Six Ways Our O-Line Got better

[T-RO]

We should see a return to the “Great Wall” of Dallas. We all suspect as much. But let’s lay down each of the six reasons:

1. Tyron Smith appears to be healthier. Though Smith’s back will continue to be a concern for the remainder of his career...news has been good on that front. When Tyron is healthy there is no one better. He wasn’t himself last season, missing some games and being a shell of himself in others. Now? A return to beast mode.

2. Connor Williams > Cooper, Gibson. At left guard we have a 1st round talent replacing the journeymen we employed in 2017.

3. Maturation of La’el Collins. He came on in the latter part of the season. Now with a full year of experience at tackle...he could rise to the top 30% at his position.

4. One could argue that the lack of a backup tackle sunk the season in ‘17. Now insert Cameron Fleming, who has the experience and pedigree to start in a pinch.

5. Better tight end blocking. Witten was a good blocker through his early career but as NFL.com and other evaluators report...his blocking has been declining over the past few years. Swaim and Schultz are renown in this department. Playing time competition amongst the 3 young guys should make them each an eager hitter.

6. In passing downs a running back sometimes teams up with the o-line to protect the QB. Zeke is a top-tier blocker and he isn’t suspended this season.

 

[Hawkeye19]

7. Paul Alexander is a very good coach

 

[T-RO]

7. Paul Alexander is a very good coach

True dat. Make it Seven.

 

[jazzcat22]

They will be pounding opposing defenses into submission. Wear them down, and Zeke will wear them down as well.
I can see many big 4th quarter TD runs for Zeke, or even a back up RB in Rod Smith and Bo if he makes the team fromsome late game TD”s even if the game is already in the bag.

We have to get and maintain that lead of course. It wil lbig a huge help if the D steps up as well to not give up leads, or even to get the ball back for the offense of and when needed.

 

[T-RO]

Another consideration:

Aside from perhaps Tyron and back worries...all the guys on the line are either in their prime...or are young guys with growth in front of them. We don’t have any old players on their last leg.

 

[AbeBeta]

Connor Williams is a nice pick. I really think he got downgraded because he talked about being bullied as a kid (see several scouting reports that call him soft).

That said, this year is going to be all about technique. He's light to play inside. He can get bigger but that's going to take a year at least. He's not going to overpower many players this year. His scouting reports range from good to excellent w/r/t technique, so he could do pretty well. I don't think we should expect much more than a guy who is maybe a bit better than average this year though. His technique plus 25 lbs though ... that's something to look forward to

 

[T-RO]

Connor Williams is a nice pick. I really think he got downgraded because he talked about being bullied as a kid (see several scouting reports that call him soft).

That said, this year is going to be all about technique. He's light to play inside. He can get bigger but that's going to take a year at least. He's not going to overpower many players this year. His scouting reports range from good to excellent w/r/t technique, so he could do pretty well. I don't think we should expect much more than a guy who is maybe a bit better than average this year though. His technique plus 25 lbs though ... that's something to look forward to

I don’t expect him to be more than average his first season. If he emerges as all-pro...in a few seasons...holy crap. Our line could become historic. I’m not going to get ahead of myself with that quite yet.

As for his weight...he is pretty chiseled. Lots of guards carry extra girth that is fat. I like the idea of his lean-ness as it will help with zone blocking, and second level hitting. If he needs 15 pounds of fat as an anchor...just take him to the buffet.

 

[Alexander]

7. Paul Alexander is a very good coach

I know people make fun of the guy for the piano and the ketchup bottle thing, but we clearly took a step up from Pollack.

Just watch All Or Nothing and see how he had doglike devotion to Chaz Green if you have questions.

 

[Alexander]

We should see a return to the “Great Wall” of Dallas. We all suspect as much. But let’s lay down each of the six reasons:

1. Tyron Smith appears to be healthier. Though Smith’s back will continue to be a concern for the remainder of his career...news has been good on that front. When Tyron is healthy there is no one better. He wasn’t himself last season, missing some games and being a shell of himself in others. Now? A return to beast mode.

2. Connor Williams > Cooper, Gibson. At left guard we have a 1st round talent replacing the journeymen we employed in 2017.

3. Maturation of La’el Collins. He came on in the latter part of the season. Now with a full year of experience at tackle...he could rise to the top 30% at his position.

4. One could argue that the lack of a backup tackle sunk the season in ‘17. Now insert Cameron Fleming, who has the experience and pedigree to start in a pinch.

5. Better tight end blocking. Witten was a good blocker through his early career but as NFL.com and other evaluators report...his blocking has been declining over the past few years. Swaim and Schultz are renown in this department. Playing time competition amongst the 3 young guys should make them each an eager hitter.

6. In passing downs a running back sometimes teams up with the o-line to protect the QB. Zeke is a top-tier blocker and he isn’t suspended this season.

All in all though, the OL can be flawless and it does not matter. It is still a game driven by the QB.

 

[ShortRound]

our o line be like

 

[Aviano90]

If Zeke can get more than 4.1 then they are better.

 

[T-RO]

All in all though, the OL can be flawless and it does not matter. It is still a game driven by the QB.

Interesting what a clean pocket does for a QB’s poise, confidence and accuracy. QBR around league typically jumps 30 points.

 

[817Gill]

If we all agree the team will be dominant running the football, why do so many of us have trouble seeing this team winning 10+ games and a playoff berth?

 

[waving monkey]

7. Paul Alexander is a very good coach

Paul Alexander like him a lot

 

[T-RO]

If we all agree the team will be dominant running the football, why do so many of us have trouble seeing this team winning 10+ games and a playoff berth?

Folks are afraid to put hope in boys.

 

[waving monkey]

If we all agree the team will be dominant running the football, why do so many of us have trouble seeing this team winning 10+ games and a playoff berth?

cognitive bias haters

 

[waving monkey]

Folks are afraid to put hope in boys.

I think it goes further then that

 

[waving monkey]

All in all though, the OL can be flawless and it does not matter. It is still a game driven by the QB.

thats the good fortune of the 2016 draft. Time is short we'll see who is a good judge of talent

 

[kskboys]

And the real primary two reasons our OL got better: Connor Williams and Flemming.

 

[ShiningStar]

If we all agree the team will be dominant running the football, why do so many of us have trouble seeing this team winning 10+ games and a playoff berth?

most of us have seen this script before. we re waiting for it to change. still a lot of muck to clean up. Lots of good moves tho.