Newsletter

La’el Collins impresses as a guard at Dallas practices. Reem

Returning to the team after a five-game suspension, many believed La’el Collins would regain his spot as a starting right-hander. However, Terence Steele’s performance during Collins’s absence impressed the coaching staff. So much so that they decided not to alter the dynamics of the offensive line and keep Steele as the starter, at least for this Sunday.

However, there was another plan for Collins. And, following recent statements by Mike McCarthy, it appears that the plan is going well.

Recall that last Wednesday, the Cowboys head coach indicated that La’el Collins would train at the guard and offensive tackle positions. In fact, in Thursday’s practice, Collins had a heavier workload as a guard. And, in the words of Mike McCarthy, it seems that he has impressed.

“I was curious because it is a different challenge there in that position”McCarthy said of Collins during a news conference Thursday. “I wanted to see the level of the pad, the posture, and so on. It looked like he was riding a bicycle. It is as if he understood immediately. I think LC had a good practice “.

Recall that La’el Collins came to the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie in 2015, at which time he was serving as guard. However, since the 2017 season he became the Cowboys’ starting right tackler.

Now, it looks like the Dallas coaching staff wants to use Collins as a versatile backup for two offensive line spots. In fact, and according to the most recent depth chart from the Cowboys, Collins appears as a backup at the positions of right tackle and left guard. That is, as an endorsement of Terence Steele and Connor Williams.

Will Collins replace Williams at left guard?

However, it is very curious that the Cowboys coaching staff is testing Collins at the guard post. For now, Terence Steele inspires enough confidence to stay at right tackle. But the same can’t be said for Connor Williams at left guard.

Although he has performed well, Williams is considered by many to be the weakest link in Dallas’ offensive line. The guard is, after seven weeks, the second player in the NFL with the most total penalties with 9: eight for holding the opponent, and one for unsportsmanlike conduct. In fact, against the Patriots he committed four fouls. And some of them nearly cost the Cowboys the game in the fourth quarter.

Now, it seems that the coaching staff has its objectives clear. On the one hand, he wants to maintain the dynamics of the last weeks leaving Terence Steele as the starter due to his good performance. And, on the other hand, he wants to be backed by guarantees in case Connor Williams continues to have performance problems. This, of course, leaves the competition between Collins and Steele open for the starting right tackle spot.

That said, whether or not Williams is replaced at left guard will depend on what happens during the next few games. However, La’el Collins seems to agree that he will play in that position again.

“I am willing to do whatever it takes for the good of the team”Collins told the media after Friday’s practice. “Playing on the left side comes naturally to me. To play on the right side I had to learn “.

What does Collins think of the loss of his ownership?

On the other hand, La’el Collins was also asked this Friday about the loss of his position as starter to the benefit of Terence Steele. And, according to his statements, it seems that the offensive lineman accepts what happened and will remain focused on working for the good of the team.

“Everything has gone well (with the team), so I was not surprised at all”Collins said of Steele’s retention at starting right tackle. “I know I am a starter wherever. I just wanted to come back here and show them that I am focused on helping the team and doing whatever they ask of me. “.

Likewise, the offensive lineman had good comments towards Terence Steele after winning the title, at least for this week. He even expressed his pride in the young tackle, who has made great strides from his rookie season in 2020.

As you can see, La’el Collins is another of the Dallas players who is showing commitment to working for the good of the team. This, of course, regardless of whether you are the owner or not. It remains to be seen if the veteran lineman regains his spot in future games. Or if he ends up filling in for Connor Williams as a left guard.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending