kosier is regarded as the weak link on this line and has not adjusted very well to his new team. Kosier is a very good run blocker and has the ability to get to the second level but has struggled in pass protection mainly due to his inability to read defenses. On the right side, the Cowboys can count on the very strong and versatile Leonard Davis. Davis was the starting left tackle for the Cardinals but switched over to guard after being signed by the Cowboys. At 6’6” and 350lbs, Davis is an overpowering guard who will open up big holes in the running game. He is a much better fit as a guard because of his lack of speed and will occasionally struggle if he is required to pull to the outside. Davis was rewarded for his excellent play in 2007 with his first Pro Bowl selection and will make the right side of the line a strength for the Cowboys for many more years. The Cowboys have little depth at guard but tackles Free and McQuistan could step in if needed.
Andre Gurode will be the team’s starting center for a third consecutive season. Gurode has great strength to open up holes in the running game and will rarely get pushed into the back field. He has struggled with his shotgun snaps at times but he is still a very good center who well deserved his second trip to the Pro Bowl. Gurode missed the final two games of the 2007 season and was adequately replaced by Cory Procter. The line did not give up any sacks in week 16 against the Panthers and the team managed to rush for 148 yards. Procter also has the versatility to play left guard and left tackle so he should be very useful for the Cowboys in case of injuries on the line.
2008 Outlook:
The Cowboys offensive line will return its five starters including three Pro Bowlers for the 2008 season. The Cowboys have one of the biggest offensive lines in the NFL anchored by Flozell Adams at left tackle. This line remained very healthy last season but even if it were to have to deal with injuries, there is plenty of depth with Free, McQuistan and Procter. One slight concern is that the yards per carry average for weeks 1 to 7 was 4.8 and it dropped to 3.9 for weeks 9 to 16. This may be a sign that the line is too big and getting older. The good news for the Cowboys is there are some very good young linemen who could take a starting job away from the two weak links on the line, Kosier and Colombo. Overall the Cowboys still have one of the best lines in the NFL but the younger linemen will have to perform or age could become a problem.
