Who starts at LG?

[Bullflop]

I'm expecting the team to start Bernie at LG. The staff will be keeping their eyes open to see if he is holding up his end of the bargain, no doubt about it. Depending upon how things are going for him, that could determine if La'el sees any time or not. Hopefully, Bernadeau will keep the Philly blitzers at bay and that's extremely crucial. Admittedly, La'el is still adjusting to the nuances of the pro game and how he's absorbing it could either help or hurt his cause. Thus far, the staff has been reluctant about rushing him into the fray but it's not written in stone.

 

[bdk76]

If La'el had a good week of practice I would suspect he'd get the nod. The fact he was getting 1st team reps tells me they really don't want to start Bearnie unless they have too.

 

[starfrombirth]

I would prefer Bern goes this game. Philly will bring the blitz right up the middle all night. Bern is more experienced and should be more productive. I think we lose a little in the run game with Bern in there but I would trade that production for keeping Tony healthy. I don't think this is the game you give Collins some on the job training.

Beat the blitz with the run and fast passing game... That plays to Collins' know strengths and away from his inexperience.

 

[Stash]

For the longest time I was pissed that Collins wasn't brought in to replace Free but now it makes sense why he got so much time at LG. Apparently they saw something and were expecting Leary to breakdown.

Why else would u stick a top tier tackle prospect at guard?

Because they saw enough of him early on in OTA's that they felt that he couldn't handle it at tackle at the NFL level. Since he was signed, people have continued to have this 'dream scenario' of talented young guys along the Cowboys' offensive line, with Collins replacing 'old man Free' at right tackle, despite all evidence to the contrary. Smith-Leary-Frederick-Martin-Collins looks great on paper, but not on the field.

 

[Stash]

If La'el had a good week of practice I would suspect he'd get the nod. The fact he was getting 1st team reps tells me they really don't want to start Bearnie unless they have too.

It tells me that they want to get Collins as ready as possible if he DOES have to play. Much better to do that against a defense that's NOT actually trying to injure your quarterback. If Collins has an assignment breakdown against the Eagles and Romo gets hurt as a result? Season over.

I think Bernardeau starts until they feel Collins is mentally ready. He's got the physical tools, but he needs to be assignment sound before they can trust him.

 

[Stash]

Regardless of who goes, I don't want Leary to try to 'tough it out' and be a hero, only to struggle and hurt the team. He played at less than 100% last year and Fletcher Cox ate him alive. Leary was a liability in that first Eagles game and I have no desire to see a repeat.

 

[jrumann59]

I do not know about all this hand wringing about Collins, last year we started a Rookie that played tackle in Zack Martin. If this kid is supposedly just as talented I would not have any worries. Are there going to be some negative plays, sure but that will happen with Bernie, there is a reason why he is aback up, he has starter level skill but has inconsistent play

 

[jrumann59]

Regardless of who goes, I don't want Leary to try to 'tough it out' and be a hero, only to struggle and hurt the team. He played at less than 100% last year and Fletcher Cox ate him alive. Leary was a liability in that first Eagles game and I have no desire to see a repeat.

Groin injuries are the easiest to reaggravate also, it may fell 100% but do a slide step with a 300lbs DL resisting it may not fell 100% by then.

 

[AbeBeta]

I do not know about all this hand wringing about Collins, last year we started a Rookie that played tackle in Zack Martin. If this kid is supposedly just as talented I would not have any worries. Are there going to be some negative plays, sure but that will happen with Bernie, there is a reason why he is aback up, he has starter level skill but has inconsistent play

Martin had the mental stuff down. So much so that he saw snaps in practice at center. He knows the offense so well, he can even make the line calls. Martin had technique near perfect as well.

Collins is nowhere near that advanced on the mental side nor is his technical game excellent.

Martin performed a level that you just don't see from rookie OL but once ever generation. You can't expect Collins to duplicate that.

 

[DC Cowboy]

I think Leary is saying that because he knows he might not get his job back in a contract year with studs all around to make him look better than he is. Regardless I view his as a good starter in the league.

What games are some of you watching? Did any of you watch the Texans game last year? It was Leary that handled Watt, it is also Leary and Smith that consistently open holes on the left side. I really don't understand the Leary hate on this board. Often times Leary name isn't mentioned b/c he isn't/wasn't a first round pick but the dude balls. Some of you get an idea in your heads and just run with it regardless if it has any merit or not. Please watch the games that are actually on TV from this point forward.

 

[Zekeats]

What games are some of you watching? Did any of you watch the Texans game last year? It was Leary that handled Watt, it is also Leary and Smith that consistently open holes on the left side. I really don't understand the Leary hate on this board. Often times Leary name isn't mentioned b/c he isn't/wasn't a first round pick but the dude balls. Some of you get an idea in your heads and just run with it regardless if it has any merit or not. Please watch the games that are actually on TV from this point forward.

I never said he was bad....fact is he is in a contract year and not playing makes his next contract less

 

[DC Cowboy]

I never said he was bad....fact is he is in a contract year and not playing makes his next contract less

you stated "with studs all around to make him look better than he is" Leary is a good LG period. I mean some of you kill me. Just like all the posters that stated we could plug any RB behind this line and we will be ok.

 

[burmafrd]

Martin had the mental stuff down. So much so that he saw snaps in practice at center. He knows the offense so well, he can even make the line calls. Martin had technique near perfect as well.

Collins is nowhere near that advanced on the mental side nor is his technical game excellent.

Martin performed a level that you just don't see from rookie OL but once ever generation. You can't expect Collins to duplicate that.

Martin had the mental stuff down. So much so that he saw snaps in practice at center. He knows the offense so well, he can even make the line calls. Martin had technique near perfect as well.

Collins is nowhere near that advanced on the mental side nor is his technical game excellent.

Martin performed a level that you just don't see from rookie OL but once ever generation. You can't expect Collins to duplicate that.

Martin is a true once in a generation player. In the history of the NFL you can count on the fingers of one hand those that started at guard as rookies and made ALL PRO.

 

[Aven8]

actually its not physical with Bernie- he can pretty much go toe to toe with anyone as regards strength and quickness. Its between the ears that has always been his weakness.

Yep, he has a little Gurode in him.

 

[jrumann59]

Martin had the mental stuff down. So much so that he saw snaps in practice at center. He knows the offense so well, he can even make the line calls. Martin had technique near perfect as well.

Collins is nowhere near that advanced on the mental side nor is his technical game excellent.

Martin performed a level that you just don't see from rookie OL but once ever generation. You can't expect Collins to duplicate that.

I understand that. But all things being equal I would go with inconsistencies froma rookie over inconsistencies from a vet like Berny, difference being the rook with 'most" likely learn, the vet is who he is.

 

[Doc50]

After re-watching that game last night.....It's Collins for me for the rest of the year. Ron Leary was brutal Sunday night. Continually got pushed backwards......didn't reach the second level to cut off the LBers...not once did he complete assignment...and it was his guy making the tackle all the time. Our run game would have been great if it wasn't for Leary's sub par play. IMO I think part of his injury was because he was getting pushed backwards all night long by Hankins. You would think 2 big guys would normally stalemate each other....not Sunday Night.

I think he played poorly because of the injury. It got worse as the game went on, and he finally couldn't go.

Leary has been dominant, and his knee has held up surprisingly well; he reportedly has a groin injury.

Collins is a bit of a risk. Philly will try to game him and knock out Tony. Protecting the QB is still paramount to our season's success.

If the coaches think Collins is as good at pass-blocking as Berny, then he'll be in there.

 

[Zekeats]

you stated "with studs all around to make him look better than he is" Leary is a good LG period. I mean some of you kill me. Just like all the posters that stated we could plug any RB behind this line and we will be ok.

That is exactly what I said...and then I also said Leary is a good guard in my opinion. I don't know how much clearer I could be. If anyone is killing anyone it's you doing it to yourself because you either can't put sentences together or you choose to not read everything

 

[DallasDomination]

After re-watching that game last night.....It's Collins for me for the rest of the year. Ron Leary was brutal Sunday night. Continually got pushed backwards......didn't reach the second level to cut off the LBers...not once did he complete assignment...and it was his guy making the tackle all the time. Our run game would have been great if it wasn't for Leary's sub par play. IMO I think part of his injury was because he was getting pushed backwards all night long by Hankins. You would think 2 big guys would normally stalemate each other....not Sunday Night.

I didn't pay attention to his game but that's surprising to hear. I suppose now the sting of having him out isn't as big if what you describe is accurate. Come on Collins!!

 

[AbeBeta]

I understand that. But all things being equal I would go with inconsistencies froma rookie over inconsistencies from a vet like Berny, difference being the rook with 'most" likely learn, the vet is who he is.

Bern didn't look inconsistent against the Giants

 

[xwalker]

I never said he was bad....fact is he is in a contract year and not playing makes his next contract less

He is an RFA and the Cowboys are likely to tender him.