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Interior Re-Design?
Position Series: Guards / Center
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Editor's Note: This is the sixth of an 11-part series that analyzes each position on the Cowboys roster, providing a quick look back before addressing the needs of each spot on the field and how it can improve heading into the 2011 season. Today we look at the interior part of the offensive line with the guard and center positions.
Pressing Matters: The Cowboys have a few tough calls to make regarding the middle of the offensive line. It starts at the guard position, where left guard Kyle Kosier will be an unrestricted free agent - whenever the free agency period begins - and right guard Leonard Davis has been the subject of a possible release for financial reasons. Either way, there is a chance both of last year's starting guards could be new, at least to the position.
It probably starts with the decision to keep Davis, who missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his four years in Dallas. Davis was benched in a game earlier in the season against Tennessee in favor of Montrae Holland, who could also figure into the mix, with one year remaining on his contract.
Davis is set to make $6 million in base salary this season, but if a salary cap comes back into play, the Cowboys would likely still lose cap space by cutting Davis this year.
As for Kosier, his future might hinge on the decision with Davis. If the Cowboys decide to part ways with their right guard, you would think re-signing Kosier could be a viable option.
And don't forget about center Andre Gurode. While he's made five straight Pro Bowls, the thought of moving him to a guard spot isn't out of the question. Of course, that would mean the Cowboys would need to sign or draft a replacement.
2010 Evaluation: Any way you slice it, these positions need to be improved in 2011. Whether that means new personnel, new schemes or a new approach, the middle of the offensive line could stand to be revamped, or at least rejuvenated. Last year, the Cowboys struggled in short-yardage and goal-line situations once again. Too many times, they were stuffed inside the 2-yard line trying to run the ball into the end zone. And it didn't really matter who was running ball. Marion Barber had problems getting short-yardage, as did Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. However, considering the Cowboys did rank seventh in total offense and sixth in passing offense, those guys up front were at least doing something right. They blocked for three different quarterbacks and the offense even improved in the second half of the season. But those inconsistencies in the running game seem to stand out more than anything from 2010.
Need More From . . . : Assuming he's still around next season, the Cowboys undoubtedly will need more from Leonard Davis. And if he's not, then obviously the team will hope to get more from the next right guard. According to the NFL's stat source, the Cowboys ran the ball 29 times directly behind the right guard position. Of the attempts, they averaged just 2.03 yards, ranking 31st in the league. In comparison, they ran 30 times over the left guard and averaged 4.0 yards per carry, ranking 17th in the league. Regardless of the contract, the Cowboys need more from that position.
Upgrades Needed: This is an area that could be addressed in the draft. With the Cowboys owning the 40th overall pick - early in the second round - that's a spot that could include an interior lineman. Back in 2002 and 2003, the Cowboys picked Gurode with the 37th pick and then Al Johnson with the 38th selection. It's a spot where value is rather high for guards and centers, who typically don't get picked too often in the first rounds. There are exceptions like last year with Maurkice Pouncey and Mike Iupati going back-to-back with the 17th and 18th picks. Still, early in the second round could provide the Cowboys with a quality lineman. Whether it's a guard or center, there could be some shuffling on the line to accommodate the help.
Position Analysis:
Andre Gurode - Only Cowboys center to make five Pro Bowls and one of 26 players in franchise history to have at least five straight Pro Bowl selections.
Leonard Davis - His $6 million salary for 2011 could play a huge factor in his future. First year he didn't make the Pro Bowl with the Cowboys, snapping a three-year streak.
Kyle Kosier - Unrestricted free agent who many feel is the most underrated linemen on the team. His injury issues will always be an issue.
Montrae Holland - Still has another year on his contract. With Davis' future uncertain and Kosier unrestricted, the chances of Holland starting next season are solid.
Phil Costa - Versatile backup who was forced into action last season. Those guys are valuable on the roster, but it's unlikely he is viewed as a potential starter.
Travis Bright - One of the few practice squad players not called up to the roster last year. That stemmed from the lack of injuries on the line. Still, Bright has two years of practice squad experience but it's time he takes the next step.
Position Series: Guards / Center
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Editor's Note: This is the sixth of an 11-part series that analyzes each position on the Cowboys roster, providing a quick look back before addressing the needs of each spot on the field and how it can improve heading into the 2011 season. Today we look at the interior part of the offensive line with the guard and center positions.
Pressing Matters: The Cowboys have a few tough calls to make regarding the middle of the offensive line. It starts at the guard position, where left guard Kyle Kosier will be an unrestricted free agent - whenever the free agency period begins - and right guard Leonard Davis has been the subject of a possible release for financial reasons. Either way, there is a chance both of last year's starting guards could be new, at least to the position.
It probably starts with the decision to keep Davis, who missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his four years in Dallas. Davis was benched in a game earlier in the season against Tennessee in favor of Montrae Holland, who could also figure into the mix, with one year remaining on his contract.
Davis is set to make $6 million in base salary this season, but if a salary cap comes back into play, the Cowboys would likely still lose cap space by cutting Davis this year.
As for Kosier, his future might hinge on the decision with Davis. If the Cowboys decide to part ways with their right guard, you would think re-signing Kosier could be a viable option.
And don't forget about center Andre Gurode. While he's made five straight Pro Bowls, the thought of moving him to a guard spot isn't out of the question. Of course, that would mean the Cowboys would need to sign or draft a replacement.
2010 Evaluation: Any way you slice it, these positions need to be improved in 2011. Whether that means new personnel, new schemes or a new approach, the middle of the offensive line could stand to be revamped, or at least rejuvenated. Last year, the Cowboys struggled in short-yardage and goal-line situations once again. Too many times, they were stuffed inside the 2-yard line trying to run the ball into the end zone. And it didn't really matter who was running ball. Marion Barber had problems getting short-yardage, as did Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. However, considering the Cowboys did rank seventh in total offense and sixth in passing offense, those guys up front were at least doing something right. They blocked for three different quarterbacks and the offense even improved in the second half of the season. But those inconsistencies in the running game seem to stand out more than anything from 2010.
Need More From . . . : Assuming he's still around next season, the Cowboys undoubtedly will need more from Leonard Davis. And if he's not, then obviously the team will hope to get more from the next right guard. According to the NFL's stat source, the Cowboys ran the ball 29 times directly behind the right guard position. Of the attempts, they averaged just 2.03 yards, ranking 31st in the league. In comparison, they ran 30 times over the left guard and averaged 4.0 yards per carry, ranking 17th in the league. Regardless of the contract, the Cowboys need more from that position.
Upgrades Needed: This is an area that could be addressed in the draft. With the Cowboys owning the 40th overall pick - early in the second round - that's a spot that could include an interior lineman. Back in 2002 and 2003, the Cowboys picked Gurode with the 37th pick and then Al Johnson with the 38th selection. It's a spot where value is rather high for guards and centers, who typically don't get picked too often in the first rounds. There are exceptions like last year with Maurkice Pouncey and Mike Iupati going back-to-back with the 17th and 18th picks. Still, early in the second round could provide the Cowboys with a quality lineman. Whether it's a guard or center, there could be some shuffling on the line to accommodate the help.
Position Analysis:
Andre Gurode - Only Cowboys center to make five Pro Bowls and one of 26 players in franchise history to have at least five straight Pro Bowl selections.
Leonard Davis - His $6 million salary for 2011 could play a huge factor in his future. First year he didn't make the Pro Bowl with the Cowboys, snapping a three-year streak.
Kyle Kosier - Unrestricted free agent who many feel is the most underrated linemen on the team. His injury issues will always be an issue.
Montrae Holland - Still has another year on his contract. With Davis' future uncertain and Kosier unrestricted, the chances of Holland starting next season are solid.
Phil Costa - Versatile backup who was forced into action last season. Those guys are valuable on the roster, but it's unlikely he is viewed as a potential starter.
Travis Bright - One of the few practice squad players not called up to the roster last year. That stemmed from the lack of injuries on the line. Still, Bright has two years of practice squad experience but it's time he takes the next step.
