Replace Free with Cleary

[PJTHEDOORS]

Well said, Cleary is already better than Free and with some work could be a good RT.

So 1 or 2 games of regular season work, and Cleary is already better.

 

[canters]

Sounds like we have found another under-the-radar future solid player for us in Cleary.

 

[MRV52]

Free will be fine lets not go overboard by changing the line now that it is playoff time.

 

[Proximo]

Good lord we are not making changes to the starting lineup during a bye week before a playoff game. We are who we are at this point- and that's a 13-3, #1 seed team.

There'll be plenty of time for larger scale changes during the offseason.

 

[HanfordDixon]

This is a pretty silly proposal. Doug Free is a long-time solid veteran who had a bad game. End of story.

 

[Stash]

I don't expect anything to change on the offensive line this year, but it's obvious that Free's struggles are growing. Hopefully, both he and the team can hold things together enough to get through this season.

But he's not playing well and will need to be replaced, both for performance and for cost.

Cleary looked capable out there yesterday, which was a pleasant surprise. We can hope that it was a sign of things to come and that we might have found a player who is capable of contributing. If not this year, maybe next year.

 

[tm1119]

Don't look at the line's numbers, look at Free's own numbers. They're bad. What's "absolutely ridiculous" is people trying to blind themselves and others to his poor play.

What are you even talking about? How could the team succeed the way it has if Free isn't doing his job? If he was as bad as you're trying to infer Dak would be under pressure all the time and among the league leaders in sacks...but neither are true. I saw a QB sitting comfortably in the pocket for at least 3 seconds the VAST majority of his drop backs. And there is no argument that Free is a plus in the running game. People like you just like to wine and nit pick when Free has a few bad plays, simply because you have to and there isn't much to complain about with the rest of the team.
Do watch the rest of the league? O line play is putrid around the league. Trust me, there's at least 12-15 teams around the league that wish they had a RT like Doug Free right now

 

[Clove]

We went 13-2 with the best run game in the NFL, and were top 10 in the league allowing less than 2 sacks per game (and at least a handful were on Dak) and all of a sudden it's gloom and doom with Free? We can't possibly go on with him? Absolutely ridiculous, people just need something to ***** about apparently.

Buffalo is the best run game in the NFL.

 

[Silver Surfer]

A competent replacement for next yr would be high on my list of wants and needs however

Agreed. Chaz Green might "miraculously" get healthy when he figures out his spot on the team is not assured.

 

[Clove]

Free definitely is at the end of his rope, he is a terrific run-blocker and that's why he's probably still in there. But this will definitely need to be looked at in the offseason. For now, I'll go with what Garrett does, he has coached this team to 13 wins, that could have easily been 14 but I think Jerry was the nervous one that didn't want the starters getting hurt.

 

[windjc]

Don't look at the line's numbers, look at Free's own numbers. They're bad. What's "absolutely ridiculous" is people trying to blind themselves and others to his poor play.

Please break down Frees #s compared to every other RT in the league. Specifically sacks, pressures, plus and minus running blocks and penalties. Waiting...

 

[Stash]

What are you even talking about? How could the team succeed the way it has if Free isn't doing his job? If he was as bad as you're trying to infer Dak would be under pressure all the time and among the league leaders in sacks...but neither are true. I saw a QB sitting comfortably in the pocket for at least 3 seconds the VAST majority of his drop backs. And there is no argument that Free is a plus in the running game. People like you just like to wine and nit pick when Free has a few bad plays, simply because you have to and there isn't much to complain about with the rest of the team.
Do watch the rest of the league? O line play is putrid around the league. Trust me, there's at least 12-15 teams around the league that wish they had a RT like Doug Free right now

From a couple weeks back from Gil Brandt

Go and tell Gil Brandt he 'doesn't know what he's talking about' Go argue with him about Free's actual numbers and actual performance.

Trust me, nobody's 'wishing for a Doug Free', they're happy to see him as the weak link to exploit in Dallas.

"People like you" just can't handle any criticism of 'my Cowboys', or 'my players', even when it's factually supported and totally deserved. That's your problem, not mine.

 

[Stash]

Please break down Frees #s compared to every other RT in the league. Specifically sacks, pressures, plus and minus running blocks and penalties. Waiting...

Post below your last one.

He's been awful. Even before his most recent gaffes.

You're welcome.

 

[Stash]

Agreed. Chaz Green might "miraculously" get healthy when he figures out his spot on the team is not assured.

Can't trust him.

 

[Stash]

Buffalo is the best run game in the NFL.

He doesn't deal in facts.

 

[manster4ever]

Good lord we are not making changes to the starting lineup during a bye week before a playoff game. We are who we are at this point- and that's a 13-3, #1 seed team.

There'll be plenty of time for larger scale changes during the offseason.

I have to agree. I should also admit I did NOT see the game yesterday. (not televised in my area) However, Doug is older and the Eagles were all lathered up. He hasn't had a BAD game all season long to my knowledge. Let's not overreact and freak out over one down game that didn't mean diddly. He will get a needed 2 weeks off to rest and rehab (everyone has injuries this time of year, it's just a matter of how severe they are) and be ready when the Gnats come to town on 1/15. (yes, I do think they're coming to town again) Hope Linehan has a better game plan this time because Spagnolo has out coached him twice thus far.

 

[manster4ever]

This is a pretty silly proposal. Doug Free is a long-time solid veteran who had a bad game. End of story.

Yep...much ado about nothing (hopefully)

 

[YosemiteSam]

Sanchez has an uncanny ability to step right into the pressure.

...and butt fumble.

 

[tm1119]

Go and tell Gil Brandt he 'doesn't know what he's talking about' Go argue with him about Free's actual numbers and actual performance.

Trust me, nobody's 'wishing for a Doug Free', they're happy to see him as the weak link to exploit in Dallas.

"People like you" just can't handle any criticism of 'my Cowboys', or 'my players', even when it's factually supported and totally deserved. That's your problem, not mine.

So you're freaking out about a RT who is good in the running game that allowed 8 sacks in 16 starts?? And I'd bet $ at least 3 or 4 of those sacks were on Dak for holding the ball too long (1 of his few flaws). Now get me a list of RT's that actually started 16 games. I'd bet that list isn't very long and you're comparing Free's large sample size to a lot of small sample sizes. I'm not making excuses for anyone, I think Free is as middle of the road as they come. Bottom line is that if he was as bad as you're implying the offense wouldn't have been able to run like the well oiled machine that it was all year. It would be nice to have 5 pro bowl o lineman, but that's a pretty unreasonable thing to be complaining about. Free is the weak link, but his struggles are over magnified given how good the other 4 are.

 

[Stash]

So you're freaking out about a RT who is good in the running game that allowed 8 sacks in 16 starts?? And I'd bet $ at least 3 or 4 of those sacks were on Dak for holding the ball too long (1 of his few flaws).

Yeah, let's blame Dak for Free's screw-ups now. Do you have any idea how ridiculous and sad that sounds?

Now get me a list of RT's that actually started 16 games. I'd bet that list isn't very long and you're comparing Free's large sample size to a lot of small sample sizes.

I'm not "getting you" anything. I gave you the facts of his performance. Handle it. Or continue to cover your eyes to it. Just do us a favor and keep that ignorance to yourself.

I'm not making excuses for anyone,

Sorry to break it to you, but that's exactly what you're trying to do.

I think Free is as middle of the road as they come. Bottom line is that if he was as bad as you're implying the offense wouldn't have been able to run like the well oiled machine that it was all year. It would be nice to have 5 pro bowl o lineman, but that's a pretty unreasonable thing to be complaining about. Free is the weak link, but his struggles are over magnified given how good the other 4 are.

Again, the numbers I showed you are for Free and Free alone. If anything, the linemen he has around him make life easier, not harder. If anything is "magnified" it's people using the whole line's success as an excuse for Doug Free's individual struggles and shortcomings.

He's not the absolute worst offensive tackle in this game, but he's no longer even average either. He plays in the only scheme where his skills fit, and his physical shortcomings are only growing. He's hit the wall and is on the downside of his career. And he's the obvious weak link and target point for any opposing defense.

The right tackle position needs to be upgraded when the team is able.