How Cowboys most glaring hole was made evident on Saturday night
Offensive line depth is almost as necessary to succeed in the NFL as having five guys who can actually start in the trenches. After all, it's the unit that features the most starters in every single play. As such, it's difficult to expect them to be healthy all season. Dallas Cowboys fans have learned that […]
Offensive line depth is almost as necessary to succeed in the NFL as having five guys who can actually start in the trenches. After all, it's the unit that features the most starters in every single play. As such, it's difficult to expect them to be healthy all season.
Dallas Cowboys fans have learned that the hard way over the past few years. This is why heading into the team's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, an abundance of eyes was set on the offensive tackles that took the field.
Mainly, it was Josh Ball who was under the microscope of a fanbase that's slowly building optimism toward the season after one of the most apathy-filled offseasons in recent memory.
Well, the second-year Cowboys offensive tackle didn't deliver despite having the second-most offensive snaps among offensive players. His poor performance follows a rough joint practice on Thursday, too.
In the game, Ball allowed a sack after getting beat by Broncos backup edge rusher Baron Browning. He was vulnerable against inside moves and his movement looked wild. He looked far from what you want in a swing tackle.
At one point in the third quarter, Ball was called for two holding penalties in the same drive. Keep in mind we're talking about third-quarter preseason football here.
One of the biggest lessons the Dallas Cowboys learned is the fact that they don't have a swing tackle. Or if they do, he's not named Josh Ball.
Matt Waletzko's injury could require surgery, which leaves the Cowboys in a rough spot.
Signing a veteran offensive tackle should likely be the priority here. At a minimum, the coaching staff should shake things up at the position next week.
Late in the fourth quarter, International Player Isaac Alarcón was impressive. In 18 pass protection snaps, he allowed zero pressures, per PFF's John Owning.
Isaac, who enters his third season with the Cowboys, had multiple quality reps. He made an impressive backside reach block versus a defensive lineman who had inside leverage on him. Later, he sent his man to the ground in pass pro by winning the hand-fighting game.
He still needs to get better versus the bull rush but overall, Isaac did enough to warrant promotion in the offensive line groupings for the rest of the preseason.
Featured image via Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
