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Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
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IRVING, Texas – In a matter of five weeks, the Cowboys have made serious changes on the offensive line. Not only have they shaved off millions in cap room, but the overall age and size of the line has been reduced as well.
Just like that, by cutting Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis and now Andre Gurode, the Cowboys' average age for the men up front went from 30.8 years of age last year to a projected 25.2 years.
And what about the size? Last season's average of 324.4 pounds has been trimmed to 309.2.
Younger and leaner on the line, but the goal remains the same: keep Tony Romo on his feet. That was something that didn't happen last year as the veteran quarterback suffered a broken collarbone in Week 6, ending his season.
This year, Romo returns with a new and younger group in front of him, but his confidence remains high.
"I'm not worried about that; you have to trust the guys in front of you," Romo said. "They've had to grow up quick and they've done it each week. I think they'll be fine."
The "they" he's referring to is rookie right tackle Tyron Smith, the team's first lineman picked in the first round in 30 years. Bill Nagy, a seventh-round pick from Wisconsin has a chance to start at left guard while second-year pro Phil Costa, an undrafted free agent last year, is expected to replace Gurode at center.
But Romo said no matter their pedigree, they all get treated the same.
"You're always going to coach and you're going to do it as if they were a five-year guy after they make a mistake," Romo said. "That's part of it. Anytime you play this position, you end up having to teach and tell the guys what you want. That part will stay the same."
But when asked about the overall state of the line, Romo doesn't go down that route, preferring to stay out of the big picture.
"You just have to play each play separate," Romo said of adjusting to the younger linemen. "If (the play is) breaking down, then just find a way to get the ball out and help your team. If they do a good job on that specific play, then it's more time to get the ball down the field. There's no secret to it. You have to play each play like its own play. There's no big picture in each play."
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas – In a matter of five weeks, the Cowboys have made serious changes on the offensive line. Not only have they shaved off millions in cap room, but the overall age and size of the line has been reduced as well.
Just like that, by cutting Marc Colombo, Leonard Davis and now Andre Gurode, the Cowboys' average age for the men up front went from 30.8 years of age last year to a projected 25.2 years.
And what about the size? Last season's average of 324.4 pounds has been trimmed to 309.2.
Younger and leaner on the line, but the goal remains the same: keep Tony Romo on his feet. That was something that didn't happen last year as the veteran quarterback suffered a broken collarbone in Week 6, ending his season.
This year, Romo returns with a new and younger group in front of him, but his confidence remains high.
"I'm not worried about that; you have to trust the guys in front of you," Romo said. "They've had to grow up quick and they've done it each week. I think they'll be fine."
The "they" he's referring to is rookie right tackle Tyron Smith, the team's first lineman picked in the first round in 30 years. Bill Nagy, a seventh-round pick from Wisconsin has a chance to start at left guard while second-year pro Phil Costa, an undrafted free agent last year, is expected to replace Gurode at center.
But Romo said no matter their pedigree, they all get treated the same.
"You're always going to coach and you're going to do it as if they were a five-year guy after they make a mistake," Romo said. "That's part of it. Anytime you play this position, you end up having to teach and tell the guys what you want. That part will stay the same."
But when asked about the overall state of the line, Romo doesn't go down that route, preferring to stay out of the big picture.
"You just have to play each play separate," Romo said of adjusting to the younger linemen. "If (the play is) breaking down, then just find a way to get the ball out and help your team. If they do a good job on that specific play, then it's more time to get the ball down the field. There's no secret to it. You have to play each play like its own play. There's no big picture in each play."
