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RAINER SABIN / The Dallas Morning News
Need meter: Eight out of 10 stars (offensive line), three out of 10 stars (tight ends).
On the roster: Guard Travis Bright, Guard Phil Costa, Guard Leonard Davis , Guard Montrae Holland, Guard Kyle Kosier, Tackle Alex Barron , Tackle Robert Brewster, Tackle Marc Colombo , Tackle Doug Free , Tackle Jermey Parnell, Tackle Sam Young, Center Andre Gurode, Tight end Martellus Bennett , Tight end John Phillips , Tight end Martin Rucker, Tight end Jason Witten.
From the outset of the season, the offensive line proved deficient.
In the Cowboys’ season-opening loss to Washington, right tackle Alex Barron was assessed three holding penalties — the last of which negated a touchdown that could have won the game on the final play. Barron was soon relegated to the bench, and Marc Colombo reassumed his starting position.
But Colombo, who had knee surgery in the summer, didn’t fare much better. In 2010, pass rushers targeted him and he allowed seven sacks — the most on the team. But as much as Colombo’s performance was disappointing, the steady play of left tackle Doug Free was pleasantly surprising.
After veteran Flozell Adams was released, Free stepped into the line’s most important position and thrived. Although he committed the most penalties — 11 — Free allowed only five sacks. Along with the Pro Bowl season Andre Gurode had and the improved blocking of right guard Leonard Davis, who yielded no sacks and was flagged for one penalty in the last six games, Free’s emergence was encouraging.
Depth, however, remains a major concern along the line. Eight linemen played for the Cowboys last season, but the reserves were rarely deployed. Phil Costa and Montrae Holland were on the field for 286 snaps. Promising rookie tackle Sam Young, meanwhile, never saw action on offense.
At tight end, the Cowboys appear to be set. Jason Witten authored another Pro Bowl season, catching 94 passes for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns while burnishing his credentials for the Hall of Fame. He led the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Although Martellus Bennett didn’t make the offensive impact Witten did, he proved serviceable as a blocking tight end and didn’t surrender a sack. But Bennett’s role could be reduced next year with the return of John Phillips, who tore his ACL in a preseason game last year.
What the Cowboys should do: The Cowboys need to improve the offensive line, either by acquiring a player through free agency or the draft. Colombo’s best days appear to be behind him, and the Cowboys need to reinforce that position. Keeping Free, who could become a restricted free agent, is also a priority.
Interesting fact: Since 1967, the Cowboys have drafted two offensive linemen in the first round.
Who’s available
Tyson Clabo Atlanta...........Tackle made his first Pro Bowl in 2010
Willie Colon Pittsburgh.........Tackle missed 2010 after tearing Achilles tendon
Matt Light N. England..........Tackle protects Tom Brady’s blind side
Tyron Smith USC..................Last USC tackle Cowboys drafted? Jacob Rogers
Nate Solder Colorado...........Consensus All-American, but worth the ninth pick?
Need meter: Eight out of 10 stars (offensive line), three out of 10 stars (tight ends).
On the roster: Guard Travis Bright, Guard Phil Costa, Guard Leonard Davis , Guard Montrae Holland, Guard Kyle Kosier, Tackle Alex Barron , Tackle Robert Brewster, Tackle Marc Colombo , Tackle Doug Free , Tackle Jermey Parnell, Tackle Sam Young, Center Andre Gurode, Tight end Martellus Bennett , Tight end John Phillips , Tight end Martin Rucker, Tight end Jason Witten.
From the outset of the season, the offensive line proved deficient.
In the Cowboys’ season-opening loss to Washington, right tackle Alex Barron was assessed three holding penalties — the last of which negated a touchdown that could have won the game on the final play. Barron was soon relegated to the bench, and Marc Colombo reassumed his starting position.
But Colombo, who had knee surgery in the summer, didn’t fare much better. In 2010, pass rushers targeted him and he allowed seven sacks — the most on the team. But as much as Colombo’s performance was disappointing, the steady play of left tackle Doug Free was pleasantly surprising.
After veteran Flozell Adams was released, Free stepped into the line’s most important position and thrived. Although he committed the most penalties — 11 — Free allowed only five sacks. Along with the Pro Bowl season Andre Gurode had and the improved blocking of right guard Leonard Davis, who yielded no sacks and was flagged for one penalty in the last six games, Free’s emergence was encouraging.
Depth, however, remains a major concern along the line. Eight linemen played for the Cowboys last season, but the reserves were rarely deployed. Phil Costa and Montrae Holland were on the field for 286 snaps. Promising rookie tackle Sam Young, meanwhile, never saw action on offense.
At tight end, the Cowboys appear to be set. Jason Witten authored another Pro Bowl season, catching 94 passes for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns while burnishing his credentials for the Hall of Fame. He led the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns.
Although Martellus Bennett didn’t make the offensive impact Witten did, he proved serviceable as a blocking tight end and didn’t surrender a sack. But Bennett’s role could be reduced next year with the return of John Phillips, who tore his ACL in a preseason game last year.
What the Cowboys should do: The Cowboys need to improve the offensive line, either by acquiring a player through free agency or the draft. Colombo’s best days appear to be behind him, and the Cowboys need to reinforce that position. Keeping Free, who could become a restricted free agent, is also a priority.
Interesting fact: Since 1967, the Cowboys have drafted two offensive linemen in the first round.
Who’s available
Tyson Clabo Atlanta...........Tackle made his first Pro Bowl in 2010
Willie Colon Pittsburgh.........Tackle missed 2010 after tearing Achilles tendon
Matt Light N. England..........Tackle protects Tom Brady’s blind side
Tyron Smith USC..................Last USC tackle Cowboys drafted? Jacob Rogers
Nate Solder Colorado...........Consensus All-American, but worth the ninth pick?
