Right tackle debate *Merge*

[Bad Fan in Lewisville]

Is anyone else a little concerned that plugging Colombo back into the starting lineup is going to: 1) Throw off chemistry, 2) Create a vulnerability early in the game?
I realize Colombo is a better tackle than Doug Free (especially at RT, I see Free flourishing at LT in the near, near future) ... BUT, I think it's going to be very difficult for him to come into a playoff-speed/intensity game and hit the ground running after spending so much time out, especially against a blitz-scheming Eagles front seven.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

Give Colombo his shot, if hes not on his game put Free in.
[/THREAD]

 

[dbair1967]

Is anyone else a little concerned that plugging Colombo back into the starting lineup is going to: 1) Throw off chemistry, 2) Create a vulnerability early in the game?
I realize Colombo is a better tackle than Doug Free (especially at RT, I see Free flourishing at LT in the near, near future) ... BUT, I think it's going to be very difficult for him to come into a playoff-speed/intensity game and hit the ground running after spending so much time out, especially against a blitz-scheming Eagles front seven.

It'll be obvious pretty early whether he is ready and can play well, if not I'm sure the coaches will pull him. Free is gonna be active regardless and Wade already said regardless of whether Colombo starts, Free will play in the game.

 

[brickman]

Colombo is a monster mauler. I think he will help the run game. It was great to see Free play well. We now know we have a good tackle waiting in the wings. Remember, this isn't Colombo's first dance. I think he'll be ok and I love his mean streak.

 

[Cowboy Brian]

Is anyone else a little concerned that plugging Colombo back into the starting lineup is going to: 1) Throw off chemistry, 2) Create a vulnerability early in the game?
I realize Colombo is a better tackle than Doug Free (especially at RT, I see Free flourishing at LT in the near, near future) ... BUT, I think it's going to be very difficult for him to come into a playoff-speed/intensity game and hit the ground running after spending so much time out, especially against a blitz-scheming Eagles front seven.

btw

 

[Bad Fan in Lewisville]

Thanks for the welcome ... having fun so far!
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As for Colombo, it's the possibility (and, in my opinion, likelihood) that he's going to be showing a lot of rust that concerns me. Game speed is one thing. Playoff speed ratchets that up ever more.

I guess I rely on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. It's not like we've all been hopping from one foot to the other waiting for Colombo to get back in the lineup ... and it only takes one missed stunt or whiff on a blitzing LB to create a game-changing turnover. I expect the Eagles to put the all-out attack on him early.

 

[DallasDomination]

I dont think I player should lose his job to injury. But this is more then just a win in the NFL. This is the Cowboys biggest game in a long time. Way to much on the line. I would not take free our of the lineup for Colombo. He's playing well and we should stick with him.

 

[hockix]

I don't understand that move.

Why replace a tackle who's playing well and improving with a rusty tackle?

Lets start Free and give Columbo some plays, not the other way.
Anyway, I'm not a coach but...

Did you see the hearth and willing of Free's last games?

I like nasty Columbo but is he the better tackle for that game?

 

[Don Corleone]

From what I've read, Columbo may not be 100% anyway. I think he will have a share of snaps, but won't play the whole time. I would actually be surprised if he plays more than 5 to 10 snaps.

 

[Juke99]

Well, I think after all the time he's put in..and how much of a warrior he's been, they probably don't feel it's right to not have him start a playoff game.

They can always pull him if he looks rusty...but he's not a QB...rust really shouldn't be a big issue.

 

[Don Corleone]

Well, I think after all the time he's put in..and how much of a warrior he's been, they probably don't feel it's right to not have him start a playoff game.

They can always pull him if he looks rusty...but he's not a QB...rust really shouldn't be a big issue.

I posted this in another thread, but I will be surprised if Columbo plays more than 5-10 snaps in the entire game. Some reports stated that he isn't even 100% yet.

 

[Nightshade]

I think it's a gamble that a player friendly coach will REALLY be criticised for if the QB gets injured or if a big turnover occurs on the right side.

 

[hockix]

Well, I think after all the time he's put in..and how much of a warrior he's been, they probably don't feel it's right to not have him start a playoff game.

They can always pull him if he looks rusty...but he's not a QB...rust really shouldn't be a big issue.

Hope you're right.
In a game, just one play can make the difference.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

I am a firm believer that you don't mess with a good thing.

Doug Free has earned the right to finish out the season at Right Tackle.

If we lose this game on a sack given up by Columbo, there will be hell to pay .

 

[Yeagermeister]

Columbo has been the starter for 3 or 4 years why would it throw off the chemistry? If he's 100% it should help the chemistry.

 

[ROUSH8692]

i think he will start and help on short yardage runs. everything else and Free should play...

May be an advantage due to recent struggles with short yardage, and Free needs to rest after running 50 yards to get that last block for Felix to score! Both studs in different ways.!

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

I think its Wade throwing Columbo a bone. I can't see him playing more than 15-20% of the snaps.

 

[PhillyCowboysFan]

Is anyone else a little concerned that plugging Colombo back into the starting lineup.

Nope!

 

[big dog cowboy]

Free needs to rest after running 50 yards to get that last block for Felix to score!

 

[wileedog]

I don't know if we all have a good sense how much help they've been giving Free with TE and RBs and such. Might be more than we think, and more than they need to give even a 90% Columbo.

There's also the experience factor, Columbo has at least been in a playoff game. And as for chemistry Colombo has been playing with these guys for 3 years, Free only half a season. Shouldn't be a big deal.

Dunno, not saying I love the move, but I think some might be too influenced by the Felix run.