Sunday's Game Will Dictate the Dallas Cowboys O-Line Moving Forward
The Dallas Cowboys will start these five players on the offensive line for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LT – Tyler Smith (rookie)LG – Connor McGovernC – Tyler BiadaszRG – Zack MartinRT – Terence Steele We've known this for a while. The injury to Tyron Smith is forcing the coaching staff to […]
The Dallas Cowboys will start these five players on the offensive line for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
- LT – Tyler Smith (rookie)
- LG – Connor McGovern
- C – Tyler Biadasz
- RG – Zack Martin
- RT – Terence Steele
We've known this for a while. The injury to Tyron Smith is forcing the coaching staff to push their first-round draft pick outside.
Though he hasn't practiced the position since OTA's back in May, he's getting up to speed to get ready for the Bucc's.
Even with the addition of Jason Peters, who provides depth in a number of spots, the Cowboys are content with their starting five. For the time being.
How this unit performs against Tampa Bay will give credence for the remainder of the season. Especially with Peters getting up to speed and ready to take over.
It won't be easy neither. Tampa Bay has a daunting front seven that gave the Dallas Cowboys trouble in their last meet a year ago.
A pass rush featuring Shaquil Barrett, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Vita Vea and Williams Gholston. As well as newcomers Akiem Hicks and Logan Hall.
If this front five is able to hold up, it can delay the arrival of Peters and re-shuffling the offensive line for a bit longer. As much pressure the coaching staff is under, the play of the offense is now predicated on their success.
Should Smith and McGovern both play well, it lessens the need for Peters to come in right away. Being 40 years old may be a concern but has not shown any signs of aging based on his 2020 film.
If both were to play poorly, the left side would need to be reshuffled in a way that puts Peters in a better position to succeed, as well as keep one of the left side players from affecting the game.
If the rest of the line plays poorly too, we may see an all-out reshuffle. Maybe not in week two, but soon.
By all indications, Peters is progressing well in practice. Whether he's needed, or how soon, will be felt on Sunday. If the line holds up well, the coaching staff won't need to rush.
If the line as whole struggles, Peters will need to be ready for the Cincinatti Bengals in week two.
Either way, the Cowboys have a plan. When it will need to come about is to be determined.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
