One of the big problems the organization faced in the 2020 campaign was the offensive line injury carnival. Certainly, this was a determining factor in the team’s poor results and their finishing third in the NFC East. Now, things look a little different as the Cowboys hold training camp in Oxnard. And alongside the recognizable faces in position, the body features backup elements that can now take on the responsibility of jumping onto the field if required.
To begin, we must talk about the main elements of rigor, which in this case are La’el Collins, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin. In the case of the first two, one missed the entire season due to surgery on his hip and the second only saw action in two games and then also went to the operating room for an operation on his neck. Without a doubt, this was the hardest hit the line had in all of 2020. With replacement elements like Brandon Knight and Terence Steele having to take the field without a proper preseason. This was definitely not the best idea, but it is what it was, and the results weren’t exactly the best.
???? O-Line #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/5MixXXAg8B
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 1, 2021
Now, La’el Collins was talking about his entire recovery process, which included Dak Prescott, who as we well know, was injured in week 5 against the Giants with a compound fracture in his right ankle. “We had a really good relationship, even before that, but definitely rehabbing together brought us even closer,” Collins said. “I respected him a lot more because that guy when he works, he makes it harder than anyone I know. Each and every day he gets up no matter if it is a little late, he will still show up and go to work ”.
Likewise, he also spoke about his relationship with Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, and how he calmly understands fully with them for the plays without having to talk much about it.
This has got to be the leanest La’el Collins has been in his major football career. pic.twitter.com/BF8GsXPB3L
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) July 22, 2021
As for Tyron Smith, he’s back with everything after his neck surgery. The offensive left tackle has been a determining factor in practice at Oxnard. And anytime you’ve been doing group exercises, the pass rushers are just wasting your time in your direction. He currently has tendinitis in his elbow, but that hasn’t stopped him. At least he’s been working on individual exercises these last few days in California.
A healthy Cowboys LT Tyron Smith pic.twitter.com/w67W5CtyoZ
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 22, 2021
A very different case is that of Zack Martin, who works some days with the group and not others. The objective is not to tire the player during practice and to arrive in optimal condition for the regular season. Of course, he continues training so as not to lose the rhythm of work, but it is not demanded like other elements that may, for example, be fighting for a position.
And this is where we go with two elements that in their second year, have more experience thanks to the entire offseason program and the Oxnard camp. They are center Tyler Biadasz and offensive tackle Terence Steele. In the case of the former, it is almost certain that he will be the starting center after Joe Looney’s departure to the New York Giants just a few days ago.
In fact, the player who has been used to back up Biadasz has been Connor Williams. Who during his time at Oxnard has played in this position aside from left guard. They have been doing the same with rookie Matt Farniok. Only in this case, they have given greater relevance to Williams’ veteran status.
Cowboys’ primary backup center to begin season may be a starter. Saw some of this in spring: LG Connor Williams is taking reps at center. He could slide over in event of a Tyler Biadasz exit. The top reserve guard (perhaps Connor McGovern) would then enter at LG. pic.twitter.com/ofJ9QMpsT1
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 24, 2021
As for Steele, his results were not very favorable in 2020. And despite his involvement, in some cases he was replaced by Zack Martin, to prevent opposing defensive ends from passing smoothly down the right side.
This is something the player clearly understands, and despite being an undraft agent in the 2020 Draft, he has at least had a chance to have a full training schedule. Unlike last year, where he had to improvise for a few days, without experience in the NFL, and having to leave from week 1 of the regular season against the Rams.
For the offensive tackle, there just wasn’t much to think about and get out on the field. However, the lack of experience played against him and the lack of training also. A great detail that is not being seen this year. Where Steele clearly knows that he will have a secondary role, but greater preparation for 2021.
“The game is assimilating mentally,” said Steele. “And then physically, I lost around 4-7 kilos since last season. I have been working on my core as well as my lower body, my legs. The feet are a big part of everything, so I’ve been working on that. “
As long as things keep up, there’s not much to worry about when it comes to the offensive line. If the headlines are full and the backup can respond when required, everything will be fine. Now it remains to be seen what will be the offensive line that will come out against the Steelers on August 5 in Ohio. Throughout the NFL Hall of Fame event.
