I called for it all last season. Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis and Andre Gurode all had to go...and now they all have. The Cowboys cut the 5x Pro Bowl center today and now only 2 of last years offensive line starters remain; Doug Free and Kyle Kosier. This move ensures that the Cowboys will have a much younger and more athletic offensive line, but also a much less experienced one. I still think this group, overall, will be a significant upgrade over last years bunch. Doug Free has the potential to be one of the most stabilizing forces at the left tackle position in the league and Kyle Kosier is a gritty veteran who provides intelligence and leadership, and a nasty disposition. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in effort and intelligence.
The Cowboys first addressed their offensive line ineptness by drafting the physical freak Tyron Smith out of USC. He is a raw talent but he has performed very well in camp. There are sure to be mental errors throughout the season, but I doubt he will be beaten by pass rushers as frequently as Colombo was last season. Another plus, Jason Garrett wisely moved Kosier to the right side so that he can help tutor the young Smith.
Now it looks like the Cowboys will go with Phil Costa as Gurode's replacement at center. I thought Costa was too small and too weak last year at guard, but he has performed very well this preseason (he's out with a knee injury right now but is expected to return soon) Perhaps center is better suited for his size. One thing is for sure; we won't see all of those erroneous snaps when the QB isn't looking, a trademark of Gurode.
Finally, it looks as if rookie Bill Nagy will get the nod at left guard. Both he and fellow rookie David Arkin has performed well at times at camp and both have a feisty mentality that the Cowboys are looking for in their offensive line. Nagy has been a little more consistent and I think that his athleticism, as well as the rest of the groups collective athleticism, will pave the way for a big year for Felix Jones and the rest of the backs. I am skeptical about the interior's ability to protect the QB but the outside pressure should be less than last year. Overall this bunch should be a much better unit than last years.
The Cowboys first addressed their offensive line ineptness by drafting the physical freak Tyron Smith out of USC. He is a raw talent but he has performed very well in camp. There are sure to be mental errors throughout the season, but I doubt he will be beaten by pass rushers as frequently as Colombo was last season. Another plus, Jason Garrett wisely moved Kosier to the right side so that he can help tutor the young Smith.
Now it looks like the Cowboys will go with Phil Costa as Gurode's replacement at center. I thought Costa was too small and too weak last year at guard, but he has performed very well this preseason (he's out with a knee injury right now but is expected to return soon) Perhaps center is better suited for his size. One thing is for sure; we won't see all of those erroneous snaps when the QB isn't looking, a trademark of Gurode.
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