Oline Issues

[Zordon]

Mickey was on The Fan earlier saying that the team is a bit concerned with the current state of the oline because of Tyron's back issues, the lack of a dependable swing tackle on the team (they don't trust Chaz Green), nobody really asserting themselves at the RG position, and Collins' rusty game on Saturday. He said they continued to play him because of the issues he was having.

I think the defense will be slightly better this year but still average overall just because of all the youth we're starting. So if the offense even takes a small step back we might be in trouble.

 

[Sydla]

OL is making me very nervous right now. With Smith's issues with his back (he's back in practice today but apparently limited) you really only have two sure things in Frederick and Martin.

The one thing doesn't make me totally panic is that as much as Collins has been up and down, it's no worse than what we got out of Free the last season. I liked Free but he didn't play great last year. It won't be difficult for Collins to match Free.

 

[John813]

Yea, the biggest concern for me is Smiths' health. Then Collins at RT and then LG.

Collins needs this PS badly to hopefully break the rust from not playing most of last year and the change in position/technique.

Would stink to go from loaded at LG to barely getting by. Such is the life of playing in a salary cap structure

 

[Section446]

We're going to miss Leary.

 

[gimmesix]

We had to be expecting some hiccups when we let Leary go and Free retired since we're trying to replace them with a left guard we're now converting to right tackle, a couple of cast-offs and a tackle who can't stay healthy. Collins will likely be fine, or at least as good as Free, with more time at the right tackle, but the plan for guard has always been an iffy proposition. I felt better about it when we signed Bell to give us some insurance, but he played Saturday like he would be the worst of the options.

At this point, I would expect Cooper and Collins to be the starters (because of Green's health issues) and fans will bemoan any mistakes they make even though we should expect some.

 

[windjc]

Yes our OL is such a problem (ROLLS EYES)

 

[Biggems]

I wonder if collins would be a better LT since he is a southpaw. I mean, if Smith is down to start the season, maybe Collins can be the one to fill the spot. Then we need a RT.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Just put Collins back at Guard and call it a day. Then hope and pray that Green is healthy enough to play RT.

Surely they should have foreseen this when they let Leary go.

 

[Biggems]

BTW, our OL has been a bunch of garbage so far.....our 3 best players haven't really seen game action. Let them play and see the difference

 

[erod]

Collins looks pretty shaky at right tackle in pass protection.

I'd rather have a good left guard than a below average right tackle.

 

[JohnsKey19]

Just put Collins back at Guard and call it a day. Then hope and pray that Green is healthy enough to play RT.

Surely they should have foreseen this when they let Leary go.

It sucks that Green can't stay healthy because that is clearly our best lineup.

 

[Noryb]

I remember when the Cowboys moved Tyron from RT to LT and he initially struggled. Some even said he wasn't a left tackle. How did that work out?

Patience, Collins will be fine.

 

[Daillest88]

Good Lord Collins just needs reps at RT he's not going to walk in and be a dominant player. He'll get there

 

[Doomsday]

Didn't T. Smith have tightness all of last preseason as well?

Unless I hear it is more serious, I am not going to be too concerned.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

I wonder if collins would be a better LT since he is a southpaw. I mean, if Smith is down to start the season, maybe Collins can be the one to fill the spot. Then we need a RT.

Actually easier for a lefty to play RT. Your anchor leg is your inside (left) leg.

 

[robjay04]

May start off rusty but we will be better than ever by the end of September.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Good Lord Collins just needs reps at RT he's not going to walk in and be a dominant player. He'll get there

This. Even the great "Big E" did not become a dominant player until his third year.

 

[Dhragon]

I remember when the Cowboys moved Tyron from RT to LT and he initially struggled. Some even said he wasn't a left tackle. How did that work out?

Patience, Collins will be fine.

Great point. We need to give Collins some time. The talent is there and will most likely come out as the season progresses.

 

[Daillest88]

This. Even the great "Big E" did not become a dominant player until his third year.

Lol exactly. He's had 2 preseason games. He's already better than Free

 

[xwalker]

Yea, the biggest concern for me is Smiths' health. Then Collins at RT and then LG.

Collins needs this PS badly to hopefully break the rust from not playing most of last year and the change in position/technique.

Would stink to go from loaded at LG to barely getting by. Such is the life of playing in a salary cap structure

I didn't think the end results were that bad, but I have not reviewed the game again yet.

They way he plays looks a bit ugly at times but he generally seems to get the job done.

His technique on outside pass rushes is a bit odd. Not necessarily bad, just different than what we're accustomed to seeing.