Sturm on the OG situation

[jobberone]

I don't want to get far into the bush with conversations about Rodgers (not Rogers) and Romo vs their OLs yada. I'm sure the coaches are not jumping up and down about our dominating OL with 5 All Pros but there is reason to think we'll be good enough to compete.

People here tend to overlook the fact that with a subpar running game and RZ performance we still had an offense that could move the ball. They failed in the RZ and I'd give you that's on the OL more than the skill players. I see an improvement in the OL. I wouldn't just dismiss Leary because he has a 'chronic condition'. My educated guess (not having seen his MRs or done arthroscopy on him) is that his condition is not that bad. I'd remain concerned for the time being since we don't know all the facts but the fact he's played two years with a history of aseptic necrosis in that knee says a lot to me. I think we've found a player in Leary. Fred is an improvement. Arkin appears to be capable of being a decent backup maybe more. Smith will be ok esp with better G and C play on that side.

Some improvement in the running game should correlate well with an improvement in the RZ and that's the key to this team performing well. That and protecting the ball/creating turnovers.

Many here mocked me and others when we said Free wasn't playing that poorly last year and were encouraged about his play towards the end of the year. I've noticed those vociferous members haven't said much about Free one way or another. Can't say I blame them after all their remarks last year. I'd disappear, too. Instead they now moan about the RG which has Bernie penciled in as the starter with Arkin backing up both G spots (IMO). Bernie can play although I admit I don't know why he's so inconsistent. Perhaps he does have some fatal flaw(s) in his game. I just know at times he can look dominant so I understand why the team esp Callahan is interested in the guy.

What people should be concerned about (again) is the swing tackle. I'm not that worried about it as I think Parnell can play. But right now he's just getting back on the field and he's not pushed Free like some thought including me. Bell has improved his game and while his last stop was unspectacular he played well in Buffalo. The team is high on Weems but he's still developing. So for the last few years we've had big question marks at T particularly backups there. And while I'm optimistic about the position its certainly not settled completely albeit improved.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Pass pro has been good. Run blocking lousy

That's Arkin on the left of the gaping hole.

 

[nathanlt]

Cowboys tried to drag two guys from retirement to improve the situation, this should set off alarm bells.

You're right, in essence, the Dallas running game is hanging on the hopes that other teams release a serviceable guard during final cuts.

 

[burmafrd]

I don't want to get far into the bush with conversations about Rodgers (not Rogers) and Romo vs their OLs yada. I'm sure the coaches are not jumping up and down about our dominating OL with 5 All Pros but there is reason to think we'll be good enough to compete.

People here tend to overlook the fact that with a subpar running game and RZ performance we still had an offense that could move the ball. They failed in the RZ and I'd give you that's on the OL more than the skill players. I see an improvement in the OL. I wouldn't just dismiss Leary because he has a 'chronic condition'. My educated guess (not having seen his MRs or done arthroscopy on him) is that his condition is not that bad. I'd remain concerned for the time being since we don't know all the facts but the fact he's played two years with a history of aseptic necrosis in that knee says a lot to me. I think we've found a player in Leary. Fred is an improvement. Arkin appears to be capable of being a decent backup maybe more. Smith will be ok esp with better G and C play on that side.

Some improvement in the running game should correlate well with an improvement in the RZ and that's the key to this team performing well. That and protecting the ball/creating turnovers.

Many here mocked me and others when we said Free wasn't playing that poorly last year and were encouraged about his play towards the end of the year. I've noticed those vociferous members haven't said much about Free one way or another. Can't say I blame them after all their remarks last year. I'd disappear, too. Instead they now moan about the RG which has Bernie penciled in as the starter with Arkin backing up both G spots (IMO). Bernie can play although I admit I don't know why he's so inconsistent. Perhaps he does have some fatal flaw(s) in his game. I just know at times he can look dominant so I understand why the team esp Callahan is interested in the guy.

What people should be concerned about (again) is the swing tackle. I'm not that worried about it as I think Parnell can play. But right now he's just getting back on the field and he's not pushed Free like some thought including me. Bell has improved his game and while his last stop was unspectacular he played well in Buffalo. The team is high on Weems but he's still developing. So for the last few years we've had big question marks at T particularly backups there. And while I'm optimistic about the position its certainly not settled completely albeit improved.

I tend to ignore the types that blather about 5 All Pros. They are the ones that want to do NOTHING about the O line. The Pollyannas.

Now as regards Leary- early signs are good but he still has not done it yet in a REGULAR SEASON GAME against top competition for 4 quarters. As BP would say, hold off with the annointing oil.

The Beard looks legitimate but same thing with him.

Free- he stank most of last season and only started to get better when he was basically benched and challenged. I do not trust him. Simple as that.

Smith - I am getting a little impatient but still have lots of hope to see him legitimately in the Pro Bowl.

Arkin: fact is that he cannot start for half the teams in the league at least so counting on him is a joke. The guy has improved a lot but so what? Going from zero to a plus number is not exactly a huge jump when looking at the league as a whole.

Livings and Bernie- Jerruh's dumpster diving - meh at best.

So yes this team has serious concerns at Guard and anyone saying otherwise is an idiot. IF Leary is what he looks like and what we hope then one position looks good. That still leaves the other one. And pressure up the middle on passing plays is any QBs worst nightmare.

And then there is the running game. 31st in the league last year. Yeah we got a lot of passing yards but what did it get us in the end? Certainly not to the playoffs.

It looks like the O line will be better - just how much is the question. Will it be good enough?

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I tend to ignore the types that blather about 5 All Pros. They are the ones that want to do NOTHING about the O line. The Pollyannas.

Now as regards Leary- early signs are good but he still has not done it yet in a REGULAR SEASON GAME against top competition for 4 quarters. As BP would say, hold off with the annointing oil.

The Beard looks legitimate but same thing with him.

Free- he stank most of last season and only started to get better when he was basically benched and challenged. I do not trust him. Simple as that.

Smith - I am getting a little impatient but still have lots of hope to see him legitimately in the Pro Bowl.

Arkin: fact is that he cannot start for half the teams in the league at least so counting on him is a joke. The guy has improved a lot but so what? Going from zero to a plus number is not exactly a huge jump when looking at the league as a whole.

Livings and Bernie- Jerruh's dumpster diving - meh at best.

So yes this team has serious concerns at Guard and anyone saying otherwise is an idiot. IF Leary is what he looks like and what we hope then one position looks good. That still leaves the other one. And pressure up the middle on passing plays is any QBs worst nightmare.

And then there is the running game. 31st in the league last year. Yeah we got a lot of passing yards but what did it get us in the end? Certainly not to the playoffs.

It looks like the O line will be better - just how much is the question. Will it be good enough?

Personally, I'm a believer in Leary, and Free has looked much, much better IMO. I'm still no fan of Mack, but an oline can have one "meh" guard and still be quite solid.

 

[BAZ]

They did that after their veteran LG, backup RG, and then Ron Leary went down with injuries and right after their starting RG returned to the lineup, gimpy. That's not exactly a shocker. And then they didn't offer either retired player enough to get them to sign. How alarming is that? There are other vets on the market they're not bothering with.

They looked at IR'ing or cutting Livings and replacing his spot on the roster with one of two available vets they thought would be upgrades at the RG position. One of those players played for Coach Callahan for 4 years and was a recent probowler. The other was a just a recent probowler. Both would have been upgrades to what we've got, and neither wanted to sign. Beyond that, they obviously don't think any of the other available vets right now represent improvement. This is hardly and emergency situation.

I'm pretty sure they were looking into Moore before Leary was injured, I didn't say it was an emergency, but if they are willing to go knocking on those doors it should tip you off they are not happy. And I'm not complaining, this really seems like a time when Dallas are being proactive about a glaring weakness going into the season. Leary maybe a nice player, but you can't count on him right now, as for Livings/Bernadeau, whats the definition of insanity again?

 

[Sasquatch]

I too am leery about this offensive, line but even wth the poor play we were fairly competitive last season. I know it's hard to watch our guys whiff and get pushed into the backfield, but I will stomach that for yet another season if we can minimize penalties and improve our effectiveness in the RZ.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Personally, I'm a believer in Leary, and Free has looked much, much better IMO. I'm still no fan of Mack, but an oline can have one "meh" guard and still be quite solid.

I agree. Give an average sports journalist access to scout film and he becomes an expert.

Anyway, didn't Sturm watch the Power Rangers as a kid? Individually they all sucked but when they came together as Mega Ranger (or whatever they called the morphed Ranger) they were invincible.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I see no way that anyone could feel great about this oline. I don't really see how anyone could feel good about it that much either even though I understand having renewed hope every off season. However NOBODY should be without serious concerns about this offensive line when even the team itself has concerns and wanted to sign two retired players.

Until this line can prove itself during the regular season all we have to go on is what happened last year which was not very good and even if you make a legitimate case for injuries being a big problem, you can also say it could be a big problem this year as we have already seen that with our starting (from last year) OGs being injured and one OG that most assume will start (Leary) having an injury.

You have to put a lot of faith that Fred is going to make a world of difference, that Leary is going to get healthy and stay healthy for the regular season, Bern or Livings will stay healthy and play better, Free does not revert to what he did most of last year and T.Smith continuing to improve.

That is a lot of faith and hope. It is much more realistic IMO to worry about the line because we have seen the troubles last year and the injuries so far in camp vs blind hope and faith.

Just something to think about for those arguing like the Oline is really not that big of a problem.

 

[Doomsday101]

I saw Arkin drive and turn Darnell Dockett. That helps on Sunday. The pass protection was good. That helps on Sunday.

I agree. I paid extra attention to Arkin in this past game and frankly he did a good job. I still think this OL needs more work but his comments on Arkin I think are off the mark.

 

[CATCH17]

Bob Sturm ‏@SportsSturm19 Aug
Finally looked at Cowboys game. Am reminded that football types always say not to spend much on guards because you "can find them anywhere"

Bob Sturm ‏@SportsSturm19 Aug
Well, they lied. The Cowboys might have the biggest collection of substandard guards ever. Clearly, they can't find them.

Bob Sturm ‏@SportsSturm19 Aug
I have nothing against Arkin. But that guy can't help on Sundays. And here, he might be a starter. It is insanity.

I don't disagree with any of that but you can't watch the Arizona game and come away thinking Arkin sucks.

If that was the first time you had ever seen Arkin play you would think this guy has something.


Also, im concerned about the line, but im basing it all off of last year. They have been pretty good this pre-season.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I see no way that anyone could feel great about this oline. I don't really see how anyone could feel good about it that much either even though I understand having renewed hope every off season. However NOBODY should be without serious concerns about this offensive line when even the team itself has concerns and wanted to sign two retired players.

Until this line can prove itself during the regular season all we have to go on is what happened last year which was not very good and even if you make a legitimate case for injuries being a big problem, you can also say it could be a big problem this year as we have already seen that with our starting (from last year) OGs being injured and one OG that most assume will start (Leary) having an injury.

You have to put a lot of faith that Fred is going to make a world of difference, that Leary is going to get healthy and stay healthy for the regular season, Bern or Livings will stay healthy and play better, Free does not revert to what he did most of last year and T.Smith continuing to improve.

That is a lot of faith and hope. It is much more realistic IMO to worry about the line because we have seen the troubles last year and the injuries so far in camp vs blind hope and faith.

Just something to think about for those arguing like the Oline is really not that big of a problem.

No offense, but the "starters may get injured" and "Fred and Leary are not proven" lines aren't exactly things I'm going to spend much time "thinking" about.

I've seen enough from Leary to feel confident in him, and Mack/Arkin can man the RG spot and be average. The other positions are set, and Killer/Costa/Parnell provide pretty solid backup help.

So, do I feel great? No, but I feel pretty darn good, much better than I did last season. I also feel we are about one step away from me feeling great.

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

No offense, but the "starters may get injured" and "Fred and Leary are not proven" lines aren't exactly things I'm going to spend much time "thinking" about.

I've seen enough from Leary to feel confident in him, and Mack/Arkin can man the RG spot and be average. The other positions are set, and Killer/Costa/Parnell provide pretty solid backup help.

So, do I feel great? No, but I feel pretty darn good, much better than I did last season. I also feel we are about one step away from me feeling great.

The starters DID get injured last year and the starters HAVE been injured so far this season...I think we can move beyond "may".

 

[TheRomoSexual]

The starters DID get injured last year and the starters HAVE been injured so far this season...I think we can move beyond "may".

Starters get injured at every position, and like I said, I actually like our depth. So it's not too much of a concern to me.

 

[big dog cowboy]

You have to put a lot of faith that Fred is going to make a world of difference, that Leary is going to get healthy and stay healthy for the regular season, Bern or Livings will stay healthy and play better, Free does not revert to what he did most of last year and T.Smith continuing to improve.

I'd say you have hit the nail on the head. At this point, our season rides on that single paragraph.

 

[Doomsday101]

Clearly given the play of the OL over the last few seasons there is every right to be concerned. I too am concerned with their play but I do see improvement with this group of players and it gives me a reason to be optimistic and I don't think it is blind optimism it is based on watching them perform this camp and pre season. True test is in about a couple of weeks as we hit regular season

 

[burmafrd]

Starters get injured at every position, and like I said, I actually like our depth. So it's not too much of a concern to me.

yeah bernie and livings and parnell is great depth.

Bottom line is that we are not deep or talented on the O line. The Boys were talking to Moore and Waters before camp so they were concerned before there were any injuries; hopefully Red Ball and Callahan can keep Jerruh from another dumpster diving expedition if we do go after a FA

 

[CATCH17]

I'd say you have hit the nail on the head. At this point, our season rides on that single paragraph.

As bad as the Oline was last year I think health was what got us in the end.

If they can just be a middle of the pack O-line and we can stay healthy and create some turnovers then it's on.

 

[conner01]

Cowboys tried to drag two guys from retirement to improve the situation, this should set off alarm bells.

i think that pretty much say's it all. we do have problems at guard and arkin is not the answer. hopefuly leary gets back and stays healthy. but as much as bernie has played better he is not the answer either. we need better guards so that something we certainly need to address this off season. for now all you can do is ride with what you have unless something better gets cut in final cutdowns which is not all that likely

 

[visionary]

Romo needs that line and running game to get over the hump. He also needs a defensive line that can put pressure on the other team..

not only that, rogers has PROVEN that he can do it with an 'average' OL, romo has not (at least not yet)