Dallas Cowboys: Five assumptions to make after Week One
By Carl Daley
3. Offensive line issues are not going away
Look this was not going to be an easy game regardless but the loss of Travis Frederick is huge. The center makes most of the calls in terms of protections and is critical to the running game, so simply put, a backup will not cut it. Joe Looney did not have a bad day, but the disparity between his level of play and Frederick’s is obvious.
Personally, it appears to me as if the Dallas Cowboys could go heavy with offensive linemen in next years draft as finding a new tackle, guard, and center remain on the Cowboys to do list. It is also one of those situations that landing a free agent simply will not cut it unless your willing to break the bank.
Drafting quality offensive linemen is the only way to really address this issue. Now I am not saying Zack Martin, La’El Collins, or Tyron Smith are not elite, I am just saying having insurance for these players is key to the success of this football team. The Dallas Cowboys identity is supposed to revolve around running the football, they cannot do that with ineffective linemen especially when those players are backing up Pro Bowlers.
Interesting note though, both Smith and Collins were called for holding twice on Sunday, a symptom of rust most likely but still not a great look. The rookie guard Connor Williams also had a rough day as he allowed two sacks in this contest. Replenishing the depth along the offensive line is paramount to this football club if they want to head back to the playoffs.