New Cowboys o-line hopping right into the fire

By Andy Targovnik  |   Wednesday, May 31, 2006  |  Comments( 27 )

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When the Dallas Cowboys kick off their 2006 schedule on September 10, their newly revamped offensive line won't be able to stick their toe in the shallow end of the pool and test the water. They'll have to dive right into the deep end as they face a very physical and effective Jacksonville Jaguars defense. How good is the Jaguars defense?

The numbers speak volumes. In 2005, Jacksonville led the entire NFL in sacks per pass play, was tied for 3rd in overall sacks and points allowed; and was ranked 3rd in overall third down defense.

If the Jaguars had an Achilles heal in 2005, it appeared to be the run. However, appearances can be deceiving. While they were ranked fourteenth overall, allowing 106.8 yards per game, they only allowed 4 rushing touchdowns all year. So when opponents tried to ram it down their throats for 6 points, they couldn't do it.

The opening game in Jacksonville should answer a lot of questions about this new-fangled offensive line.

We'll find out if 32-year old Jason Fabini still has gas left in his tank when he attempts to contain Pro Bowl defensive end Reggie Hayward, who had 8 ½ sacks in 2005. We'll also get a read on the interior offensive line, which includes free agent acquisition Kyle Kosier. They'll have their hands full with outstanding defensive tackles John Henderson and 2005 Pro Bowler Marcus Stroud. And just for good measure, Flozell Adams will get to test his mettle against right defensive end Paul Spicer who racked up 7 ½ sacks last season. This well-balanced Jaguars defensive front by itself will be difficult enough to handle, even before blitzing linebackers and defensive backs are taken into account.

When Bill Parcells traded down in the draft and passed on Marcus McNeill, he was rolling the dice that this new offensive line could do the job. That first game against the Jaguars will be a very good indication of whether Parcells hit the jackpot or crapped out.

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CommentsComments: 27  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
da challenger		07:02 AM
05/31/2006
yea the o-line on paper is a little shocker. but i am fairly confident that bledsoe will have alot less mistakes and bad decision...
No.2
dc		10:26 AM
05/31/2006
A rookie offensive lineman probably wouldn't make that big of an impact this year. So its a non-issue this year, the following...
No.3
SL2MM		01:36 PM
05/31/2006
Naa, I don't think its gonna be as big an issue as they make it out to be. The OL is gonna be sick, and their DL isn't all that,...
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