Amazingly, the Dallas Cowboys have yet to feature their initially predicted starting offensive line. Their starting 5 was supposed to be set like this:
Left Tackle – Tyron Smith
Left Guard – Connor Williams
Center – Tyler Biadasz
Right Guard – Zack Martin
Right Tackle – La’el Collins
However, fate continues to get in the way. Tyron Smith has missed 2 games, Zack Martin 1 and La’el Collins missed 5 games due to suspension, and was left off the starting lineup upon return.
Now, once again, the Cowboys are reshuffling their offensive front once again.
La’el Collins said he’s starting Sunday. With Tyron Smith expected to return to his starting LT spot, Terence Steele would move to swing tackle.
La’el: “I’m at right. If they need me to play left, if they need me to play fullback, it don’t matter. I’m here to help the team win.” pic.twitter.com/NCeuuYyt94
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 19, 2021
Tyron Smith will return from injury to his left tackle spot, and relegate Terence Steele to the bench. It’s slightly a shock that Steele will go back to his swing tackle position. The coaching staff made it a point after sitting him against the Minnesota Vikings.
With Reports coming out that Collins had rubbed this coaching staff the wrong way, it seems that he’s regained their trust. Collins continues to show he’s the better overall player, but easing the staff’s minds is settling the dust.
Even more surprising, the Cowboys are making a 2nd move on the line as well.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy says Connor McGovern will play LG on Sunday. Connor Williams penalties are an issue.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 19, 2021
We has suggested previously that Connor McGovern should be given snaps at center, with Tyler Biadasz having early season struggles. However, he is getting better as the season goes.
Connor Williams is actually playing well this season, but as the report states, penalties. Penalties. Penalties. Williams is the most penalized player (10) in the league, and also leads in penalty yards (110) and holding calls (8), according to Football Database.
It’s an interesting timing for the change. The Dallas Cowboys play the Chiefs on Sunday, the 1st of 3 games in less than 2 weeks. 3 games that the Cowboys should win, making the change at this moment surprising.
Fans and analysts know Williams is playing well, so seeing his spot taken (at least for this week) is eye-opening. There have been clamors for McGovern to get on the field more, from media and fans, and now they’ll get their wish.
The offensive line the Cowboys will field on Sunday will be:
Left Tackle – Tyron Smith
Left Guard – Connor McGovern
Center – Tyler Biadasz
Right Guard – Zack Martin
Right Tackle – La’el Collins
Unfortunately, it does leave a hole at full back.
Introducing Kellen Moore's secret weapon, Cowboys backup OL Connor McGovern.
A film room by @ChrisTrapasso: pic.twitter.com/CUPYGSRdUR
— Pick Six Podcast (@picksixpod) November 19, 2021
Given how the season is going, don’t be surprised if/when the Dallas Cowboys change the lineup again. For now though, this is the lineup that will take the field.
