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Change all the assistant coaches, play callers, and defensive schemes you want, but none of that addresses the biggest issue for the Cowboys. In fact, when you compare this team with the two that played in the Super Bowl this year, there’s one glaring deficiency.

As Barry Switzer called them, it’s those pachyderms on the offensive line. And, after what we saw this season, surely, it’s no longer the elephant in the Cowboys war room.

The Cowboys had the 31st ranked rushing offense in the NFL in 2012. They averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and an astonishing 79 yards rushing a game. To put that in perspective, in the 53-year history of the franchise, never have they ever had a season in which they averaged fewer yards rushing per game. Even the 1960 Cowboys (0-11-1) had a higher rushing average (87.4).

How did this happen?

The Cowboys, wisely, decided to rebuild their offensive line when Jason Garrett took over as head coach in 2011. They released aging veterans Andre Gurode (a former 2nd round draft pick), Leonard Davis (1st rounder), and Marc Colombo (1st rounder). In 2012, they let go veteran Kyle Kosier.

The Cowboys have replaced those four starters with one premium draft pick, 1st rounder Tyron Smith in 2011.

Otherwise, they’ve tried to survive with an undrafted young center (Phil Costa), and veteran free agent pickups Nate Livings (undrafted) and Mackenzy Bernadeau (7th rounder).

It takes time to replace what the Cowboys have lost in the offensive line. They simply haven’t had enough salary cap space or draft chips to cash in.

They could have used a 2nd round pick on an offensive lineman last year, but the price they paid for moving up to take cornerback Morris Claiborne was a 2nd round selection. If they had that pick, they could’ve taken offensive guard Kelechi Osemele, the Ravens starting left guard in the Super Bowl.

Now compare the Cowboys offensive line with the two Super Bowl teams.

Baltimore started two 1st round draft picks at tackle, Bryant McKinnie and Michael Oher. The guards were 3rd rounder Marshall Yanda (2nd team All Pro) and 2nd rounder Osemele. 36 year old veteran Matt Birk lined up at center.

San Francisco started three 1st round selections in its offensive line, guard Mike Iupati (1st team All-Pro) and tackles Joe Staley (2nd team All-Pro) and Anthony Davis. Like the Ravens, they had a veteran center in Jonathan Goodwin. Undrafted Alex Boone emerged at right guard.

In 2007-09, the 49ers ranked 27th in the league in rushing offense. In 2010, San Francisco drafted Davis and Iupati in the 1st round. In 2011-12, they’ve ranked 6th in the league in rushing offense with a combined record of 27-9-1 and a Super Bowl appearance.

Every year, the goal for the Cowboys should be 2100 yards rushing. The last three times they had 3500 yards passing and 2100 yards rushing in a season: 1992, 1993, and 1995.

The Cowboys had 1265 yards rushing this season.

In a word, the off-season priority: pachyderms.
 

SixisBetter

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The Cowboys had 1265 yards rushing this season.

According to NFL.com six guys had more rushing yards than this team,and Ridley just missed by a couple of yards.
Good thing we have a decent punter.
 
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You guys know Jerry isn't gonna use his first 2 picks on the OL :jerry No matter what...

I'm just hoping for 2 of the 1st 3 to be on the OL....Or at least a 1st and a 4th on the OL...
 

jnday

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Can't do it all in one season.

My guess is that Jerry won't fix the oline. I really don't think he will spend the resources and next season it will be a problem again. His recent comments about the oline playing well at the end of the season was his way of trying to sell the notion that the line is fixed.
 

SixisBetter

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Jerry in the media:"Our O-line started to gel at the end of the year"

Jerry to staff:"Make sure Orton's ready to go"
 

Hoofbite

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The problem is what Dallas has "lost".

It's that they didn't acquire shit when those guys were around so when all of those guys went tits-up they had nothing.

Haven't had the chips or money to make the moves? Fuck that. Spencer's cap hit would have pulled Ben Grubbs and the best center on the market last year. Lets see, what does more good for Dallas in 2012......good OG and a good C added to the line or Spencer. This might actually be a close call considering that Free was so fucking bad that they might as well have only had 4 guys out there. But, what's better for the team in 2013? Undoubtedly the 2 OL because Free should be out the door.

In 2009, maybe instead of fucking the pooch in the 2nd round they identify one of the 4 good OL that were taken after they traded down with Buffalo; the team that conveniently took Levitre with Dallas' pick; a player that people are now praying the team can sign. And Robert Brewster, what a fucking stud he was. Only a couple of picks later Luis Vasquez went off the board to the Chargers......just an OG who gave up 4 less sacks and 10 less QB hits than Livings. Oh, and wasn't penalized all year while livings had 6 flags come his way with 3 of them being accepted.

It hasn't been a lack of ability in acquiring players that has fucked the OL over. It's been a lack of ability in identifying guys who can actually play.

The team for whatever reason just doesn't think OL is all that important. All the skill players in the world can make up for shitty players on the OL in their eyes. Well, all the skill players in the world plus the "best" OL coaches in the game.

It's a joke. If they don't bring in some talent, they'll be shitty on the OL again.
 
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hoofbite said:
It hasn't been a lack of ability in acquiring players that has fucked the OL over. It's been a lack of ability in identifying guys who can actually play.

The team for whatever reason just doesn't think OL is all that important.

On the nose.

We've drafted a number of Olineman the past 5 or so years. They just all flop so our cubboard is bare.
 

jnday

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Yeah. Not a single one has worked out saved Tyron, and he was a no-brainer.

Tyron has regressed since moving to left tackle. I didn't like the Tyron pick when they drafted him and this season he displayed the faults that made me dislike the pick. He seemed to be doing good under Houck's coaching, but Callahan's coaching hasn't helped him much.
 
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