Continuity: The Overlooked Key to the Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Line Struggles
Continuity is a concept often discussed but not always fully appreciated, whether in life or in football. For the Dallas Cowboys, continuity is not just a coaching staff concern; it extends to the players themselves. Roster continuity brings a sense of familiarity and stability, fostering unspoken connections among teammates that are pivotal for certain aspects of the game.
Continuity aids defenders in adjusting to offensive motions, helps coverage players understand when and where to hand off assignments, and allows offensive lines to function as a cohesive unit in both phases of the game. However, it appears that this last factor has been holding the Cowboys back in the 2023 season.
The Cowboys began the season with high expectations for their offensive line. Comprising a mix of veterans and rising stars, many of whom are homegrown talents, this offensive line possessed in-depth knowledge of each other’s playing styles, expectations, and strengths and weaknesses.
Despite these lofty expectations, the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line has, for the most part, underperformed this season. They have faced challenges in opening running lanes, advancing to make second-level blocks, and protecting the quarterback. While there have been individual standouts, the unit as a whole has been underwhelming.
Pass protection composite ratings through Week 7
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) October 25, 2023
— Poor NYC teams
— I wonder what it is about the Jags that makes ESPN's approach really dislike them
— Despite all the sacks, WAS o-line really isn't that bad pic.twitter.com/sesMyR52tz
The composite grade, which combines film grades from PFF, scores from SIS, and metrics from ESPN, places the Cowboys’ offensive line in the middle of the pack. While it hasn’t been a complete disaster, it hasn’t functioned as a significant asset either.
It is worth noting that quarterback Dak Prescott has an average release time of just 2.62 seconds on all dropbacks this season. According to PFF, only nine passers have a shorter time to throw, indicating that Prescott isn’t placing excessive demands on his offensive line.
However, when releasing passes in under 2.5 seconds, Prescott faces pressure at a rate of 7.1%, ranking eighth in the NFL.
So, why the mediocre performance? The answer can be attributed to a lack of continuity.
For instance, while a team like the Kansas City Chiefs has had the same offensive line group play together for 446 snaps, the Cowboys’ most frequent combination has played just 92 snaps. The second most common combination has also played 92 snaps, while the third combination stands at 90 snaps. No grouping has played more than 23.1% of the snaps together.
To say the Cowboys offensive line has been a game of musical chairs is an understatement. 42 different O-line combos around the NFL have more time together than any of Dallas’. Can we just get some dang continuity, people! pic.twitter.com/jvGT5VgBJB
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) October 26, 2023
Reportedly, 42 different offensive line combinations in the NFL have played more snaps together than the Cowboys’ most frequent starting unit.
Moreover, there is news that Tyron Smith is dealing with a neck injury, potentially further hindering the offensive line’s quest for continuity.
The hope is that things will stabilize, and the Cowboys’ top unit will finally gain significant snaps together. While these individuals have played together in the past and know each other well, they are now adapting to a new blocking scheme under a new coach this season.
Continuity is essential in various facets of life, from a child’s home environment during their formative years to the leadership structure and core goals of a business or the coaching staff’s styles, strategies, and playbooks.
The Cowboys’ offensive line performance should improve if they can keep their linemen on the field together. However, if continuity remains elusive, their struggles are likely to persist.